Trinity Medical Centre

PRACTICE TEAM

Business Manager

Our business manager, Mrs Margaret Weaver, is responsible for the overall management of the practice. It is her responsibility to ensure that the day-to-day organisation and administration is managed in an efficient and caring manner allowing the doctors to devote as much time as possible to caring for their patients.

Practice Manager

Our PM is responsible for the day to day running of the practice. She should be able to help with any administrative or non-medical problem and will be available should you have any complaints or suggestions.

Practice Secretary

The secretary will be available to help with any query you may have regarding referral to hospital or chasing up hospital appointments. She will be available between 9.00am and 2.00pm each day except Thursdays.

Receptionists

All the receptionists are fully trained and do a very difficult job; they are usually your first point of contact and will try in every way to help you. The receptionists deal with general queries, repeat prescriptions, appointments and results. The more information you are able to give them, the better they will be able to help you.

You may sometimes be kept waiting because they are dealing with several other problems at the same time. Please be patient. All the receptionists are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the doctors and nurses.

Nurse Practitioner

The nurse practitioner works in a similar way to the GPs, has been highly trained and is able to diagnose, prescribe and refer if required. She generally deals with patients who have an acute episode of illness. This can include worsening of a chronic condition (such as asthma or COPD), coughs, sore throats, ear pain, skin complaints and rashes, back pain and minor injuries. There is a full and comprehensive list available in the practice.

Practice Nurses

The practice nurses, like the doctor, may be seen by making an appointment. They provide a full range of services and their clinics include diabetic, coronary heart disease, blood pressure, well woman, contraception, healthy living including stop smoking, travel advice and vaccination, elderly screening including osteoporosis and health checks.

Our practice nurses are always available to offer help and advice and will refer you to a doctor should it be necessary.

Attached Staff

Attached staff are employed by South Tyneside Primary Care Trust and are contracted to the practice. The team are based at Flagg Court, South Shields and can be contacted on 0191 2832090 between the hours of 8.30am and 11.30pm seven days a week.

District Nurses

The district nurse manages the care of the patient at home rather than at the surgery or in hospital. They assess healthcare needs, plan care and develop a care plan for patients while they need their treatment at home. They liaise closely with the hospital to provide care if required for the patient when they are discharged and are the main provider of palliative care and assess and manage the care needed at each stage of the illness.

Health Visitors

The health visitors' prime function is to promote good health in its widest sense through health education. They also have expertise in all aspects of the care and development of babies and pre-school children especially with feeding problems.
They run the baby clinic in conjunction with the doctor and practice nurses every Friday between 1.30 and 3.30pm.

Midwife

The midwife will take over your care should you become pregnant and will see you regularly throughout your pregnancy and for 10 days after you have had your baby. She will undertake much of your antenatal care and can be contacted at South Tyneside District Hospital. Tel: 0191 4275804 ext.2488

Community Matron

A community matron case manages a group of patients with multiple complex needs. These patients may have had multiple admissions to hospital or have frequent house calls. Community Matrons will liaise with the patients and carers to develop individual, unique care packages to keep them well at home.