“Get the right care, from the right healthcare professional”
If you would like to be referred to one of these services, please speak with the reception staff at your practice.
PCN Services
As part of General Practice, there are people working in a number of different roles alongside GPs who can all help you with your needs.
Your Primary Care Team
Your Primary Care Team, Gateshead Central South PCN and its member practices have access to patient services that enhance the wellbeing and health of its patient population. As part of General Practice, there are people working in a number of different roles alongside GPs that can all help you with your needs. Together they can get you the right care from the right healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
First Contact Physios
Here at Central South PCN we have a team of First Contact Physiotherapists, also known as Musculoskeletal Specialists. They can help patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) such as:
- Any spinal issues (e.g. neck, mid and lower back pain)
- All soft tissue injuries: e.g. sprains, strains, muscles, or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, achilles tendinopathy or sports injuries
- Any other type of joint pain
- Arthritis – (any joint)
They will:
- Assess and diagnose the issue
- Give expert advice on how best to manage the condition
- Refer patients onto specialist services if necessary
(Patients with back and joint pain, including conditions such as arthritis can now see a physiotherapist rather than waiting to see a GP or being referred to hospital).
Patients have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster, so they can get back to normal life quickly.
Our team of first contact physios, Mic and Rao, are here to help you.
PCN Pharmacists
Here at GCS PCN, we employ a team of clinical pharmacists. You may be offered an appointment with one of our pharmacists for; an in-depth medication review, a review of a long term condition, such as asthma or hypertension, changes to your medication or to answer any questions you may have about your medicines.
Our pharmacists work within the practice team, with the GPs, nurses, admin staff and other pharmacists.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who have undergone training at university level. They are recognised by GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as experts in medicines and their use for medical conditions.
Our pharmacy team: Emma, Andy, Janelle and Sarah are here to help you!
PCN Mental Health Practitioners
Your Primary Care Team includes the services of Mental Health Practitioners based within our Primary Care Network and its practices. These practitioners provide a combined consultation, advice, triage and liaison function.
We currently have two practitioners; an adult mental health practitioner and a children and young peoples practitioner (5 years to 18 years).
If you would like to be referred to one of our practitioners please ask the reception team at your GP practice.
North East Counselling Services
North East Counselling Services provides counselling and therapy to clients in and around Gateshead and South Tyneside. They work with a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Your Primary Care Team has NEC counsellors based within our PCN and its GP practices. If you would like to be referred to them please contact your GP practice and speak to reception. Alternatively you can self refer to this service.
Please go to the following link to find out more about NECS:
Edberts House Community Linking Project
Community Link Workers also known as Social Prescribing Link Workers
The Edberts House Community Linking Project and their social prescribers can help anyone of any age. You can talk to them about what matters to you. They can provide support for as long as you need them. They can signpost, refer and support you to access the right service for you.
They can support you with:
- Long term conditions
Improving emotional wellbeing
Housing, finances, benefits
Social isolation and access to community resources
Volunteering, employment and learning