Help and Support available for clinically extremely vulnerable people
Please click on the link people to access a leaflet provided by South Tynesdie Council providing information and available support for people classed as clinically extremely vulnerableHelp and support available for clinically extremely vulnerable people
COVID information line available for refugees and asylum seekers.
Infoline contact details
Infoline contact details Arabic
Infoline contact details Farsi
Infoline contact details Tigrinya
Infoline contact details Urdu
Important information if you're self-isolating at home
Please follow this link for useful information for any patients with suspected coronavirus who have not been admitted to hospital and will be isolating at home.
Important Information if isolating at home
Covid Christmas Message
Covid doesn’t stop for Christmas, make sure you stay safe! Here’s an important message from your local NHS: https://youtu.be/mnKJ2GLGSOo
Covid 19 vaccination Programme
Following extensive trials, the first safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in the UK and is now available to priority groups.
Vaccinations are being delivered according to priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The vaccinations may not take place at this GP Surgery, but rather a local vaccination service (led by GPs, practice nurses and community pharmacists) who are responsible for delivering the vaccine to people in the community.
When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation to come forward. This may be via the phone, or through a letter either from your GP or the national booking system.
We know lots of people will be eager to get protected but we are asking people not to contact us to get an appointment as you will not be able to get one until you are contacted.
Thank you
Flu vaccinations for people aged 50-64
This winter, the NHS has the largest flu vaccination programme ever with vaccination now being offered to those aged 50 to 64 years old. If you are aged 50 to 64 years old (including those who turn 50 by 31 March 2021) you will be invited to attend the surgery for the vaccine or you may contact any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.
If you have a long-term health condition that puts you more at risk from flu, you are in one of the priority groups who should not delay getting the vaccine.
Click this link to find out more
Over 50s extended flu programme
Do it for yourself Campaign
We are proud to support the #DoItForYourself campaign launched this week to raise awareness of lung cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Don't delay! If you've had a cough for more than three weeks then contact us to speak to a GP. See our Cancer page for more details.
Improve your digital skills and confidence with free online courses
We are all aware that a large chunk of society are digitally excluded and don't know how to use their devices safely or how to get the most out of them. At this time of year, this can make people feel even more isolated, therefore Media Savvy have developed a range of FREE sessions that could help:
- Digital Skills For Beginners: Basics
- Digital Skills For Beginners: Money Matters
- Digital Skills For Beginners: eSafety
- Digital Skills For Beginners: Social Media
- Digital Skills For Beginners: Online Profile & Employability
- Digital Skills For Beginners: Silver Savvies
Contact courses@mediasavvycic.co.uk or ring 07873176145 to find ut more

Children and the Flu
#DoYourBit This year it’s never been more important for your child to get their free flu vaccine. If your child is at primary school or in year 7 you will be asked to give your consent so your child can have their free vaccination at school. Please remember to complete the consent process as soon as possible.
Additionally, the nasal spray is available at general practices now for children aged 2 and 3. Help them be superheroes and protect others, contact your practice today to book an appointment. #ProtectYourFamily https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
If you're over 65 years of age, pregnant or living with a chronic health condition, you are at greater risk of complications if you catch Flu. We are now booking eligible patients into our Flu clinics. If you're in one of these groups, don't delay, contact us and book your appointment today.
Chronic Health conditions include: Chronic Respiratory Disease e.g. COPD, Asthma, Chronic Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Liver Disease, Chronic Neurological conditions e.g. Parkinson's, MS, MND, Learning Disability or Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Spleen problems, weakened Immune System e.g. people receiving steroids or chemotherapy, BMI of 40 or above.
NEW NHS-ENDORSED GUIDANCE LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Most families have experienced upheaval in their daily lives during the pandemic.
With children and young people now back at school or college, Public Health England (PHE)’s new Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign provides NHS endorsed tips and advice to look after children and young people’s mental wellbeing.
Research reveals that the coronavirus outbreak has caused an increase in anxiety in young people, and over a third of children report being more worried, sad and stressed than before lockdown. New PHE survey data found that over half (52%) of parents said the mental wellbeing of their children topped the list of their biggest worries.
The advice available on the Better Health - Every Mind Matters website has been developed in partnership with leading children and young people’s mental health charities. It is designed to help parents and carers spot the signs that children may be struggling with their mental health and show the actions they can take to support them. In addition to the advice for parents and carers the site also provides tools to help young people build resilience and equips them to look after their mental wellbeing.
For more information search Every Mind Matters.
Support to help you quit smoking
Despite the current pandemic Trinity Medical Centre continues to offer telephone support to help you quit smoking. In addition to this, a new support service, 'U can' is also now available in South Tyneside, where you can connect with a Peer Pal who can help you deal with any challenges and be there when you need that extra help, keeping in touch by WhatsApp or text.
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IS MOVING
Our Facebook page is moving. You can find our new page on Facebook by searching for @TrinityMedicalCentreSouthShields
Click like and continue to receive up-to-date information on what's happening at the Surgery. Thank you for your continued support
IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN ENTERING THE SURGERY
We now ask that all patients wear a face covering when entering the surgery. If you do have an appointment we would be grateful if you could come with your face covering on. This can be in the form of a mask, scarf, handkerchief or any sort of fabric.
Thank you
NEEDLE EXCHANGE TIMETABLE JUNE 2020
Please find attached a copy of the current timetable for Needle Exchange provision in South Tyneside. This is provided by South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service who aim to deliver a comprehensive harm reduction service.
Needle Exchange Timetable June 2020
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRINITY MEDICAL CENTRE
In the interests of patient safety, from Wednesday 25/3/2020, only patients with pre-arranged face-to-face appointments can enter the building.
If you have a query, please contact the Surgery by phone on 0191 4560053, via email on stynccg.trinitymc@nhs.net, via Patient Access online services or visit our website at www.trinitymedicalcentre.nhs.uk
Paper prescriptions can be placed in the letter box on our front gate. This is emptied daily.
We are currently working at reduced staffing levels, so you may have a longer wait in response to your queries. Your patience is appreciated.
Thank you for your understanding and Stay Safe
The Trinity Medical Centre Team
Gathering your views on using digital technology to consult with GPs
Covid-19 also known as coronavirus, has meant that NHS healthcare staff have needed to use different ways of providing a clinical consultation to ensure that patients still get the healthcare they need. As well as the traditional methods such as face-to-face appointments, GPs, nurses and hospital staff have been using other, safer ways to consult such as telephone, online or video consultations.
The NHS in County Durham, South Tyneside, and Sunderland are working together to understand your thoughts of the different ways people can consult with a healthcare professional at their GP practice. This survey is open to anyone over the age of 16 to complete.
The feedback from this survey will be added to the insight being gathered through other involvement work being carried out with NHS staff. The report will be used to help us to understand how we can continue to make improvements to services and encourage more people to use digital clinical consultations with their health professional in the future.
All feedback will be treated in strictest confidence and we do not require any personal information that will identify you. This survey is available to complete until 3 July 2020 and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
You can let us know your thoughts by going to: https://involvement.sunderlandccg.nhs.uk/surveys/1
Thank you for your time.
ECONSULT PHOTO UPLOADS
ECONSULT - You can now upload photos to your 'I want general advice' consultation. Watch this video to find out more and visit our website to submit an ECONSULT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3abZDtvyUU&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=PCM+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a5ac24a84-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_24_09_11_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_60a65c136a-3a5ac24a84-85065704
South Tyneside Sexual Health Services
Visit our section on Sexual Health for more information on the services currently being offered despite Covid-19 restrictions
Early Cancer Diagnosis Saves Lives
Fewer people are presenting to their GPs with possible cancer symptoms. Don't delay, contact your GP Surgery if you are concerned or notice changes that are unusual for you. Watch this short video to find out more
https://youtu.be/DfBf38taZJs
Mental Health Support and Emotional Wellbeing Self Help packs
Click on the links below to access information on how to maintain positive mental health for everyone during this period and beyond as well as details of support that is available.
Advice for Parents
Childrens Wellbeing Self Help Pack
Young Peoples Wellbeing Self Help Pack
Useful information for parents during Coronavirus
Guidance for parents during Coronavirus
KOOTH - online support available for young people
Follow this link for information on how to access online support for young people aged 10-25 or visit www.Kooth.com Kooth online support for young people
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LLOYDS PHARMACY
Please note the amended opening hours for Lloyds Pharmacy, New George Street, South Shields:
Monday to Friday 9.30am-1.00pm then 2.00pm-5.00pm
The Pharmacy will be closed between 1.00-2.00pm
Self Isolation notes
Follow this link for more information on self isolation notes
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Information on Sicknotes and Coronavirus
Please see the link below for further information on sick notes and Coronavirus
Information on Sick Notes
New Support Groups available for LGTB+ young people
LGTB Peer Support Group
LGTB Youth Group
Find your way to better Mental Health
We all have times when we feel stressed, low or anxious, or having trouble sleeping. For practical tips and expert advice to improve your mental health, visit Every Mind Matters
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
The Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme introduced by the police in partnership with other agencies which encourages carers to record useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Carers, family members and friends can complete in advance, The Herbert Protocol form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.
In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.
This form could make a real difference. It could help reduce the amount of time a vulnerable person is missing, bringing them to safety even quicker.
Download the Herbert Protocol Form at
https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/advice-and-info/personal-safety/missing-persons/
Did you know? In spring 2020, the law around organ donation will change. Find out what this means for you at: http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
#passiton #organdonation
