Young Peoples Health
We have tried to develop this part of our website to help young people who are registered with St Albans Medical Group.
Confidentiality
All appointments are confidential and we appreciate that for young people living in a small community this is extremely important. We would only consider passing on information if it was felt you were in danger of being harmed, and would always tell you if this was going to happen. Sometimes you might find it difficult to get to the surgery because of bus timetables so if you are making an appointment to coincide with the school transport, please let us know and we will try and fit you in.
Following a recent survey we have been informed that sometimes it is difficult for you to access the services we offer for a number of reasons:
- It could be that because of school you are unable to get to the surgery
- It could be the bus doesn't get to Felling in time
- It could be that you would feel uncomfortable sitting in the waiting room because of who might see you
Hopefully by developing this webpage we may be able to address some of these problems for you. We would therefore like to give the following information:
- All consultations are confidential from family, friends and school.
- We have a young person co-ordinator working in reception that can help you make an appointment or offer non-medical advice. Just ask for Rachel when you call.
- We will try and coincide your appointment with the bus for you.
- If you need any confidential advice about health issues please make an appointment or telephone us at the surgery.
- If you would like an appointment, but would prefer not to sit in the waiting room, then let us know and we will arrange this for you.
- We have both male and female doctors for you to choose from.
- You can consult with a doctor from 14 years old unaccompanied.
- We have a Chaparone Policy in the practice which means that you could have a trained member of staff with you in your consultation at yours or the doctors request.
- All Prescriptions are free
Drug or alcohol related problems
If you, a friend or relative need help with drug and alcohol related difficulties there are two agencies that can help:
- Gateshead Evolve is a single, integrated drug and alcohol recovery service for all adults in Gateshead. There are opportunities to access peer mentors and recovery champions who can support service users through their recovery journey alongside opportunities to become a volunteer or peer mentor.
Operating hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
Late night available on Mondays by appointment only.
0191 594 7821
- Gateshead Platform is a young person’s drug web portal that focuses on allowing young people up to the age of 18 to make an informed choice about their lifestyle and seek help regarding substance and alcohol use.
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
0191 4601354
Wellbeinginfo.org is an excellent website with local information and helpful websites.
Self Harm
Mental Health
Are you a young person and worried about your mental health?
Sometimes it can feel like we don’t have any control over what we think or how we feel. But by making simple changes to our lives, we can make a real difference to our mental health. Feeling good is worth investing in and the best thing is that these simple tips won’t cost you much time or money. For information on how you can improve your mental health and general wellbeing go to: www.youngminds.org.uk
Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of young deaths in the UK.
Papyrus believe that many young suicides can be prevented.
Need support? Call their helpline: 0800 068 4141
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07786 209697
CALM
Preventing suicide in young males
The Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, is a registered charity, which exists to prevent male suicide in the UK.
Call: 0800 585858 (7 days a week, 5pm until midnight)
Textline: 07537 404717
Click here to enter the Calmzone
Dual Screening
(also known as Chlamydia Screening Programme)
This is part of a national screening programme and is for those aged 15-24 years. The national programme offers screening for Chlamydia only but in the North East we are screening for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Only one sample is needed: urine sample for young men and swab for young women ( or if postal test a urine sample) . You can visit any of our clinics to do these tests or request a postal pack by clicking here.
You will receive a text message which will either tell you that your healthcheck is clear or will ask you to ring a number to discuss the results of your test. Treatment and follow up will be through one of clinics. If you do not respond to our text message we will write to you and possibly contact your GP to make sure you get the treatment needed for the infection
Online Consultations – we are currently piloting this service for 14 to 17 year old’s only
You can get non-urgent advice from a clinical member of our team easily and without having to attend the surgery. You may be advised however that it would be best for you to come in but where possible we will try and answer any questions you may have by using the young person online consultation service. There is a clinical person in the practice who will be able to reply to you from a Tuesday to a Thursday, so if there is something you are unsure or worried about why not get in touch.
Here is a link to your new online Consultations
Online booking for GP appointments
It may be easier for you to book your GP appointment at the surgery via our website. If you would like to use this facility, then either register via the online information tab or call in at the practice and we will issue you with a user name and password. Please bring some ID with you.
Telephone numbers and web pages you might find useful:
- SORTED-A confidential substance misuse service (under 18's) Tel: 01670 500150 or 0800 6335872
- G.U.M. Clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic) and sexual Health Service - Trinity Square Health Centre, Gateshead, (0191) 478 3678
- Childline 0800 11 11
- Clinic information – Sexual Health
Website that you might find useful: