As some of you are aware our Practice Nurse, Kerry, has fought a hard battle with cancer over the last 3 years. Her strength and courage have helped her through this. It is with great sadness that we inform you that Kerry passed away peacefully and with all her loved ones by her side on the 22^nd of April 2022.

One of Kerry’s wishes after talking to her family was to inform “her” patients of her battle as she cared and had the utmost respect for them hence why they were referred to as “hers”.

Kerry started originally at Monkseaton Medical Centre in 2002 and then moved to Blyth Medical before settling at Dr Smith and Partners in 2011. The Partners of Monkseaton Medical Centre joined forces with the partners of Northumberland Park in 2016 and Bridge Medical was born. Kerry decided to stay with the practice as she told us this was due to the bond she had with the patients. Kerry worked between both sites and when the pandemic hit us all in 2020 Kerry continued to work from home, checking on “her patients” to make sure they were okay and supported throughout the pandemic. Despite going through chemotherapy, Kerry put her patients first. As demonstrated Kerry would always go above and beyond for the patients and staff.

I can say on behalf of anyone who has worked with her that she will be greatly missed.

On a personal level I have had the privilege of knowing Kerry nearly 20 years as a colleague and friend.

Kerry leaves an amazing strong beautiful family behind, but I know she will be looking down on them with love.

Kerry lived her life to the full and this poem, I feel, is something everyone should think about.

All about the dash

At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning…to the end

He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while

So, when we say our goodbyes
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent YOUR dash?

Covid Boosters

Our Spring Booster campaign is underway – all patients over the age of 75 are eligible for a Spring Booster 6 months after their last dose. Patients over the age of 12 with a weakened immune system are eligible for a Spring Booster 3 months after their last dose. You will be invited to a clinic when you become eligible. If you feel you have been missed please contact the surgery.

We are continuing our regular covid booster clinics. If you wish to have any dose of the vaccine (1/2/3/booster) please contact the surgery to book an appointment.

Please be aware Bridge Medical would never ask for payment or your bank details to book the COVID-19 vaccine.  If you receive a request for payment to book your vaccine please DO NOT divulge this information.

Coronavirus

Covid infection rates in North Tyneside are still higher than the national average. Lateral Flow tests are available for some patients, click here to see if you can access free lateral flow kits.

We ask that you please attend the surgery alone unless you have a carer. Please inform our reception team via telephone of any change to your mobile number. If you choose to wear a face mask, you can find out how to wear a mask and what you can use as a mask here.

Even after July 19th 2021 when you attend any healthcare setting you must:

• Please still wear face mask if able to do so,  all clinicians that you see will still be wearing facemasks and using PPE were appropriate in a healthcare setting
• Wash your hands
• Keep your distance

These measures remain in place to keep you and our vulnerable patients safe. Thank you for your understanding.

Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page which may answer any further questions you may have.

Travel Information

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status 

From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available through the NHS COVID Pass service from:

• the NHS App which you can download from app stores

• the NHS website

• 119 – by requesting a paper letter

You will need to register to use the online services, if you have not already. It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified.

If you cannot access the online services, and you have had both doses of the vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel outside the UK in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take up to 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status. Please do not contact the practice about your COVID-19 vaccination status unless you have been advised to by the 119 service.

When you’re planning your travel, you should check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is enough time to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before you are due to travel.

Mental Wellbeing and Domestic Abuse

Click here for support

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Click here for more information regarding specialist care and support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Register with our Practice

We are currently accepting new patients. To register with us, please complete the family doctor services registration form and our New Patient Questionnaire and return them to the practice. Please note only patients aged 16 and over need to complete the new patient questionnaire.

You can check if you are in our catchment area by typing in your postcode on the map.