We are pleased to be able to give you a further update on our NPC Felton surgery refurbishment.
As updated in June, we have appointed Meldrum Construction. We can now confirm that all planning conditions have been signed off and that work will begin on Monday 7 September. We are hoping to complete the work within six months, but with projects of this nature, delays can happen and the work could take up to eight months.
When Meldrum take over the site in September, they will set up their site cabins and strip out the building so it can be reconfigured for the new layout. Work will be done to install new services, carry out any external building repairs, fit the new windows and install internal walls, ceilings, floors and doors. The new surgery will be decorated and fitted out. Work to transform the existing surgery into the dispensary will then be done.
You can view the floor plan for the refurbished surgery here, and we are also continually updating the frequently asked questions.
As mentioned in our last communication, Meldrum will need to have their site and welfare cabins outside the front of the practice while the work is carried out – this is the only suitable place for them to be located. This area will be securely fenced off and pedestrian access and access to the surgery will be maintained. Access to the surgery will be via the ramp to the right of the existing surgery entrance. You can see a diagram here which shows this layout.
The Meldrum team and sub-contractors will park their vehicles away from the practice, so they don’t take up parking spaces in this location.
Our intention is to keep the practice open throughout, and if we need to change the days the surgery is open or opening times, we will let you know. If for any reason, the practice does need to close temporarily, because of the work, we will also let patients know.
We are very pleased, as we are sure you will be, that this work is finally beginning. We are always happy to welcome new and returning patients and do hope that our list size increases to enable us to invest more in our Felton GP practice.
Please be assured that we will work closely with our contractor to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum. If you have any further questions, please email nencicb-nor.widdringtonandfelton@nhs.net. We plan to hold another drop-in information session within the next three months, and will contact patients and stakeholders nearer the time with the details. Thank you again for your patience and support.
At the bottom of this page, there is a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Yours faithfully
Abigail Callender, Group Manager, Northumbria Primary Care
Why was the original plan for a new surgery near Robson Grove changed?
Due to a significant rise in construction costs, building a new surgery near Robson Grove was no longer financially viable. As we are responsible for the appropriate use of public funds and ensuring value for money, the decision was made to find a more cost-effective solution while still meeting local healthcare needs.
What is the revised plan for GP services in Felton?
Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) has purchased the existing Felton surgery building and the adjoining property to ensure primary care services remain in the village. These will be renovated to provide a modern and accessible GP practice.
Who is managing these changes?
Felton and Widdrington surgeries have been part of NPC since August 2023. NPC is a not-for-profit organisation – any surplus money is reinvested into improving patient care.
What is happening to the land that the proposed new surgery was going to be built on?
This land is owned by the parish council, and any questions relating to it need to be directed to them.
Which contractor has been appointed to carry out this work?
Meldrum Construction has been appointed.
When will the renovation work start and how long will it take?
Work will begin on Monday 7 September. We are hoping to complete the work within six months, but with projects of this nature, delays can happen, and the work could take up to eight months.
Will the current surgery in Felton remain open during renovations?
Yes. Our intention is to keep the practice open throughout, and if we need to change the days the surgery is open or opening times, we will let you know. If, for any reason, the practice does need to close temporarily because of the work, we will also let patients know.
The dispensary service will continue operating in its current space. It will need to move into what will be the refurbished surgery so that the existing dispensary area can be upgraded too.
Will detailed plans of the redevelopment be available to view?
Yes, they are on the practice website, and you can access them here. You can also see a plan showing where the contractor’s site cabins will be located while the work is being carried out.
Will access to residents’ properties be maintained at all times?
Yes, access to properties will be maintained; we will ensure residents are updated in relation to any disruption.
Will the work cause additional noise and dust?
With a project of this nature, there will be additional noise and dust, especially during the demolition phase. All will be done to manage this as best we can.
How will the increased amount of construction traffic entering the village be managed?
Construction traffic and delivery vehicles will be managed carefully by contractor staff. This includes the time of day they access the surgery site, where possible, and also managing traffic in the local area.
What will happen to material that is removed from the building during the demolition phase?
There will be a skip in the back garden of the surgery property. This will be filled, carefully removed from site and replaced with another skip. It is anticipated that during the demolition phase of work, the skip may need to be emptied and replaced twice a day.
Will there be protected access/parking provision for emergency vehicles?
Emergency vehicles will have access to the building in an emergency, but there are no designated ambulance drop-off spaces at the site. This is due to a lack of space.
Where will the contractors park?
Contractors and their sub-contractors will park away from the surgery to ensure they are not taking up any parking spaces nearby.
How will patients be kept up to date with progress?
Updates will be shared through multiple channels, including the practice website, in-practice and external noticeboards, social media, village newsletters, drop-in sessions, via letter, email, the NHS app and the patient participation group (PPG)/other key stakeholders.
If you haven’t downloaded the NHS app, our practice staff would be happy to help you download it. We now have to use the NHS app, wherever possible, to communicate with patients.
Please be assured that we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
Will the PPG be kept up to date with the progress?
Yes, the PPG will be regularly updated as plans develop. Their and all patient input is valued.
Will there be any changes to how I contact my GP during this time?
The way you contact your practice will remain unchanged.
Will GP services in Felton expand in the future, and will opening times extend?
We have recently increased GP and some other provision at the surgery and are constantly looking at what additional services can be provided.
The level of services provided depends on the number of registered patients. As the local population grows and if the Felton surgery patient list-size grows, it is hoped that services in Felton can expand, enabling further reinvestment into patient care.
Will all my appointments be in Felton after redevelopment? I find it difficult to travel to Widdrington.
While not all appointments can be guaranteed to take place in Felton, the redevelopment aims to increase capacity and improve facilities, which should make it easier to access more services locally. As above, GP provision has increased. This is dependent and based on the number of patients registered at Felton surgery increasing.
I can’t access Widdrington surgery and have been considering switching to a GP in Morpeth or Alnwick. How does the redevelopment affect me?
The redevelopment of the surgery will ensure services are retained within Felton village and will improve both patient and staff experience. As promised, we are reviewing services we provide in Felton. GP and some other provision have been increased, and the surgery currently has clinics also run by advanced clinical practitioners, practice nurses, district nurses, health care assistants and mental health and wellbeing coaches.
Will Felton have its own GP and nursing staff?
Felton surgery remains part of NPC Felton and Widdrington practice. Most staff will work across both surgeries. This provides workforce resilience.
Will there be a blood pressure monitoring machine in Felton?
Yes, a self-service blood pressure monitoring machine is planned as part of the redevelopment, so patients can check their readings easily and regularly.
Are you considering working in partnership with voluntary and community groups so they can use space at the surgery to deliver additional support?
Yes, and we welcome feedback in relation to what would support the village/wellbeing of residents.
