An update on our Felton GP surgery – February 2026

Following the drop-in session we held in December, we want to give you an update on progress being made to refurbish the NPC Felton surgery.

Firstly, thank you to those who came along to the session in December. It is always helpful to meet with and hear from our stakeholders and the local community.

The design phase of the project is in its final stages, and it is exciting to see the plans at this stage. These are available on the surgery website.

The planning application was submitted at the end of December. Due to the large amount of feedback received as part of this process, we have been advised by the planning team at Northumberland County Council that we should receive our next update on this process by early April.

We appreciate that this timescale has slipped, but it is important that all involved are thorough in reviewing feedback and taking any necessary action.

We are very pleased to let you know that we are looking to sign contracts with Meldrum Construction in the next few weeks. Meldrum, who will carry out the work to refurbish our surgery, are local to the North East. They have offices in both Tyneside and Teesside, and Northumbria Healthcare has worked with them on various projects.

It is hoped that work to refurbish the GP practice will begin towards the end of April and take around six months to complete. You can view the proposed floor plan for the surgery here: ground floor, first floor.

We continue to review patient services available at NPC Felton and feedback that we have received indicates that the changes we have made so far are having a positive impact. We keep a list of our upcoming clinics at NPC Felton here.

Just a reminder that we have done a leaflet giving more information about Northumbria Primary Care and the surgery. You can access it here.

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?

Northumbria Primary Care (NPC 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.

When will a planning decision be made?

When will the renovation work start and how long will it take?

It is hoped that work to refurbish the GP practice will begin towards the end of April and take around six months to complete.

Who is the contractor?

Will the current surgery in Felton remain open during renovations?

Yes. The existing surgery will remain open throughout the renovation process. The dispensary service will continue operating in its current space.

We will update patients if they need to change how they access the building as a result of this work.

Will detailed plans of the redevelopment be available to view?

Yes, you can see them on the page above.

Will there be extra parking made available behind the surgery, for staff and/or patients?

We will be including additional parking to the rear of the surgery for staff in the pre-application for planning permission. They will have access to the practice by a new footpath. This will reduce congestion at the front of the surgery, creating more available parking for patients.

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 lack of space.

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.

How else can I stay informed or ask questions?

For more information or to ask questions, please check our GP practice website https://www.northumbriaprimarycare.co.uk. You can email queries to nencicb-nor.widdringtonandfelton@nhs.net.

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.

How will patients be kept up to date with progress?

Updates will be shared through multiple channels, including the practice website, in-practice (noticeboards), social media, village newsletters, drop-in sessions and via the PPG/other key stakeholders. Please be assured that we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

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.

Are the PPG in favour of the new arrangements for medical services in Felton?

See below for the response from NPC Felton’s PPG

The PPG are delighted that NPC have made the commitment to providing medical services to our community. The purchase and subsequent refurbishment of Middle Farm shows a huge financial undertaking. In doing so, medical services in our community are guaranteed for the long term.