We are pleased to be able to give you an update on progress to refurbish NPC Felton surgery.
We have now appointed Meldrum Facilities Ltd, who are aiming to begin work by the end of July. This is subject to all conditions being met following receiving planning permission earlier this year.
The project will take around six months to complete, provided there are no unexpected delays.
After the site is set up, contractors will strip out the building so it can be reconfigured for the new layout. Work will then 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 then 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 on the practice website (ground floor, first floor), and we are also continually updating the frequently asked questions.
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. Pedestrian access and access to the surgery will be maintained. The practice will remain open throughout, and if we need to change the days the surgery is open or opening times, we will let you know.
Our team is very pleased that this work is finally beginning, and we continue to be committed to providing the best possible care from our Felton surgery.
As well as GP provision, we now have an advanced clinical practitioner, first contact physiotherapist, social prescriber, practice nurse and healthcare assistants working from Felton. We have also increased the opening hours of the dispensary and plan for this service to open for longer in the future.
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 in late summer and will contact patients and stakeholders nearer the time with the details. Thank you again for your patience and support.
Yours faithfully
Abigail Callender
Group Manager, Northumbria Primary Care
Please see below for FAQs
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. We’ll share further news on our plans in the coming weeks.
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 was the planning decision made?
The planning application was submitted at the end of December 2025. In April 2026, we received confirmation the Northumberland County Council had approved our plans.
When will the renovation work start and how long will it take?
We are aiming to being work by the end of July 2026. The project will take around 6 months to complete, provided there are no unexpected delays.
Who is the contractor?
We are very pleased to let you know that we have appointed Meldrum Facilities Ltd. Meldrum are local to the North East. They have offices in both Tyneside and Teesside, and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has worked with them on various projects.
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.
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.
Will the refurbishments change how patients access the surgery?
No. Pedestrian access and access to the surgery will stay the same. Meldrum will need to have their site and welfare cabins out the front of the practice, but we don’t expect this to have an impact.
