Proposals to move a Northumberland GP practice have been unveiled today.

NPC Lintonville in Ashington is currently in a building which is over 100 years old. Although the building has served the surgery’s patients and staff well for many years, it is now too small, not a very pleasant environment and it lacks private space. It also has very limited parking on site.

Proposed plans will see the surgery, some community health services, and the pharmacy move to the Ashington Workspace site on Lintonville Parkway.

The new site would offer both health and wellbeing services and support. The GP practice, other health services and pharmacy would mostly be on the ground floor. A new community hub is planned for the first floor, for both patients and residents to access. It is hoped that work to convert the Ashington Workspace building will begin in early 2026 and it will take up to 12 months.

Janan Swinglehurst, executive GP partner at NPC Lintonville who has worked at the practice for more than 20 years, said: “Our GP practice team cares for 15,586 patients and because the building is too small, we can’t grow or offer new services. It also stops us from working more closely with other health, community and voluntary organisations.

“This really matters because many of our patients need more support due to complex and long-term health problems. We also have a growing and older population. We want to do more to help our diverse patient population stay healthy and feel well. We are very committed to improving both patient and staff experience.”

The new site, which is less than 500 metres from the current surgery and near the main bus station, would be a much more modern, welcoming and spacious environment. It will have more parking that is easy to access and free for people using services in the building.

David Hedgcock, managing director of Northumbria Primary Care, said: “I am delighted with the proposal for the NPC Lintonville surgery as it will make such a positive difference for our patients and our colleagues.

“Our vision for the proposed community hub is that it will be at the heart of the community in Ashington and become a safe and inclusive space for people to be able to access a range of support and advice to improve their wellbeing, health and quality of life. It is well known that social factors which impact our day-to-day lives, and our wellbeing can also significantly impact physical and mental health. We recognise how tailored support for the local communities in Ashington can improve wellbeing and potentially reduce this medical need. This is a very exciting opportunity and one which clearly supports the ambition of the NHS 10-year plan.”

The practice is inviting people to give their views on the proposed surgery move and the development of the community hub. They can share their thoughts over the next eight weeks in a variety of ways.

• Fill out an online survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LT9W9WJ by Thursday 25 September 2025.

• Ask for a paper survey at the surgery reception. It needs to be returned to the surgery by Thursday 25 September 2025.

• Come to a drop-in session at Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, Ashington, NE63 9HN, on Monday 11 August, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

• Come to a drop-in session at our current NPC Lintonville surgery on Wednesday 3 September between 10am and 1pm or on Wednesday 10 September between 4pm and 6.30pm.

• Join an online session with Healthwatch Northumberland on Wednesday 17 September between 6pm and 7pm. To join, please email helenb@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call 03332 408 468.

• Write to the practice at NPC Lintonville, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 9UT, drop in a letter at reception or email us at nencicb-nor.npc.lintonville@nhs.net.

David continued: “The area where the proposed new surgery building is located already has a strong emotional connection with local communities as it was formerly Ashington Colliery. Connection with our patients is crucial as we want to work with them and a diverse range of community and voluntary groups to develop the hub to make sure it provides support needed by the local population. It is really important that as many people and organisations as possible give us their feedback.”

Steven Harrison, CEO at Advance Northumberland, said: “We are proud to have helped facilitate the development of this proposed, vibrant community hub, which we believe will be welcomed by the local community. We have worked closely with tenants to support them in relocating to new or similar premises, ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum. As part of our ongoing commitment to regeneration in Northumberland, we continue to invest in key schemes such as Portland Park and the Bedlington Town Centre redevelopment, helping to drive long-term economic growth and community benefit across the county.”

“While we work through the transition of ownership, we would like to reassure existing tenants that we will work closely with them to support relocation and minimise any disruption. We are also committed to keeping them updated.”

To help answer any other questions, a frequently asked questions sheet can be found here.

Once the GP practice has collected everyone’s feedback, they will share a summary feedback report, which will be done independently by Healthwatch Northumberland, with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, patients, stakeholders and the wider public.

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board will review feedback from the engagement, along with the other information they have, to make a final decision.

For further information cara.charlton@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk or 07812 389 963.