An update on our Felton GP surgery
We are writing to provide a long-awaited update on how we intend to ensure that we retain GP practice services in Felton.
As you will be aware, we were proposing to build a new surgery adjacent to Robson Grove. Due to significant increases in construction costs, this is no longer a financially viable option. As custodians of public funding, we must ensure that schemes of this nature are value for money while meeting the health needs of local communities.
We are pleased to let you know that revised plans still ensure that patients in Felton will have access to a refurbished, modern, local and accessible GP practice.
As you will be aware, Felton and Widdrington surgeries have been part of Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) since August 2023. NPC is a not-for-profit organisation which ensures reinvestment into patient care. NPC has recently purchased the existing Felton surgery building and the adjoining property, with a view to renovating both so that the local communities have access to a newly refurbished GP practice in the village. This demonstrates the commitment of NPC to provide primary care services locally and to also plan for growth as the population in the area increases.
It is hoped that work to renovate the property attached to the existing surgery will begin in November this year and take up to seven months to complete. Work has already begun on the design of the new practice, and we are in the process of securing a contractor to carry out this work. You can view the proposed floor plan for the surgery by clicking here.
The existing practice will remain open while this work is carried out, and the way patients contact NPC Felton and NPC Widdrington will remain unchanged. The current surgery’s space will be used as a dispensary (prescriptions and medicines collection service), ensuring that this service also remains.
The level of services provided by GP practices is influenced by the number of patients registered at each surgery. It is hoped that the provision from Felton could increase as the number of patients increases – this allows reinvestment into patient services.
We are always keen to work with patients, stakeholders and our patient participation groups to improve access to services and are keen to understand what community or voluntary services could support the wellbeing of the local community further. To support this, we held a public drop-in session on Thursday 12 June 2025 at Felton Village Hall to share our new plan with patients and stakeholders. Thank you to everyone who attended.
We are very pleased that we now have a confirmed plan going forward, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please email cara.charlton@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk.
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.
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.
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.
Work is planned to begin in November 2025 and will take around seven months to complete.
Yes. The existing surgery will remain open throughout the renovation process. The dispensary service will continue operating in its current space.
Once the redevelopment plans are finalised, they will be made available for public viewing.
We will be including additional parking to the rear of the surgery for staff in the pre-application for planning permission. This will reduce congestion at the front of the surgery, creating more available parking for patients.
We will also include this in the pre-application for planning permission.
This land is owned by the parish council and any questions relating to it need to be directed to them.
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.
Yes, the PPG will be regularly updated as plans develop. Their and all patient input is valued.
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.
The way you contact your practice will remain unchanged.
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.
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. This is dependent and based on the number of patients registered at Felton surgery increasing.
The redevelopment of the surgery will ensure services are retained within Felton village and will improve both patient and staff experience. NPC constantly reviews services it provides from its practices, as we need to ensure they are sustainable. Felton surgery currently has clinics run by GPs, advanced clinical practitioners, practice nurses, district nurses, health care assistants and mental health and wellbeing coaches. If the patient list size increases, additional provision will be considered.
We do not plan to make any changes to the current provision. However, the refurbishment will increase potential clinical space. If more patients join the practice, then we will consider expanding the provision.
Felton surgery remains part of NPC Felton and Widdrington practice. Most staff will work across both surgeries. This provides workforce resilience.
Yes, a self-service blood pressure monitoring machine is planned as part of the redevelopment, so patients can check their readings easily and regularly.
Yes, and we welcome feedback in relation to what would support the village/wellbeing of residents.
