Appointments

Configure Appointment Details

IMPORTANT: Please Note:

You should call 111 when:

  •  you think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service
  •  your GP surgery is closed and you need healthcare advice
  •  you don’t know who to call for medical help.

Call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as:

  •  Major accident or trauma / Severe breathlessness /  Severe bleeding / Loss of consciousness / Severe chest pain
TBMG Online Consultations
Appointment Length

Appointments usually last 10 minutes. If you have more than one issue to discuss, let us know when booking so we can allow more time.

Appointment Notifications

We send appointment confirmations, reminders, and important information by text. If you don’t want to receive texts, just tell the Reception Staff, and they will update your details. Please keep your contact information up to date so we can reach you.

Being Late

Please be on time for your appointment. If you are more than halfway through your scheduled time, the doctor may not be able to see you. If you miss your appointment, you will need to reschedule for the next routine appointment, unless it is an emergency.

Cancelling an Appointment

You can cancel an appointment by:

  • Using the cancellation link provided in the SMS confirmation/reminder you may have received
  • By logging into SystmOnline
  • Via the NHS App https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
  • Calling our Thornaby practice at 01642 762921
  • Calling our Ingleby Barwick practice at 01642 766505
  • Call in to either practice and let the reception team know
Communication needs

Please Tell Us: If you need an interpreter, have special communication needs, prefer a certain doctor or nurse, or want to have your appointment by phone, face-to-face, or video call, let the receptionist know when you book.

Evening and Weekend Appointments (Enhanced Access)

You can pre-book appointments around your busy daily schedules and appointments are available 7 days a week.

Click here for more information.

Home Visits

If you need a home visit, please try to call before 11am on the day you need it. We ask that all patients who can come to the surgery do so, unless they are truly housebound, as home visits take much longer. In the time it takes for one home visit, the doctor can see four or five patients at the surgery. Also, the doctor may not be able to give you the best care at home because they don't have the same equipment. The doctor might call you instead of visiting if it's appropriate. The doctor will decide if a home visit is needed.

Routine and Non-urgent Appointments

You can schedule regular doctor appointments around 4 weeks in advance.

  • By logging into SystmOnline
  • Submit an eConsult
  • Via the NHS App https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
  • Calling our Thornaby practice at 01642 762921
  • Calling our Ingleby Barwick practice at 01642 766505
  • Call in to either practice and let the reception team know
Teaching and Training

As a Training/Teaching Practice we have a commitment to the education and training of GP Registrars and Medical Students. You will always be asked if you consent to a student being present during your consultation. 

Urgent Appointments
To access urgent appointments at our GP surgery, you can choose from several options.
  • You can book online through SystmOnline
  • Call our Thornaby practice at 01642 762921
  • Call our Ingleby Barwick practice at 01642 766505
  • Call in to either practice and speak to the reception team
Using a pharmacy first
 

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that makes it easy for you to get healthcare advice and treatment for common conditions through your local pharmacy. No need for a GP appointment or prescription for issues like:

Clinical pathway Age range
Acute otitis media* (ear infection) 1 to 17 years
Impetigo 1 year and over
Infected insect bites 1 year and over
Shingles 18 years and over
Sinusitis 12 years and over
Sore throat 5 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections Women 16-64 years

How Can Pharmacy First Help?

Pharmacy First provides prompt treatment and advice for these common conditions. Pharmacists might offer over-the-counter or prescription medications based on your needs, and all consultations are private. You can also be referred by NHS services like NHS 111 or your GP.

Additional Support from Pharmacies

  • Minor Ailments: Pharmacists can help with a variety of everyday health issues such as colds, flu, aches, pains, rashes, and cystitis. They can also assist with emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, and needle exchange services. No appointment is needed, and they will refer you to a doctor if necessary.
  • Medication Advice: Pharmacists are experts in safely using medicines. If you have questions about your prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, they can provide guidance. For new long-term medications, the New Medicine Service offers ongoing support. If you take multiple medicines, the Medicines Use Review (MUR) can help ensure you're using them correctly.
  • Repeat Prescriptions: Pharmacists can manage your repeat prescriptions, saving you a visit to the GP if your condition is stable. If any issues arise with your medication, your pharmacist can consult with your GP on your behalf.
  • Healthy Living Advice: Pharmacies can support your overall health by offering advice on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. They provide nicotine replacement therapies and regular check-ins to help you quit smoking and stay healthy.

Pharmacy First is here to make getting the care you need simpler and faster.

Who should I see?

 At TBMG, we have a team of skilled staff who work with our GPs to care for patients. When you contact us, our receptionists might ask a few questions to make sure you see the right person. Here's who you might see:

  • Practice Nurse: Practice nurses help with checking your health, treating illnesses, and giving advice to keep you healthy. They work with doctors to care for patients.

  • Healthcare Assistant: Healthcare assistants do things like dressing wounds, giving vaccines, taking blood pressure, doing health checks, and more.

  • Clinical Pharmacist: Our clinical pharmacists help with medicine reviews, answering questions about your medication, and making sure you're on the right medicine.

  • Pharmacy Technician: They help with repeat prescriptions, changing how much medicine you get, and finding other medicines if your usual one isn't available.

  • Mental Health Practitioner: They support both children and adults with emotional and mental health issues, providing longer appointments and connecting you to the right services.

  • Social Prescribers: They help patients with non-medical issues like finances, work, emotional well-being, and loneliness, to improve your overall health.

  • First Contact Practitioner: If you have problems with your muscles, bones, or joints and haven't seen a GP yet, they can assess and treat you, and refer you for x-rays or other treatments if needed.

  • Physician Associate: Physician associates work with doctors to care for patients both at the surgery and in homes, providing a range of medical services.

  • Advanced Practitioner: They assess your symptoms, give a diagnosis, and decide the best treatment plan. They can also arrange for tests and investigations if needed.

  • General Practice Assistant: GPAs offer services like vaccinations, health checks, and annual reviews, with longer appointments to give more time to address your needs.

For information related to named accoutnable GPs, please see policies.

Page last reviewed: 11 May 2026
Page created: 03 April 2023