BBC Health News

NHS can beat sepsis, says quadruple amputee22 May 2019 01:06Sepsis survivor Tom Ray wants better awareness and faster diagnosis of the potentially deadly disease.
'Broken' care system for most vulnerable21 May 2019 02:19Patients with mental health problems, autism and learning disabilities are being let down, a report says.
Don't be complacent over laughing gas risks, say nurses21 May 2019 02:13Nurses are warning drug use can cause breathing and heart problems - and sometimes death.
Heart scan 'could pick up signs of sudden death risk'20 May 2019 21:20Researchers used detailed images of the heart to look for signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Decriminalise prostitution, say nurses21 May 2019 07:54Nurses are worried sex workers are risking their health and safety because of the laws around prostitution.
MRI scan death of Torbay teenager investigated21 May 2019 09:35Alice Sloman's heart had grown to twice the normal size due to growth hormone treatment.

Doctors and Staff

Doctors

Dr Paul Evans

Job Title: General Practitioner / Partner
Qualifications: MBChB MRCGP
GMC Number: 6053627
Special Interests: I qualified from Birmingham Medical School in 2002 and have been working in the North East since 2013. I particularly enjoys musculoskeletal medicine / sports injuries and I qualified in minor surgery.
Additional Notes: Dr Evans is currently working Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Dr Dawn Turner

Job Title: General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBBS DRCOG DFFP
GMC Number: 4616287
Special Interests: I am the practice lead for teaching 3rd year medical students and the link GP for Alexandra House Care Home.
Additional Notes: Dr Turner is currently working Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Dr Catherine Lewis

Job Title: General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBBS MRCGP DRCOG FRSH
GMC Number: 4617862
Special Interests: I trained at Newcastle University and qualified in 1999.
I have an interest in Dermatology, Mental Health, Women's Health, and Palliative Care.
I also work as a Clinical Author developing guidelines for primary care for GPs and nurses.
Outside work, I enjoy cinema, occasional running, singing, and wine tasting.
Additional Notes: Dr Lewis is currently working Thursdays and Fridays.

Dr Helen Ryan

Job Title: General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBBS DRCOG
GMC Number: 4618485
Special Interests: I have been working for Bridges Medical Practice since 2006 as a GP. I also spend time working for Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group as a clinical lead for Mental Health and I am a member of the local medical committee. Outside work, I enjoy swimming, playing tennis and going to the theatre.
Additional Notes: Dr Ryan is currently working Mondays and Wednesdays.

Dr Bernadette Conlan

Job Title: General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBBS DRCOG
GMC Number: 3259560
Special Interests: I trained at Newcastle University and have always worked in the North East, initially working in the West end of Newcastle. I moved across the water in 2002 to join Bridges Medical Practice. My interests are women's health, young people's health, psyhological problems and I am the pratice lead for patients suffering from Dementia. In my spare time, I play tennis and run.
Additional Notes: Dr Conlan is currently working Monday mornings and Thursdays. Her morning appointments starts at 07.30 to allow working individuals to see a doctor before work.

Dr Paula Wright

Job Title: General Practitioner
Qualifications: BMedSci MBBS DRCOG MScPhm MRCGP
GMC Number: 4018016
Special Interests: I qualified as a GP in 2000 and have been at this practice since 2005. I currently work one day a week at the practice, though I occasionally work additional ad hoc sessions to help the practice.

Outside the practice, I also work for HENE (Health Education North East) on the area of appraisal and education for General practitioners. I have a number of voluntary roles in my local community. Additional qualifications: DFP, PGClined, FHEA
Additional Notes: Dr Wright is currently working on Tuesdays.
Languages Spoken: Portuguese (Portugal)

Nursing Team

Sister Verna Brodie

Job Title: Practice Nurse
Qualifications: RGN

Sister Edita Vasiljeviene

Job Title: Practice Nurse
Qualifications: RGN

Mrs Carole Smiles

Job Title: Primary Care Navigator / Healthcare Assistant / Phlebotomist

Community Healthcare

Mrs Rachel O'Neill

Job Title: Community Midwife
Qualifications: SRN SCM - Registered Midwife

Jane Dawson

Job Title: Podiatrist

Mrs Terri Hollinghurst

Job Title: Psychotherapist

Mrs Kirsty Angus

Job Title: Community Matron

Administrative

Mrs Val Hempsey

Job Title: Practice Manager / Partner
Qualifications: B.A. Professional Certificate in Management
Additional Notes: I have been with Bridges since 1979 and became the sole contractor in 2006 until October 2018 when Dr Paul Evans joined me as a partner. I am the Practice Manager Lead for Gateshead CCG and I have a particular interest in the development of the Primary Healthcare Team.

Miss Joanne Palmer

Job Title: Secretary
Special Interests: I started working for Bridges in May 2009 as a receptionist, but I have since taken on secretarial duties. I have a particular interest in referrals amongst other things but I still like working in reception which allows me to have direct contacts with our patients.

Mrs Eileen Vyse

Job Title: Receptionist / Secretary

Mr Jed Morrison

Job Title: Receptionist

Mrs Irene Robson

Job Title: Receptionist
Special Interests: I have been a medical receptionist for 7 years and started working for Bridges Medical Practice in 2013. I only work 3 days a week as my husband and I care for my sister who has Downs syndrome and dementia. I also do some voluntary work at a club in Newcastle for adults with learning disabillities. I am the carers' advocate: if you need any information about carers' services, come and speak to me!

Miss Bethany George

Job Title: Receptionist
Special Interests: I have joined Bridges Medical Practice in 2016. I have just graduated from Gateshead College and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Here, I particularly enjoy photocopying, stamping letters, scanning and above all drinking hot chocolate!

Mrs Michelle Sewell

Job Title: Receptionist
Special Interests: I have started working for Bridges Medical Practice in January 2018.
Prior to this, I worked for two years at Oxford Terrace Medical Group as a receptionist also. I really like my job.
I am married and I have 4 grandchildren who I love to bits.
In my spare time, I like walking my two cocker spaniels Rufus and Joey.

Katie Gallagher

Job Title: Receptionist

Colin Jameson

Job Title: Receptionist

Kimberley Golding

Job Title: Receptionist

Miss Lauren Quinn

Job Title: Apprentice / Receptionist

Staff

Mrs Beverley Knotts

Job Title: Practice Pharmacist
Qualifications: MRPharmS

Administration/Secretarial/Reception

The staff help to keep the practice organised and running smoothly, as well as answering the telephone and directing patients. They perform a multitude of clerical and administrative duties. You may talk to them and seek advice in confidence and they will advise on whom you should best see if your problem requires further attention. A private area can be made available for confidential discussions if required.

Practice Manager

Val Hempsey is the practice manager and is responsible for the overall management of the practice, covering all aspects of organisation, including finances, strategy, personnel and services. She is available at most times and would be happy to discuss with patients any problems or thoughts they may have to improve the practice. She would also welcome any positive comments or ideas. Please ask at reception if Val is available. If not, an appointment can be made.

Training Practice

Dr Turner works with Year 3 undergraduate medical students during term time. Subject to the patient's agreement, students may sometimes attend with the doctor at consultations.