NHS in Gateshead
Throughout Gateshead, there are a number of NHS organisations offering a wide range of services, from emergency and urgent care, through to general practitioner (GP) surgeries and dental services.
Before contacting an NHS service, you should decide whether you are able to treat yourself at home or whether a local pharmacy could help.
If you decide you need specialist treatment or advice, you can call 111 or visit the QE Hospital's Emergency Care. It doesn't matter whether you think you need A&E or a walk in centre type service, we have one reception and one system through which you will be seen. Or make an appointment with your GP.
If you or someone else requires emergency or urgent care, you should visit the QE Hospital's Emergency Care or call 999.
Where it all began
Find out more about the history of the NHS (opens new window) and what it has achieved since it was launched in 1948.
Support online
The NHS website (opens new window) - find your nearest Accident and Emergency department, GP, dentist or any other NHS service.
Support in Gateshead
Call 111 (opens new window) - use this number when you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency. The 111 service is staffed by fully trained advisers and experienced nurses and paramedics. They will assess your symptoms, then give you healthcare advice or direct you to the local service that can help you best.
Call 999 (opens new window) - generally, you should use this number for life-threatening emergencies such as loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Trust (opens new window) - the trust operates the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dunston Hill Day Hospital, QE Metro Riverside and some services at Bensham Hospital.
North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) (opens new window) - The ICB represents 34 GP practices in Gateshead.
Nearby services - The Freeman Hospital (opens new window) and the Royal Victoria Infirmary (opens new window) in Newcastle, together with the South Tyneside Foundation Trust (opens new window), and North East Ambulance Foundation Trust (opens new window), all offer NHS services either near to or in Gateshead.
More help from your GP
If you are worried about certain symptoms or you would like specific advice on any aspect of your health, you can make an appointment with your GP.
If you are between 40 and 74, your GP will offer you an NHS Health Check which has been designed to assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes.
You can find out more about NHS Health Checks at the NHS Health Check website. (opens new window)