Useful Telephone Numbers

Service Telephone number

A&E

 999

NHS Direct

 0845 4647

Out of Hours

 111

Shotley Bridge Xray Department

 01207 594562

Stanley primary Care Centre Xray Department

 0191 3332494

Hospitals

  

University Hospital of North Durham

 0191 3332333

Shotley Bridge Hospital

 0191 3332333

Royal Victoria Infirmary

 0191 2336161

Newcastle General Hospital

 0191 2336161

Sunderland Royal Hospital

 0191 5656256

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead

 0191 4820000

Hexham General Hospital

 01434 655655

Pharmacies

  

Ashchem (Annfield Plain)

 01207 234392

Asda Pharmacy

 01207 288810

Boots Pharmacy (Stanley)

 01207 232353

Lloyds (Stanley)

 01207 233845

Lanchester Pharmacy

 01207 520365

Taylor's Southmoor

 01207 232344

Other useful numbers

  

Durham County Council

 0191 3864411

Derwentside District Council

 01207 218000

Derwentside Bereavement Support

 01207 230777

Derwentside CVS & Volunteer Bureau

 01207 218855

Benefits Agency

 01207 291000

Job Centre

 01207 212121

MIND

 01207 591705

Social Care Direct

 0845 8505010

PALS

 0800 1957998

Patient choice

A dramatic expansion of patient choice in the NHS got under way in April 2008.

 

Surveys have consistently shown that patients want choice. The 2005 British Social Attitudes survey revealed that 65% of patients said they wanted choice of treatment, 63% wanted a choice of hospital and 53% welcomed a choice of appointment time.

 

The introduction of free choice means that patients referred to see a specialist can choose where they will be treated. They can choose from any hospital that meets NHS standards.

 

Under free choice, if you and your GP decide that you need to see a specialist, you'll be able to choose the hospital that best suits your needs. 

 

Should you have any questions, please get in touch with us.  We'll be happy to help.

 

Source: www.nhs.uk

Since 1 April 2008, you have the right to choose the hospital you want to be treated at.