The 2025/26 GP contract and a new general practice patient charter You and Your General Practice set out expectations that patients must be able to contact their practice via phone, online or in person during core hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm)
Our phones, desk and econsults are now open from 8am. Our practice along with others in the South Tyneside area have historically had out of hours cover for our phones 6pm to 6.30pm. We are working towards our desk and phones being open until 6.30pm and this should go live in the next couple of weeks once staffing is in place. Our eConsults will also be open until 6.30pm.
An eConsult is a digital tool used by NHS GP practices in the UK to provide online consultations and triage for patients, allowing them to submit symptoms, request sick notes, and access NHS self-help information at any time.
Patients will receive a response the same day but this could be from any member of the practice and may not be a same day appointment. You may receive a text from a GP so say a prescription has been done, a phone call from a receptionist asking to organise an appointment or test, or you may have a message relayed to you by one of the team.
eConsults are not intended to jump the queue or disadvantage any patients who do not use digital communications. It is a tool to give more flexibility for patients who find it difficult to ring or attend the practice during opening hours.
To submit an econsult please visit our website https://collierycourt.nhs.uk/
Thank you.