Riverside Medical Practice
ALMA STREET
STOCKTON
TS18 2AP
Tel: 01642 604117
E-mail: - [email protected]
Website: www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
Riverside Medical Practice and Arrival Medical Practice – plans to
merge practices and the closure of Arrival Medical Practice
Dear Patient.
Riverside Medical Practice and Arrival Medical Practice have been working on a
proposal to merge together to become one GP practice. This is to help the practices
to improve the quality of care for patients and to work more efficiently by sharing and
developing the expertise of a larger clinical team.
We previously wrote to patients of both practices, stakeholders, and members of the
wider community to gather their feedback about our plans to merge Riverside Medical
Practice and Arrival Medical Practice and undertook sessions where you could hear
more about what a merger is and what to expect. We received extremely positive
feedback from our patients.
We submitted a practice merger application to our commissioners (the organisation
that we hold a contract with to deliver NHS services) NHS North East and North
Cumbria ICB (NENC ICB) and are pleased to announce that this application for the
practice merger was approved, including the closure of the Arrival site.
We aim to merge our practices on 1st June 2025. Our new name will be
RIVERSIDE MEDICAL PRACTICE located at Alma Street, Stockton-on-Tees,
TS18 2AP. After this date, all appointments will be delivered from Riverside Medical
Practice.
From 1st June 2025, to contact the practice please phone Riverside Medical Practice
on 01642 604117 during the practice opening hours from 07.00 – 18.00 hours.
Thank you for your involvement and for any feedback you shared as part of this
process, and any queries can be directed to
[email protected]We have included a list of common FAQs that you may wish to review
Yours sincerely
Dr K Troy and Dr Y Soni
Riverside Medical Practice
ALMA STREET
STOCKTON
TS18 2AP
Tel: 01642 604117
E-mail: -
[email protected]Website: www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
FAQs
Q. What will the newly merged practice be named?
A. RIVERSIDE MEDICAL PRACTICE
Access after the merger
Q. Will there still be the same number of appointments available at Riverside
Medical Practice?
A. There will be more available appointments following the practice merger. This will
mean that we will be able to offer our patients a greater choice of appointments.
Q. Will I still be able to get an appointment at my usual practice?
A. Arrival Practice will close. From the 1st June 2025 all patients should contact
Riverside Medical Practice on 01642 604117, and all appointments will be provided
from Riverside Medical Practice.
Q. Will I still contact my practice on the usual phone number to make an
appointment?
A. All patients wishing to make an appointment should contact Riverside Medical
Practice on 01642 604117.
Q. If I use my own transport will there be enough parking?
A. There is lots of parking on site at Riverside Medical Practice for patients and staff.
Q. Can I still speak to my regular GP or team member such as pharmacist,
paramedic, or physician's associate?
A. Patients will still be able speak to their usual clinicians. Patients should have clinical
continuity with an ongoing problem as much as possible.
Q. Will I still be recalled for my chronic disease reviews at the practice?
A. Chronic disease management will not be affected by the merger. You will continue
to be recalled and see your usual practice nurse. Results of any tests or recalls will be
processed by the clinical team as before.
Q. What additional benefit will I see?
Riverside Medical Practice
ALMA STREET
STOCKTON
TS18 2AP
Tel: 01642 604117
E-mail: -
[email protected]Website: www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
A. Some of the doctors and nurses already work at both sites and because of the
merger they will be available on more days to enhance the continuity of care. Being a
larger practice will make us more resilient to staffing changes and increased demands.
Q. Will the reception and clinical staff be affected by the proposed merger?
A. All staff will stay the same and work at Riverside Medical Practice.
Q. Will the practice opening hours stay the same?
A. Practice opening hours will stay the same unless the government or the NHS tell
us to do something different. Our practice is open 07.00 - 18.00. Outside of these
hours you can get support by contacting NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/ or by
phone on 111.
Q. Will I see any change to the services at the practice?
A. Services will stay the same or be increased. We will arrange the most suitable
appointment with the appropriate clinician to suit your need.
Q. Will the merger affect the care of patients who are housebound?
A. Community nurses and other healthcare practitioners will keep working closely with
Riverside Medical Practice as normal. The same community teams will provide the
services.
Q. Will there be any change to the service we receive from community midwives
or health visitors?
A. Care will be the same for expectant mothers and young children. Midwives and
health visitors will keep working with Riverside Medical Practice.
Q. Will I still be able to use my usual pharmacy for my prescriptions?
A. You will still be able to use your preferred pharmacy or dispensary service. We
encourage all patients to use online services to request repeat prescriptions.
Q. Will you have a new combined website for information?
A. Yes, we plan to have one website with all the practice information.
www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
Q. Will you have a Facebook page?
Riverside Medical Practice
ALMA STREET
STOCKTON
TS18 2AP
Tel: 01642 604117
E-mail: -
[email protected]Website: www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
A. Yes you can visit our Facebook page @ Riverside Medical Practice. Please follow
us to receive notifications and updates about upcoming events we may have.
Q Can I still get advice online using EConsult/SystmOne
A. Yes, This will be via Riverside Medical Practice Website for all patients
www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk
Q How can I get involved?
A. You are invited to join the Patient Participation Group (PPG). PPGs can help
us to
- improve services,
- use resources better,
- help us to help each other.
If you would like to join, or have questions, contact reception or the deputy
practice manager, Samuel Waters, at the Practice. You can also visit our website
www.theriversidemedicalpractice.co.uk to find out more.
Q. Can my family or friends register at the merged practice?
A. Yes, we are currently taking on new patient registrations. We would be
delighted to have your family or friends register at our newly merged Practice.
Q. How can I ask questions or feedback about this change?
A. Please send any feedback or questions to:
[email protected]Q: Can I change GP practice?
A: There are other GP practices in the local area that you can join. To find out how
visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
