There has been a medical practice in this area of Monkseaton since before the advent of the NHS in 1948.
Dr Frazer lived in ‘the white house’ on Dale Road and practiced from there. There patients who could remember taking sixpence (2.5p) a month to the house to remain registered with the doctor.
Later Dr Frazer bought 104 Cauldwell Lane and we worked from there.
The back room was a consulting room, the kitchen the downstairs waiting room. The front room was the office. Upstairs was another waiting room (if you could get to it) and the back bedroom was a further consulting room. The District Nurse operated from a box room and there was a board over the bath which had the typewriter on.
In 1986 we moved the 100m or so to ‘Monkseaton Medical Centre’ our first purpose built premises. Initially we rattled around in it, there was so much room. Gradually, though, General Practice changed and space became increasingly tight; hence the move to our brand new building, only 50m further down the road.
We now have in the region of 9000 patients with a team that now comprises a wide range of staff including GPs, physicians associates, paramedics, nurses, health care assistants and mental health workers, we can offer our patients a wide choice of skills, knowledge and experience.
Clinical Staff
Our team pride themselves in delivering outstanding NHS medical care. If you’re looking for a GP surgery which values personal care and continuity then look no further.
Doctors
Dr Reshmi Salam (F)
GP Partner
Appointment Availability: Mon, Wed, Fri at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Salam is Yorkshire lass who moved up to the North East in 2000. She qualified as a GP in 2011. She is a GP trainer with an interest in medical education, children’s and women’s health.
Dr Helen Coundon (F)
GP Partner
Dr Coundon is supervising many learners at the practice and therefore has limited clinics.
Dr Coundon’s clinical interests and skills are in coil and contraception implant fitting, women’s health, GP training and teaching, mental health issues and therapeutics and medication.
Dr Coundon enjoys yoga and tap dancing in her spare time. She also loves walks in the countryside of Northumberland and County Durham
Dr Sarah Hartley (F)
GP Partner
Appointment Availability: Mon, Tues, Wed at Bridge Medical
Dr Hartley qualified in 1997, she was originally from North West of England but lived and worked in the North East since 1997.
She enjoys cycling, baking and family time.
Her clinical interests are skin, musculoskeletal problems and women’s health.
Dr Hartley provides joint injection (knee, shoulder, base of thumb and trigger finger) and undertakes minor surgery for the practice.
Dr Victor Li (M)
GP Partner
Appointment Availability: Mon, Wed, Fri at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Hannah Tomlin (F)
Appointment availability: Mon, Wed, Thurs at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Tomlin has worked as a salaried GP at the practice since 2013 and has recently become a partner.
She is originally form the South East; she completed her undergraduate training in Liverpool before moving to the North East to complete her GP training. Her clinical interests include child health, mental health, women’s health, and dermatology. When not working she is busy swimming and running, crafting, gardening, baking, and reading, not to mention looking after 2 young children
Dr Jennifer Rickard (F)
Appointment Availability: Tues, Wed, Fri at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Rickard qualified as a doctor in 2009 and has worked at a number of hospitals in the region since then. After qualifying as a GP, she initially spent several years working in palliative care alongside general practice.
Her interests include palliative care, managing long term illness, psychological problems and teaching.
In her free time Dr Rickard loves to bake.
Dr Fran Timson (F)
Appointment Availability: Mon, Tues, Wed, at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Timson qualified as a GP in 2014 but has also gained experience working in palliative care in the past few years.
Her interests include palliative care and elderly care, but also the whole variety in General Practice.
Outside work, she enjoys running, baking and going to the beach.
Dr Declan Stokle (M)
Appointment availability: Monday at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Andy Roberts (M)
Appointment availability: Tues, Thurs and Fri at Bridge Medical
Dr Roberts graduated from Liverpool University 1994. HIs clinical interests include supporting people with mental health problems, palliative care and the wide variety of issues which present to GPs.
Dr Roberts likes to sing and go wild camping
Dr Richard Arthur (M)
Appointment availability: Thurs, Fri at Bridge Medical
Dr Arthur studied medicine at Warwick, and his clinical interests include palliative care and men’s health.
Dr Arthur loves the outdoors: climbing, surfing and hiking.
Dr Rosie Head (F)
Appointment availability: Mon, Tues, Wed at Bridge Medical
Dr Head graduated from Newcastle University. She is a mum to two boys, in her spar time she likes being outdoor and generally being active.
Clinical interests include child health and palliative care.
Dr David Cummins (M)
Appointment availability: Monday at Bridge Medical
Dr Cummins studied medicine in Brighton. He moved to the North east and qualified as a GP in 2020. He has an interest in Public Health, lifestyle medicine and medical education. Outside of work he loves running in the mountains and cycling.
Dr Wala Mohamed (F)
GP ST2
Appointment availability: Mon, Wed at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Mohamed graduated from Medical School in Sudan in 2013 and has since gained over 9 years of experience in both the UK and abroad. With a background in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she is now focused on general practice and community care. She is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centred care, with particular interests in women’s health and contraception.
When she is not working she is always with her family and taking care of her little 2 kids.
Dr Ellie McAleese-Park (F)
Foundation Year 2 Doctor
Appointment availability: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr McAleese-Park graduated from Newcastle Medical School in 2023. She is currently in her second year of foundation training and has an interest in general surgery. Originally from London, she came up to Newcastle for medical school.
In her free time, she likes to play netball and swim – sometimes in the North Sea!
Dr Alex Bray (M)
Foundation Year 2 Doctor
Appointment availability: Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Jess Kelly (F)
Foundation Year 2 Doctor
Appointment availability: Mon, Tues, Thurs at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Dr Kelly is an FY2 doctor from North Tyneside who graduated from Newcastle University Medical School in 2023. Her clinical interests include Public Health & Community Sexual and Reproductive Health.
In her spare time, Dr Kelly enjoys spinning, cooking for friends and family and exploring the many wonderful places the North East has to offer.
Dr Lily Fulton-Humble (F)
Foundation Year 2 Doctor
Appointment availability: Tues, Weds, Thurs at Bridge Medical
Dr Fulton-Humble is an F2 doctor who graduated from Aberdeen Medical School in 2020. She has an interest in neurodegenerative disease and holds a BSc in Neuroscience from Glasgow and and MPhil in Clinical Neuroscience from Cambridge.
She has 3 young children and in her free time enjoys gardening, cooking and reading.
Dr Ifeanyi Onwuka (F)
GP ST 1
Appointment availability: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri at Bridge Medical
Dr Onwuka is a UK graduate who qualified in 2016 and has worked in both Nigeria and the UK.
She loves music and enjoys movies.
Dr Celine Perkins (F)
GP ST2
Appointment availability: Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs at Bridge Medical
Dr Perkins graduated from Cardiff University in 2018, she has worked in the North East as well as abroad before commencing the GP training scheme in 2023. Her clinical interests include; women’s health, palliative care and lifestyle medicine.
Outside of work she enjoys cooking, yoga, surfing, running and cycling.
Physician Associate
Adam Wanstall (M)
Physician Associate
Appointment availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Adam is a Physician Associate from Durham. He studied Biomedical Sciences in Northumbria University, studied Physician Associate Studies in The University of Manchester, and has been qualified as a Physician Associate since October of 2020. Adam is currently seeing patients about headaches, abdominal pain, infections, joint/muscle pains, and mental health concerns.
Physician associates are medical generalists who work as part of the medical team to examine, diagnose, and treat patients with a variety of conditions. Physician associates are not doctors but are trained in medical school to work as part of the medical team, and work closely with a supervising GP in primary care as dependent clinical practitioners.
In his spare time, he enjoys singing, surfing, and bird watching.
Paramedics
Sam Thomas (M)
Paramedic
Appointment availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Sam Thomas qualified as a Paramedic from Teesside University in 2018, he has over 3 years experience working on emergency ambulances, before moving into a urgent treatment centre, where he treated patients with acute minor illnesses and injuries. He has now joined Monkseaton Medical Centre, where he wishes to gain more experience and progress his career by completing his masters degree in Advanced clinical practice and also his independent prescribing course. Sam can currently see patients with acute illnesses e.g. chest infection, UTI’s, etc. Paramedic’s are able to assess, diagnose, and treat or refer patients with a variety of conditions independently. He works closely with supervising GP’s and other medical staff.
In his spare time he enjoys going to the gym, running and watching football.
Susannah Shaw (F)
Paramedic
Appointment availability: Susannah is currently on maternity leave and will return to work in January 2025
Susannah qualified in 2016 as a Paramedic from Sheffield Hallam University having worked for the ambulance service since 2013. She worked for both Yorkshire and the North East Ambulance Service as a road paramedic and mentor. Susannah moved into primary care at the start of 2022, responding daily to house calls on behalf of GPs for four separate surgeries.
Susannah joined Monkseaton Medical to gain experience and knowledge within the primary care setting, with the aim to complete the independent prescribing qualification in the near future. She will be assisting the practice with both clinics and home visits under the supervision of GP and other healthcare colleagues.
In her spare time Susannah enjoys paddle boarding, hiking with the dog and running.
Mental Health & Learning Disabilities
Beth Houghton (F)
Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Coordinator
Appointment availability: Tuesday, Wednesday at Monkseaton Medical Centre, Friday at Bridge Medical
Beth has worked at Monkseaton Medical Centre for 9 years starting as a receptionist, then working as a secretary and is now one of our Mental Health and Learning Disabilities coordinators. Beth studied a masters in Psychology and has also completed a counselling skills qualification.
Beth is enjoying being a new mum and taking her son on long walks.
Eve Morton (F)
Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Coordinator
Appointment availability: Monday at Bridge Medical, Tuesday, Thursday at Monkseaton Medical Centre
Eve is originally from East Yorkshire but moved to Newcastle in 2013 to study psychology at Northumbria University. She has been a part of our administration team for the past year, and she is now undertaking a counselling qualification to support her in her new role.
In her time outside of work she loves all things performing arts, as well as getting outside in the sun!
Nursing Team
Between them, the Nursing Team can help with almost anything.
The Doctors often pass their patients over to our team after diagnosis of things like hypertension for ongoing care, medication management, and lifestyle advice. If you suddenly develop a high blood pressure you will find yourself under their management and being put through your paces.
Our Health Care Assistants and are not qualified nurses. They are the blood takers in the practice and look after most of our patients requiring dressings. They take routine blood pressures, take part in Health Checks and annual reviews. They also assist the GPs and the other members of the nursing team.
Laura Doris
Practice Nurse
Lisa Watson
Practice Nurse
Angela Auld
Healthcare Assistant
Angela enjoys swimming, going to the gym, baking and spending lots of time with her family.
Andrea Edgar
Healthcare Assistant
Jennifer Renney
Healthcare Assistant
Pharmacy Team
Our Pharmacy team are responsible for all patient medication reviews. They look at any changes in medication on behalf of our doctors.
John Sherwood
Pharmacist
John is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Sunderland. He works one day a week here and has worked at the Practice for many years.
In his spare time he enjoys reading and travelling.
Eliza Hughes
Pharmacist
Eliza qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Sunderland in 2018. She has experience working in both primary care and community pharmacy, she joined the practice in 2019. Since finishing university, Eliza has gained extra qualifications with her Clinical Diploma and more recently qualified as an Independent Prescriber.
As part of the pharmacy team, Eliza performs medication reviews and actions changes in medications from hospital visits. She also forms part of the long-term condition team working alongside the practice nurses and healthcare assistants to review patients with hypertension, asthma, COPD, diabetes and other conditions. She also sees patients to discuss medications for anxiety and low mood.
Eliza enjoys running, spending time with her friends and family and reading.
Robert Watson
Pharmacist
Robert completed his degree in Pharmacy at the University of East Anglia and qualified in 2015. Since then, he has worked in community pharmacy before joining the practice.
He is also a Royal Navy Reservist and his interests outside work include reading, swimming, fitness and practicing martial arts.
Michelle Collins
Pharmacy Technician
Michelle qualified as a Pharmacy Technician in 2002 and has worked a total of 25 years in pharmacy, including hospital, community and currently in primary care.
She enjoys DIY and decorating, upcycling furniture, reading and puzzles!
Whitley Bay PCN Roles
The practice works closely with Whitley Bay Primary Care Network who employ clinicians in various roles for the Whitley Bay area. We currently have a compliment of clinical staff working part-time within the surgery to enable us to deliver excellent care to our patients, including physiotherapists, pharmacists, mental health coordinators and frailty nurses.
Rachel Nicholson
Physiotherapist
Rachel qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of Teesside in 2006. She has a specialist interest in Musculoskeletal conditions and over the last 4 years has been working as a First Contact Practitioner between different GP practices in North Tyneside and she works one day in the rehabilitation department at North Tyneside Hospital (NTIMS).
You can book directly in to see Rachel if you are suffering from joint pains for an assessment of the problem and a treatment plan. Rachel works alternate Tuesdays between the two sites Monkseaton Medical and Bridge Medical.
Alternatively, have a look at the NTIMS website which has lost of useful self-help advice and you can also self-refer directly to the physiotherapy department NTIMS online via the website www.northumbrua.nhs.uk/ntims.
Dave Rusby
Physiotherapist
Dave qualified as a physiotherapist in 2004 and has gained his clinical experience mainly within the Musculoskeletal (MSK) area, which has included the NHS (both primary and secondary care), private practice, and both professional and amateur sport.
Dave’s role at the practice is to work as a Frist Contact Practitioner (FCP), who specialises in MSK conditions, and thus utilising his skills as a physiotherapist.
His role works closely with the wider GP practice team, and also secondary care services such as NTIMS.
Management
Our team pride themselves on delivering outstanding NHS medical care. If you’re looking for a GP surgery which values personal care and continuity then look no further. Our management team is here to help both patients and staff. If you encounter any problems with the surgery please direct your query to our Deputy Practice Manager, Janet Pallace, in the first instance.
“Helping you to Better Health”
Practice Management
Joanne Houghton
Practice Manager
Joanne has worked for Monkseaton Medical Centre for the past 11 years starting off as part of the reception team and worked her way up to Practice Manager. In 2016 MMC took over Bridge Medical and Joanne and the team began to work for both Practices. Joanne mainly deals with staff, finance and strategic planning of the practice. She works closely with the deputy practice manager and the partners to ensure the smooth running of the practices.
Joanne enjoys spending time with her family and her favourite pastime is scouring the internet for dream holidays. She professes to be the Trip Advisor queen of knowledge on Majorca Hotels.
Janet
Deputy Practice Manager
Janet has worked at Monkseaton Medical Centre since 2004. When Janet is not at work she loves spending time with her ever-growing family, spending time at the gym and cycling.
Nicole Houghton
Performance Manager
Nicole started at Monkseaton Medical Centre in 2012 as part of the administration team. She deals with all things IT related and ensures the smooth running of practice performance.
In her spare time Nicole enjoys reading and getting outdoors.
Administration Team
Reception
Our Reception Team is a good place to start if you want help. Not only do they know what is available in the practice they often have a great deal of knowledge about Health Services in our area. The main role of Reception Staff is helping you get the assistance you need. Our Team can advise you who best to see and guide you through the different types of appointments available.
Administration
Our Administration Team carry out a wide range of responsibilities including processing patient registrations and summarising patients medical notes.
Secretaries
Our Secretarial Team can help you with any queries regarding hospital referrals and private work, including insurance reports.
All non-medical staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the doctors and other health care professionals and will always deal with your problems and enquiries in a discreet and courteous manner.