We aim to offer services which are ‘teenage-friendly’.
In summary, this means that:
- We welcome teenagers and aim to put them at ease when they come to the practice.
- We can assure teenagers that confidentiality will be maintained if aged 12-16, and they ask to keep details of their consultations confidential or if they consult us about potentially sensitive issues.
- Teenagers are welcome to see a Doctor on their own if they wish and are aged 12-16. We would however advise them to come with an adult where possible.
Sexual health advice is available, as is advice on other issues such as depression, drugs, alcohol and self-harm and we can advise teenagers about emergency contraception if required.
How to make an appointment
Ring 0191 565 8849 for Deerness Park or 0191 519 3222 for Bunny Hill and ask for either a telephone appointment or a surgery appointment with the Doctor or Nurse. The Doctor or Nurse can even phone you back on your mobile if you need help the same day. Consultations are confidential. Usually we would encourage you to attend with a parent.
Other places that can help include local clinics for young people, and you can often be seen without an appointment.
Try these – YMCA, 2-3 Toward Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 2QF
Telephone: 0191 567 6160 – Email: [email protected]
Young People’s Centre Grindon Lane Telephone: 0191 528 4092
Can I see the GP or Nurse on my own?
Our doctors and nurses will listen to you and take your concerns seriously, sometimes, young people can find it more difficult than adults to talk about the underlying problem and the reason for seeing a GP.
As a young person, you can be seen on your own, with no lower age limit. Our reception staff can make an appointment for you to see a GP without a parent if you would prefer to.
If you come with a parent/carer/friend, you can still be seen on your own for part of the consultation while they wait outside.
People aged 16 or over are entitled to consent to their own treatment. This can only be overruled in exceptional circumstances.
Like adults, young people (aged 16 or 17) are presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment, unless there’s significant evidence to suggest otherwise.
Children under the age of 16 can consent to their own treatment if they’re believed to have enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved in their treatment. This is known as being Gillick competent.
There is also a handy leaflet that you can download or view regarding accessing GP online services.