THE newly-introduced, fast access, private GP clinic at Darlington’s Woodlands Hospital is proving very popular with people who have booked appointments.

The service was launched just six weeks ago as an alternative option for patients who were experiencing long waiting times for appointments with their own GPs.

Fronted by local General Practitioner, Dr Paul Mulcrone, the clinic is held every Tuesday, and appointments can be booked 24/7 online, or by calling 0800 096 2694.

Dr Mulcrone says: “Patients have been telling me that they appreciate the 30-minute appointments, which gives us plenty of time to talk through their concerns and health issues. That extra 20 minutes makes a difference. They feel that they’ve been listened to more, and that their problems have been dealt with.

“Also, because I am the sole practitioner, there is continuity of care. It is most likely that it will be me that they see the next time they book an appointment.”

The Northern Echo: GP, Dr Paul MulcroneGP, Dr Paul Mulcrone (Image: BMI HEALTHCARE LTD)

There are a lot of positives to providing a private GP service for patients within the hospital, says Dr Mulcrone.  Because there are MRI and CT departments on site, referral waiting time for these appointments is much shorter.

“In addition, if someone should come in and, following their consultation, needs an x-ray, I can walk them down to the department which is just along the corridor, and book them in, then and there.

“They can either then go back to their own GP, who will get a copy of the x-ray report; or they can come back and see me and discuss it further. Or, if they need a referral in consideration of a knee or hip replacement, then the surgeon will be able to access that x-ray and discuss it with them at their appointment.”

The Northern Echo: Dr Paul MulcroneDr Paul Mulcrone (Image: Circle Health Group)

While consultations are restricted to people over the age of 16, and appointments cost £100, patients are still offered the same wide range of primary care services that they would get at their own surgery – but much quicker, with faster treatment or onward referral.

“If I can solve the problem there and then, I’ll try to do that,” explains Dr Mulcrone. “If not, we have access to Woodlands specialist services, and the patient can be passed on to them, if need be.

“I also have a list of the full range of costs for further treatment at the hospital, so that people can make an informed choice of whether to continue with Woodlands, or whether they would prefer to go elsewhere.”

Once Dr Mulcrone has seen the patient, a full report is sent to their own doctor for their files.

The Northern Echo: 'There are a lot of positives in providing a private GP service''There are a lot of positives in providing a private GP service' (Image: Circle Health Group)

“I will keep their own doctor fully informed of what we’ve discussed; what we’ve done; whether I’ve advised onward referral, or whether they’ve received any treatment or prescriptions.”

Dr Mulcrone is very much enjoying the challenge, and the different way of working, in his new role.

He says: “I like that can help the patient there and then, and that we’re offering a more streamlined and efficient service, with rapid onward referrals and investigations.

“Feedback in the clinic has been very positive, with people saying that they are happy with the care they are receiving.”

Woodlands Hospital, Morton Park, Darlington DL1 4PL