Practice Team
Doctors
DR VIKKI LONG (f)
GP Partner
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Dr Long joined Glendale Surgery in 2021 and became a partner in 2022 prior to the practice merger. Dr Long is the lead GP for contraception.
DR ELIZABETH BATLEY (f)
GP Partner
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Dr Batley was previously a partner in Cheviot Medical Group before merger with Glendale Surgery when we became Wooler Health. She has practiced in Wooler since 2005.
DR TOBY COCKILL (m)
Salaried GP
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Dr Cockill has been a salaried GP at the practice since 2021. He also performs minor surgery and joint injections.
DR STEPHEN FOLEY (m)
Salaried GP
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Dr Foley joined the practice in 2023, having trained in the North East.
DR PATRICK BRIEN (m)
Salaried GP
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Dr Brien joined the practice in 2024, having trained in the Midlands and the North East. He also performs minor surgery and joint injections.
He is the Clinical Executive and Cancer Lead for our Well up North Primary Care Network.
He is the Clinical Executive and Cancer Lead for our Well up North Primary Care Network.
Nursing Team
MAUREEN BIRDSALL (f)
Practice Nurse
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Maureen joined the practice in August 2016. Maureen is a Wooler girl born and bred. She previously worked at Belford Surgery and is a very experienced nurse. Please see ‘clinics’ for the further information re her work and appointment timings.
RACHEL BYERS (f)
Practice Nurse
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Rachel is an experienced practice nurse, having previously worked in the armed forces and secondary care and also works as a Research Nurse with our Well up North Primary Care Network.
HARRIET RICHARDSON (f)
Healthcare Assistant
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Harriet (Hatty) joined the practice early 2022 as a receptionist/dispenser, and has since joined the Heathcare Assistants team. Hatty has vast experience in general practice and the dispensary having previously worked for Cheviot Medical Group and Glendale Surgery.
HARRIET MURRAY (f)
Healthcare Assistant
Practice Management
CHRISTINE JAMES (f)
Practice Manager
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Chris had been with Glendale Surgery since 1979, before the merger with Cheviot Medical Group to become Wooler Health, and brings a wealth of experience to her role.
She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the practice's administrative functions, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. With her extensive knowledge and approachable nature, Chris is the first point of contact for staff seeking support, guidance, or assistance with any patient issues that may arise.
She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the practice's administrative functions, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. With her extensive knowledge and approachable nature, Chris is the first point of contact for staff seeking support, guidance, or assistance with any patient issues that may arise.
Practice Team
SUSAN PURVIS
Office Administrator/Secretary
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Susan is the practice secretary and joined the old Glendale Surgery in December 2000.
Susan supervises all the office administration tasks and correspondence including hospital referral letters, call-up to the various clinics we run and helps with QOF targets (Quality and Outcomes Framework).
Susan also carries out reception and dispensary duties in the afternoons and during evening surgeries so she juggles many hats, all with expertise.
Susan works Tuesday to Friday but at different times during the week.
Susan supervises all the office administration tasks and correspondence including hospital referral letters, call-up to the various clinics we run and helps with QOF targets (Quality and Outcomes Framework).
Susan also carries out reception and dispensary duties in the afternoons and during evening surgeries so she juggles many hats, all with expertise.
Susan works Tuesday to Friday but at different times during the week.
RECEPTION TEAM
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Our Reception Team are:
Vera Skeen
Dawn Dunn
Emma Stanfield-Wilkinson
Lynn Cowe
Our receptionists are usually the first point of contact and are here to help you. Most of the team have been with the practice for many years and are highly experienced, with a wealth of knowledge available to assist you. They will be able to help with your enquiry and guide you to the most appropriate service.
Everything discussed with our receptionists, or any other member of the practice team, is treated in the strictest confidence. However, you have the right to request to speak directly with a doctor if you prefer.
You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, and our receptionists have the same right to be treated courteously by all patients.
We recognise that the reception area is an open space and ask that you respect the privacy of other patients by remaining behind the barrier in front of reception until it is your turn to be seen. If your enquiry is of a sensitive nature, we can also offer a degree of privacy in a separate room away from the reception area. There are privacy request cards available on the reception desk which you can simply show to the receptionist to indicate that you would like to speak in private.
Vera Skeen
Dawn Dunn
Emma Stanfield-Wilkinson
Lynn Cowe
Our receptionists are usually the first point of contact and are here to help you. Most of the team have been with the practice for many years and are highly experienced, with a wealth of knowledge available to assist you. They will be able to help with your enquiry and guide you to the most appropriate service.
Everything discussed with our receptionists, or any other member of the practice team, is treated in the strictest confidence. However, you have the right to request to speak directly with a doctor if you prefer.
You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, and our receptionists have the same right to be treated courteously by all patients.
We recognise that the reception area is an open space and ask that you respect the privacy of other patients by remaining behind the barrier in front of reception until it is your turn to be seen. If your enquiry is of a sensitive nature, we can also offer a degree of privacy in a separate room away from the reception area. There are privacy request cards available on the reception desk which you can simply show to the receptionist to indicate that you would like to speak in private.
Dispensers
SUSAN PURVIS
Office Administrator/Secretary/Dispenser
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Susan is the Practice Secretary and joined the former Glendale Surgery in December 2000. With many years of experience, she plays a key role in supporting the smooth running of the practice.
Susan oversees office administration and correspondence, including the preparation and processing of hospital referral letters. She also coordinates patient call-ups for the various clinics run by the practice and supports the achievement of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Susan assists with reception and dispensary duties during afternoons and evening surgeries. Her versatility, expertise, and dedication enable her to successfully balance a wide range of responsibilities across the practice.
Susan works every day, with varying hours throughout the week, and is a valued member of the team.
Susan oversees office administration and correspondence, including the preparation and processing of hospital referral letters. She also coordinates patient call-ups for the various clinics run by the practice and supports the achievement of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Susan assists with reception and dispensary duties during afternoons and evening surgeries. Her versatility, expertise, and dedication enable her to successfully balance a wide range of responsibilities across the practice.
Susan works every day, with varying hours throughout the week, and is a valued member of the team.
GEMMA BOLAM
Medicines Manager
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Gemma is a highly experienced Dispenser and Medicines Manager who plays a key role in supporting the GPs and the wider practice team. She assists with clinical audits, maintains accurate medicines records, supports patient compliance with medication, and ensures the practice remains fully up to date with all relevant medicines policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
Gemma effectively manages and organises the dispensary, maintaining robust stock control systems to ensure medicines are available when required and that the practice consistently meets the 72-hour dispensing standard. Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality patient care make her an invaluable member of the team.
Gemma effectively manages and organises the dispensary, maintaining robust stock control systems to ensure medicines are available when required and that the practice consistently meets the 72-hour dispensing standard. Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality patient care make her an invaluable member of the team.
DISPENSERS
Dispenser/Receptionist
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Our dispensing team are:
Gemma Bolam, Medicines Manager
Isabel Herdman, Dispenser
Alison Price, Dispenser/Receptionist
Amy Scott, Dispenser/Receptionist
Hazel Cowens, Dispenser/Receptionist (Thursday evenings)
Linda Bertram, Dispensing Receptionist
Our dispensers are responsible for processing prescriptions, dispensing medications, and ensuring patient safety while managing the dispensary's operations.
Processing Prescriptions: Dispensers are responsible for accurately processing prescriptions authorised by the GPs. They ensure that all medicines dispensed are checked against the prescription for appropriateness and accuracy
They dispense medications and appliances, ensuring that patients receive the correct items as per their prescriptions. This includes checking the dosage and labeling instructions
Stock Management: Dispensers manage the stock of medications, including ordering supplies, accepting deliveries to ensure continuity of supply and minimise wastage due to expired stock
Dispensers often interact with patients, providing advice on medication usage, answering questions, and ensuring that patients understand their prescriptions. They will also collect prescription charges and handle financial transactions related to dispensing
Gemma Bolam, Medicines Manager
Isabel Herdman, Dispenser
Alison Price, Dispenser/Receptionist
Amy Scott, Dispenser/Receptionist
Hazel Cowens, Dispenser/Receptionist (Thursday evenings)
Linda Bertram, Dispensing Receptionist
Our dispensers are responsible for processing prescriptions, dispensing medications, and ensuring patient safety while managing the dispensary's operations.
Processing Prescriptions: Dispensers are responsible for accurately processing prescriptions authorised by the GPs. They ensure that all medicines dispensed are checked against the prescription for appropriateness and accuracy
They dispense medications and appliances, ensuring that patients receive the correct items as per their prescriptions. This includes checking the dosage and labeling instructions
Stock Management: Dispensers manage the stock of medications, including ordering supplies, accepting deliveries to ensure continuity of supply and minimise wastage due to expired stock
Dispensers often interact with patients, providing advice on medication usage, answering questions, and ensuring that patients understand their prescriptions. They will also collect prescription charges and handle financial transactions related to dispensing
Other Roles
PARAMEDIC TEAM
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The paramedics are based within the Health Centre and provide a 24-hour service, 7 days a week. They work closely with the practice and are an important part of the primary healthcare team, providing support during medical emergencies when required.
There is sometimes a misunderstanding that patients can attend the surgery and request an appointment with a paramedic. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Paramedic services can only be accessed through the emergency 999 service.
Although the team is based within the Health Centre, they do not usually undertake routine clinical work for the practice. Their primary role is to respond to emergency calls and provide urgent care.
If you have any questions about the paramedic service, please contact the North East Ambulance Service Headquarters or ask to speak to the paramedic on duty.
The paramedic team consists of:
Dan Richards
Dave Herbert
Graham Brooks
Rebecca Owens
Rebecca Tully
There is sometimes a misunderstanding that patients can attend the surgery and request an appointment with a paramedic. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Paramedic services can only be accessed through the emergency 999 service.
Although the team is based within the Health Centre, they do not usually undertake routine clinical work for the practice. Their primary role is to respond to emergency calls and provide urgent care.
If you have any questions about the paramedic service, please contact the North East Ambulance Service Headquarters or ask to speak to the paramedic on duty.
The paramedic team consists of:
Dan Richards
Dave Herbert
Graham Brooks
Rebecca Owens
Rebecca Tully
COMMUNITY NURSES
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The Wooler/Belford district nursing team, led by a Community Matron and provide skilled nursing care and advice to housebound patients, carers, residential homes and GP surgeries. They offer expert and specialist nursing care for the acutely ill, palliative (end of life) care, chronic disease monitoring and care, leg ulcer and wound management, continence management and advice, and referral to other services.
District nursing visits normally take place between 8am and 7pm and the timing of your visit will depend on the need. The nurses will arrange home visits outside these times with the out of hours team. From time to time you may also be visited by the district nurses based at Belford who are part of the Wooler/Belford team.
Your needs will be assessed and reviewed throughout the course of your treatment and you may be asked to attend the surgery treatment room to complete your treatment unless you are permanently housebound.
The District Nursing Team can be contacted on 0191 293 3061 or, outside normal working hours, 0300 1231931.
District nursing visits normally take place between 8am and 7pm and the timing of your visit will depend on the need. The nurses will arrange home visits outside these times with the out of hours team. From time to time you may also be visited by the district nurses based at Belford who are part of the Wooler/Belford team.
Your needs will be assessed and reviewed throughout the course of your treatment and you may be asked to attend the surgery treatment room to complete your treatment unless you are permanently housebound.
The District Nursing Team can be contacted on 0191 293 3061 or, outside normal working hours, 0300 1231931.
Linda Tilley (f)
Health Visitor
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Linda is our attached health visitor although she doesn't work out of the health centre.
Health visitors offer support in areas including:
Antenatal and postnatal care: Antenatal visits from 28 weeks, new birth visits within 10–14 days, and follow-ups at 6–8 weeks, 3–4 months, 9–12 months, and 2–2.5 years
Infant feeding and nutrition: Guidance on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and healthy nutrition.
Child development and growth monitoring: Tracking milestones, growth, and early learning.
Parental support: Advice on bonding, maternal mental health, postnatal depression, and parenting skills.
Health promotion: Immunisations, accident prevention, safe sleeping, oral health, and healthy lifestyles.
Specialist support: Assistance for children with disabilities, safeguarding concerns, and emotional wellbeing.
Health visitors offer support in areas including:
Antenatal and postnatal care: Antenatal visits from 28 weeks, new birth visits within 10–14 days, and follow-ups at 6–8 weeks, 3–4 months, 9–12 months, and 2–2.5 years
Infant feeding and nutrition: Guidance on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and healthy nutrition.
Child development and growth monitoring: Tracking milestones, growth, and early learning.
Parental support: Advice on bonding, maternal mental health, postnatal depression, and parenting skills.
Health promotion: Immunisations, accident prevention, safe sleeping, oral health, and healthy lifestyles.
Specialist support: Assistance for children with disabilities, safeguarding concerns, and emotional wellbeing.
Rebecca Mather
First Contact Physiotherapist
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Physiotherapists have expertise in sub-specialist areas such as musculo-skeletal disorders (upper limbs, lower limbs, spinal and hands) and orthopaedics.
Our First Contact Physiotherapist who is available each Tuesday. Patients can self refer into this service by making an appointment via reception.
Northumbria NHS Trust Physiotherapy clinics are available in the Centre on Wednesdays and patients are referred in for treatment via GP's and JMAPS.
Our First Contact Physiotherapist who is available each Tuesday. Patients can self refer into this service by making an appointment via reception.
Northumbria NHS Trust Physiotherapy clinics are available in the Centre on Wednesdays and patients are referred in for treatment via GP's and JMAPS.
PODIATRISTS
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Sam Moses (Special Podiatrist), Lena Gray and Karen Swinburne (Podiatry Assistant).
Podiatrists work out of the surgery on various days of the week and provide a home visiting service for the housebound.
The podiatry service is primarily concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disease and conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, including nail surgery, pain relief for those with ‘at risk’ feet, e.g. diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, deformity.
To book or manage an appointment, please call 0344 811 8111 Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm
Podiatrists work out of the surgery on various days of the week and provide a home visiting service for the housebound.
The podiatry service is primarily concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disease and conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, including nail surgery, pain relief for those with ‘at risk’ feet, e.g. diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, deformity.
To book or manage an appointment, please call 0344 811 8111 Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm
Training practice
GP Registrars
We are a training practice for GP registrars (fully qualified doctors who are training to become GPs). Working in practices is an important part of their training and we hope you will help us with this by accepting appointments to see them.
Medical Students
The surgery currently helps Newcastle University Medical School with the teaching of medical students throughout the year. Unlike the GP Registrars, these young people are not yet qualified doctors. If you agree to see a medical student, you will also be seen by the supervising GP on duty.
You have the right to refuse this if you wish but we would ask for your co-operation in the teaching of these young, next generation hospital doctors and GPs.
GP net earnings
NHS England require that the net earnings of doctors engaged in the practice is publicised and the required disclosure is shown below. However, it should be noted that the prescribed method for calculating earnings is potentially misleading because it takes no account of how much time doctors spend working in the practice and should not be used to for any judgement about GP earnings, nor to make any comparisons with other practices.
The average earnings for GPs working in Wooler Health in the last financial year ending in 2024/25 was £47,747 before taxation and National Insurance. This is for 1 full time GPs, 4 part time GPs and 3 locum GPs who worked in the practice for more than 6 months.
