Who Are We?
Primary Healthcare Darlington was established in 2014 as the local GP federation consisting of 11 GP Practices covering an ever increasing population of 112,000+ registered patients in Darlington, County Durham. We have close links with Darlington Borough Council and local NHS Foundation Trusts and have the full support and backing of Darlington CCG. We also work closely with and provide support to the Darlington Primary Care Network.
The formation of our company has enabled the 11 Practices to work together at scale to ensure consistent and equitable NHS services for the registered patients of Darlington . We have the great advantage of using the same clinical system, SystmOne, which enables all Practices to work as one when using clinical templates and pathways.
Working from newly refurbished dedicated premises close to Darlington Memorial Hospital we provide NHS, Public Health and Private Medical Services.
Mission Statement
“To provide sustainable high quality healthcare, which ensures the best outcomes for the population of Darlington”
Our Vision
“General Practices working collaboratively, in partnership with our communities and other service providers, adopting new and innovative approaches to deliver sustainable healthcare.”
Our Values
- Patient centred, high quality care at all times
- Open, Honest and Transparent
- Inclusive of all practices across Darlington, regardless of size
- Collaborative & Supportive of member practices
- Effective & efficient use of resources
Our Team
Dr Patrick Holmes
Dr. Holmes has been a GP Partner at St. George’s Medical Practice, Darlington for 25 years.
- He is a local clinical commissioner for diabetes (Diabetes Clinical lead for Tees Valley CCG ; Diabetes Network (Primary Care) clinical lead for North-East & North Cumbria).
- Primary Care Diabetes NIHR Research lead for the North East.
- Associate Editor for Diabetic Medicine.
- Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Renal, Respiratory and Allergy Expert advisory Committee Member for Commission on Human Medicines.
Sally Hutchinson
Contract and Contract Monitoring
I have worked in the NHS for over 30 years both in secondary and primary care. For the last 20 years I have worked in Darlington as Practice Manager, gaining valuable experience and insight into the issues within primary care and providing quality services to the patients of Darlington. I believe strongly in ensuring quality services are available for patients in Darlington. My role within the PHD is overseeing Contracts and Contract Monitoring; ensuring the services we do provide are of a high quality. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and partaking in the social life in and around Darlington!
Dr Chris Mathieson
Corporate Governance
I have been a GP in Darlington for 16 years. Prior to this I worked in Accident and Emergency Medicine in Teesside. I still maintain an interest in Urgent Care and have done much work in this area for Darlington CCG, before becoming a Director for PHD. I have lived in the North East for more than 30 years after an education primarily in Scotland. I am passionate about developing the best primary medical care for the patients of Darlington. Outside of work I enjoy golf and football.
Dr Alison McNaughton-Jones
I have been a GP in Darlington since 2003 working at Rockliffe Court Surgery in Hurworth. I am also joint Clinical Director of Darlington PCN with Helen McLeish.
I have worked full time in general practice for over 20 years and have seen many changes but have never know such challenging times. I am passionate about supporting primary care in Darlington.
I am lucky to have a supportive husband and 2 grown up children so I have the time to devote energy to primary care and the federation. When not working I enjoy running and have an interest in renewable energy.
Andrea Francis
Director
I have gained nearly 20 years of experience working in the NHS (predominantly in primary care). As the Practice Manager at a surgery in Darlington, I aim to keep operations running smoothly and effectively whilst aiming to improve patient care and satisfaction. My leadership expertise allow me to help PHD work towards achieving our vision and strategic goals. When not in the office, you can find me socialising with friends or with family planning our next getaway.
