Information about the Northumberland Older Adult Teams who provide a wide range of support for people, usually over the age of 65, seeking specialist advice for a mental health difficulty. They work with people who need more specialist assessment or intensive treatment than their GP or other health worker is able to give.

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Older Adult Teams provide a wide range of support for people seeking specialist advice for a mental health difficulty. The majority of people we support are 65 or older, although we do see people younger than this.

We work with people who need more specialist assessment or intensive treatment than their GP or other health worker is able to give.

The teams consist of a range of specially trained staff with different roles and expertise. You will see the person best able to assist you at the appropriate time.

The area where you live will determine which team will provide your care. In Northumberland the team bases are:

  • North Northumberland

– Alnwick, Hawkhill Business Park
– Berwick, Anderson Court

  • South Central Northumberland

– Ashington, Ashmore House

  • West Northumberland

– Fairnington Centre, Hexham Hospital

If your GP or another professional feels that you might benefit from our help they will contact us to arrange an appointment for you. If we can help, a member of the team will see you either at your home or as an outpatient clinic as soon as possible.

We try to see all new patients within six weeks after receiving a referral dependent upon need.

At the first appointment, we will discuss with you the problems you are experiencing and the best way to help you. You may be offered further help, either by the person who assessed you, or by another member of the team. The help we offer may include:
• Further specialist assessments
• Psychological intervention/talking therapies
• Medication changes and management
• Memory clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia
• Support, advice and health information
• Carer support for family members
• Linking with your GP and other services as necessary

The teams work Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm except for Bank Holidays.

The team contact number is on your appointment letter.

You can contact the teams by ringing during opening hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you need to speak to someone outside of these times in case of emergency, you can contact:
• Your GP
• Accident and Emergency – Wansbeck General Hospital – 0344 811 8111
• NHS 111
• The Samaritans – 116 123
• Social Services Emergency Duty Team – 01670 536 400
• Northumberland Initial Response Team – 0303 123 1146

We have a duty to keep information about you confidential. We make sure that we only share it with others who are involved in providing care for you such as your GP or Social care professional. We keep all information securely.

Staff can arrange an interpreter if you need one.

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. 
You can provide feedback in the following ways:
- the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
- complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
- other options for sharing your feedback and experience  www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback
 
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.
 
North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: pals@nhct.nhs.uk
Post: FREEPOST PALS
 
South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: pals@cntw.nhs.uk
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB
 
9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.
 

• North Northumberland Older Adult
Alnwick
Hawkhill Business Park
Lesbury
Northumberland, NE66 3PG
Telephone: 01665 608 000

• Berwick
Anderson Court
51 Hide Hill
Berwick
Northumberland, TD15 1EQ
Telephone: 01289 301 301

• South Central Northumberland Older Adults CTT
Ashmore House
Green Lane
Ashington
Northumberland, NE63 0EY
Telephone: 01670 844 730

• West Northumberland Older Adult
Fairnington Centre
Hexham General Hospital
Corbridge Road
Hexham
Northumberland, NE46 1QJ
Telephone: 01434 612 800

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on telephone 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/924/0125 January 2025 V1
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028