GREAT LUMLEY SURGERY

DR PAUL FLETCHER

I qualified at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1980 and started practicing in Great Lumley in April 1985 so I am now the official 'old man' of the practice.  My special interests in medicine include Cancer and Palliative Care and I work one day a week in the Breast Clinic at the University Hospital of North Durham.  As Clinical Lead for Cancer and Palliative Care in Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT I have helped develop Palliative Care Services

I am a GP Trainer with the Northumbria Vocational Training Scheme and have now been a trainer for approximately 16 years, if not longer.

My other areas of interest include minor surgery, dermatology and all other aspects of general practice. I am on the Executive Committee for Durham & Chester-le-Street PCT until the end of April 2006 and am now also involved, for the practice, in developing Practice Based Commissioning

DR MICHELLE GOODING

I qualified from Newcastle Medical School in 1994 and completed my hospital training locally at the University Hospital of North Durham and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  I then entered into General Practice training, the first 6 months of which were spent under the guidance of Dr Fletcher here at Great Lumley.  I passed my General Practitioner exams in 1998.

I am married,  have two daughters and will be working ¾ time.  My interests include teaching medical students and GP registrars, minor surgery, all aspects of General Practice and clinical audit/risk management.

DR JOSEPH THOPPIL

I am originally from tropical South India, but I grew up in Newcastle. I qualified from Newcastle University in 1998 and completed my GP training in local hospitals including the old Dryburn Hospital.  I am dedicated to providing high quality health care to my patients.

When I am not at work I am usually at home with my wife Clare and my children Jessica and Robert.  I also like to spend time in my garden and allotment, play cricket (weather allowing) and cooking.

DR NICOLA PORTERGILL

Dr Portergill works for 3 sessions a week, on a Wednesday afternoon and all day Friday under the Flexible Career Scheme.  The scheme is in place to enable General Practitioners to retain contact with patients while pursuing a more flexible career plan.