Performing Arts Medicine in the North East

Free face-to-face BAPAM GP consultations at The Glasshouse

On stage, backstage, on set, in the studio, teaching, on tour, at college – if you have a health problem related to your work or study in performing arts, BAPAM can help.

To book an appointment call 020 8167 4775, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Location: Our North East England clinic is kindly hosted by the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Saint Mary’s Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR. 

Directions – please check your confirmation email for more information about arriving at the BAPAM clinic.

Who will I see?

Dr Thomas Fairfax is BAPAM’s Assessing GP at our clinic at the Glasshouse in Gateshead, and supports creative industry professionals and students with a wide range of work-related health concerns. He is also an NHS GP working within the direct catchment area of three Northern cities, each with richly multifaceted performing arts communities.

Dr Fairfax consults with any clinical presentation and takes a holisitic approach to carefully considering patients’ biopsychosocial needs. He is also a practising (visual) artist. 

How do I book in for a face to face or online session? If you have a health problem that is caused by or impacting your work or study in the performing arts, BAPAM can support you with free, expert clinical assessment. By providing specialist advice from clinicians with a deep understanding of creative sector health needs, we work with you to overcome problems quickly and help you access the most effective care.

Our helpline team will talk to you about your situation and advise you about available support. We will either book you in for a consultation in our clinic or, if other forms of support are likely to help you more, we will advise you further about this. For example, we can provide information about services within the NHS or offered by performing arts medicine specialist practitioners, signpost you to resources for injury management, or highlight additional support within the performing arts. 

To get in touch with BAPAM, please call 020 8167 4775 or email info@bapam.org.uk. Our helpline is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. 

Who is eligible for the BAPAM free clinic? 

If you are working or studying in the performing arts and have an illness or injury that is impacting your ability to work or study, you may be eligible for support from BAPAM. This support could include attending a face to face or online clinic. If you are unsure if you are eligible for support from BAPAM please email us at info@bapam.org.uk or call 020 8167 4775. 

What will happen during the consultation?

During your consultation, our clinician is likely to:

• Ask about your symptoms and their history.  
• Inquire about any previous treatments or investigations you may have had.  
• Ask about your general health, past health conditions, and medications.
• Discuss your ideas, concerns, and expectations regarding your condition.  
• Explore how your symptoms affect your work, family, relationships, social and leisure activities, and day-to-day life, including the psychological and emotional impact.  
• Review previous letters or investigation you may have provided.  
• Perform a clinical examination, where relevant.
• Discuss their findings and recommendations with you. 

Further information is available in the the patient information leaflet, Understanding Your BAPAM Consultation.

What Comes After the Consultation?

Usually, you will receive a detailed letter summarising the assessment and our recommendations. You can use this letter to inform your NHS GP and other health professionals, and to support applications for funding towards specialist health care. In some cases, you will be contacted by the BAPAM team to explain the next steps in the process. Your clinician will explain which to expect. 

You will also receive an email to provide feedback on your experience. 

Related Information: Search the BAPAM Directory for performing arts specialist healthcare practitioners in Scotland

To help you find safe, effective and professional care, please read these guidelines before using the BAPAM Directory.

A list of BAPAM-registered pracitioners in Scotland can be found here: Performing arts specialist healthcare practitioners in Scotland. 

Useful Documents: