May Practice News
👋 Welcome to our May Update
As we head further into spring, we’d like to share the latest updates from the practice, along with important health awareness campaigns taking place this month.
COVID-19 Spring Booster Programme
The NHS spring COVID-19 vaccination programme continues.
Eligible patients include:
- Adults aged 75 and over (on or before 30 June 2026)
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
We are prioritising housebound patients and care home residents, followed by clinic appointments at the surgery.
Please contact the practice to book if you are eligible.
Improving Access to the Practice
We continue to use EMMA AI phone assistant to support patients contacting the surgery.
This system helps:
- Answer calls quickly
- Direct queries to the right team
- Support with appointments, prescriptions, and test results
- Transfer you to a receptionist when needed
Make the Most of the NHS App
The NHS App allows you to:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View test results
- Book and cancel appointments
- Access your medical record
Please speak to a member of staff if you need help getting set up.
National Health Awareness Campaigns – May
Asthma Awareness Month
May is Asthma Awareness Month.
If you have asthma:
- Ensure your inhaler technique is correct
- Attend your asthma review when invited
- Carry your reliever inhaler at all times
Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2026)
Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of mental wellbeing.
If you’re struggling:
- Speak to someone you trust
- Contact the practice for support
- Access local and online resources
No Smoking Day Support
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
We offer advice and support to help you quit — please contact the practice to find out more.
International Nurses Day – 12 May
International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the dedication and hard work of our nursing team.
We thank all our nurses for the care and support they provide every day.
Coeliac Awareness Month
Coeliac Awareness Month raises awareness of coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.
If you have ongoing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, or fatigue, please speak to a GP.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is also Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
As the weather improves:
- Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Avoid peak sun hours
- Check your skin regularly for any changes
Enhanced Access Appointments
We continue to offer evening and weekend appointments through our Enhanced Access service, including GP, nurse, HCA, and pharmacist clinics.
Please contact reception to book.
Missed Appointments (DNA)
Missed appointments impact our ability to care for patients.
If you no longer need your appointment, please cancel it in advance so it can be offered to someone else.
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Out-of-hours appointments
Out-of-hours appointments are available from 6:30pm to 8pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
An out-of-hours appointment might not be at your regular GP surgery. When you book an appointment, you will be told where the appointment will be. These appointments will not be available as walk-in appointments. You will need to book them in advance.
To book an out-of-hours appointment, you should contact your regular GP practice in the usual way. They will advise you on the appointments which are available, and which healthcare professional is the right person to help you. If an out of hours appointment needs to be cancelled, please contact your surgery unless it is a Saturday then please call 07513 094 494 for cancellation only.
If you need medical help now but it’s not an emergency, you can also go to 111 online or call 111.
If you need clinical assistance, please use eConsult. The eConsult will be clinically triaged by a General Practitioner and you will then be contacted with an outcome. See our Online Service tab to access this service.
If your appointment is to see a nurse for: Asthma and COPD annual reviews, first time contraceptive advice, Wound Management, Smear, Child Imms, Adult Imms, Removal of Sutures or Blood Pressure, please contact the surgery by phone to make your appointment. 01702 482900
NHS App
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet – including ordering prescriptions and viewing booked appointments.
Online consultations allow you to input information so your doctors can triage your concerns and offer the right care. Once completed we will get back to you within 2 working days, if not sooner.
NHS App
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet – including ordering prescriptions and viewing booked appointments.
Online consultations allow you to input information so your doctors can triage your concerns and offer the right care. Once completed we will get back to you within 2 working days, if not sooner.
Helpful links to guides from the NHS
NHS
HEALTH A to Z
Guide to conditions,symptoms & treatments
NHS
LIVE WELL
Advice, tips and toolsfor health & wellbeing
NHS
MEDICINES GUIDE
How medicine works& possible side effects
NHS
care & support
Options & where toget the best support
Know who to turn to for your healthcare
We want to help you get the right medical assistance when you’re ill, injured or have a long term condition. Going directly to the person with the appropriate skills is important. This can help you to a speedier recovery and makes sure all NHS services are run efficiently.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
If it is an emergency call 999.
PHARMACIST
When you need healthcare advice or help with medicines
OPTICIAN
Sudden loss of vision. Blurred vision. Painful or red eyes?
DENTIST
When your mouth or teeth need urgent attention
NHS OUT-OF-HOURS
When your GP and local pharmacy are closed
MINOR INJURY
You will usually need a GP referral, except in an emergency.
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY
When an illness or injury is serious or life-threatening
DID YOU KNOW?
If you’re feeling under the weather but aren’t sure what it could be, an online symptom checker can help you identify whether you need to seek immediate medical attention.
