Various Reminders to note for Patients

• Both eConsults and triages (calls) are processed in the same way. Calling in to book an appointment will not result in a sooner appointment. eConsults are therefore recommended as these can be managed faster by our team.
• Please ensure that your information is up to date. We cannot reach you if we only have outdated phone numbers or email addresses. Updating this means we can contact you correctly.
• Note that there are various pharmacist and community teams that can also help with everyday health concerns – often more quickly than waiting for an appointment with your GP.

Last Month's Statistics

• 2841 Face to face appointments conducted by GPs and ANPs.
• 1487 Telephone consultations conducted by GPs and ANPs.
• 4156 Nurse and HCA appointments booked.
• 6027 eConsults/triages processed.
• 6947 Reception managed and processed incoming calls.
• 2424 Prescription requests processed.
• 313 Did not attend (DNA) their appointments (or cancel them).

Current Campaigns

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine helps against serious chest infections, particularly in older adults and newborn babies. A new vaccine is now available for those aged 75–79, and for anyone who turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024. It’s also offered to pregnant individuals from 28 weeks onwards to help protect their baby after birth.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine helps protect against serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It is recommended for all adults aged 65 and over, babies, and anyone with certain long-term health conditions that affect the heart, lungs, or immune system. Depending on your age and health, you may need a one-off dose or regular boosters.
• Shingles Vaccine prevents a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can lead to long-term nerve pain. The vaccine significantly reduces your risk and is offered to adults turning 65, to those aged 70–79, and to people aged 50 or over with severely weakened immune systems.

You can check your eligibility on the NHS website

Vaccination Clinics

• We’re nearly finished with the COVID-19 vaccination clinics, with some catch-up sessions planned for the end of November.
• Flu clinics are now finished on weekends, but these are still running during the week.

Weight Loss Injection Clarification

Recently we have had quite a lot of queries regarding these injections. For clarity, to be eligible for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on the NHS for weight loss, you need a BMI of 40 or higher, or 37.5 for certain Asian, Black, or Middle Eastern ethnicities, and at least four obesity-related health conditions like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• High cholesterol

Access is currently limited to those with the highest medical need, and the treatment is provided with essential lifestyle support.

Important information:

• Phased rollout: Mounjaro is being introduced gradually, prioritising patients with the highest health risks.
• Wrap-around care: This treatment is part of a broader weight management programme, which includes advice on diet, physical activity, and regular support.
• Must be used: alongside diet and exercise, not on its own.
• If stopping Mounjaro: this often leads to weight regain, so long-term maintenance strategies are important.

Movember – Supporting Men’s Mental Health

Each November, Movember raises awareness of the key health issues affecting men – including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. It’s a reminder for men of all ages to take charge of their wellbeing and to look out for one another.

Prostate health

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. The risk increases with age (particularly over 50), and if you have a family history of prostate or breast cancer. If you notice changes in how you urinate – such as difficulty starting, a weak flow, or needing to go more often at night – please don’t ignore it. Speak to your GP team; early checks save lives.

Testicular health

Testicular cancer is most common in younger men (ages 15–49) but is very treatable when found early. Make a habit of checking yourself monthly – if you find any lumps, swelling, or changes in size or texture, book an appointment promptly.

Mental wellbeing

Men are often less likely to reach out for support, but mental health matters just as much as physical health. Whether you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, talking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our practice team, local talking therapy services, and helplines such as Mind or Samaritans (116 123) are here to help.