News

Kirkland's Surgery Patient Survey

In September we asked a selection of patients to provide us with some feedback of our service.  Below are some charts to show how are patients access are services and their opinions on the services we offer.  You can also download a full copy of the survey, including any additional comments that were made on what we are doing well and what needs to be improved.  If you have any further comments, please let us know through our feedback page on th website.

This survey will be repeated in 6 months.

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - September 2025

In September 92.3% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 7.7% of patients did not attend their pre-booked appointments with our clinicians.

Missing appointments causes frustration for our clinicians and impacts the service we offer to other patients as they could have used the appointment that was missed.

If you are unable to make your appointment, then please let us know as soon as you can by calling us or cancelling through your reminder text message or via the NHS app.  

Thank you for working with us to keep our DNA rate down.

Friends and Family Results September 2025

In September we collected 44 responsed from our Friends and Family Test.

In response to the question 'Overall, how was your experience of the service?'

84 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
14 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
2 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
0 % of our patients responded Very Poor
0% of our patients responded Don't know/other

For more information about the Friends and Family test or to take part please visit the Friends and Family page on our website

National Cholesterol Month

October is National Cholesteral Month.

Did you know that 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol? It’s more common than you think — but that doesn’t mean it has to be out of your control. Be the boss of your cholesterol. Take charge of your health with small, manageable changes that can make a big difference — from eating heart-friendly foods and staying active, to checking in with your GP. Knowing your numbers is the first step toward feeling your best.​  For more information visit the Heart UK website.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October to raise awareness, promote prevention and support those affected by Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer UK is promoting that Prevention is Power.  They are focusing on how improving our diet and avoiding alcohol can reduce your risk of breast cancer.  For more information visit the Breast Cancer UK website.

Breast Cancer Now are asking people to support those with Breast Cancer by signing up to their Wear it Pink Day on Friday 24th October 2025.  Their website also has a range of information on detection (including a video on how to check your breast reguarly) risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Support.  Visit their website for more information.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit the Macmillan Website.

Stoptober 2025- Let's quit smoking together

Every October, Stoptober helps people across England take on the challenge of quitting smoking. This year’s message is simple – “Let’s quit smoking together.” You don’t have to do it alone, and there’s lots of support to help you succeed.

Smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England. Over 5 million adults in England still smoke.  Smoking causes 75,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.  Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.

The good news is that quitting works. If you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. Millions have already joined Stoptober and gone on to live healthier, smoke-free lives.

The health benefits start quickly:

• After 8 hours, harmful carbon monoxide in your blood drops by half.
• After 2 days, your sense of taste and smell begin to improve.
• After a few weeks, your circulation and energy get better.
• After a few months, your lungs work more efficiently.

Support available nationally

Many people try to quit with willpower alone, but support makes success more likely. Free tools include:

• NHS Quit Smoking app Apple  Android – track progress, see money saved, and get daily tips.
• Personal Quit Plan – tailored advice on what could work for you.
• NHS Better Health website – practical information and quitting support.
• Online support groups – connect with thousands of others also quitting.

Local help in Portsmouth

• Portsmouth Wellbeing Service can offer you support and advice to Stop Smoking.

Let's do this together!

New extended online consultation hours from 1 October

From Wednesday 1 October, we will be extending our online consultation provision from 8am to 6.30pm. This is in line with new NHS England guidance.

 We also have our new patient charter which sets out what our patients can expect from us and how patients can support us. This can be found here: You and Your General Practice. 

 As we work together to make improvements there are a few things that you can do to help support us, these are:

1. Be prepared: Before an appointment, think about writing down your symptoms, what you are worried about and what you want to talk about.
2. Be on time: Being late for an appointment or being unavailable for a timed call-back can affect other patients.
3. Cancel if needed: If you can’t go to your appointment, tell us as soon as you can, so we can offer it to someone else.
4. Use the NHS App or website: If you’re confident using smart phones or computers, you can book or cancel appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and see your test results online.
5. Turn on notifications: If you use the NHS App, turn on notifications so we can contact you more easily.  Please keep an eye out for messages.
6. Order repeat medicines on time: Make sure you ask for repeat prescriptions on time, so you don’t run out, and only order what you need.
7. Join the Patient Participation Group: we have a group of patients who offer feedback on the services we deliver. Our website explains how you can join Patient participation group

If you have any questions, or any feedback regarding the practice please contact us through our Feeback page

Migraine Awareness Week

This year Migraine Awareness Week takes place from Monday 22nd September to Sunday 28th September 2025

A migraine is more than just having a headache, the aim of the week is to change the perception of migraines and increase awareness and understanding.

Migraine means disruption. From daily activities to big life goals, migraine can stop people in their tracks.

Migraine means feeling let down. By the healthcare system. By employers. By society. By your own brain.

Migraine means missing out. From loved ones’ birthday celebrations to career progression, migraine means missed opportunities.

Migraine means so much more than ‘just a headache’. Help The Migraine Trust, and change the perception of migraine, by getting involved.  For more information visit, Migraine Trust Awareness Week

National Eye Health Week

National Eye Health Week takes place from Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th September 2025. 

The aim of the week is to promote the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests.  For more information visit Vision Matters

Routine sight tests are vital health checks for all. They can spot signs of eye disease years before you notice a change in your vision & detect a range of common health conditions, including Diabetes, Heart Disease and Hypertension.

Sight tests are free on the NHS for more than 30 million people, including, children, the over 60s and those on income-related benefits?

For more information about sight tests visit the NHS website

Organ Donation Week

Vascular Disease Awareness Month

Urology Awareness Month 2025

Every September, Urology Awareness Month shines a spotlight on urology diseases.

There are many urology diseases. From the urology cancers, including – bladder, kidney, prostate, penile and testicular cancers to the benign conditions including incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), erectile dysfunction and kidney stones.

This awareness Month is an opportunity to bring together the urology community – from researchers, urologists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, influencers and decision makers, to patients and their families – and all those with an interest in urological diseases.

This years theme is Bladder Leakage: Time to Act. 

1 in 5 people in the UK are impacted by bladder problems. 1 in 3 women are living with bladder leakage. With an ageing population, we expect this figure to continue to rise in the coming decade.

From overactive bladder and urge incontinence, to stress incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence and many more; there are lots of people who experience bladder leakage. It can be for many reasons. Some females may experience bladder leakage during menopause or after child birth. Some people who have been treated for urology cancers including bladder cancer or prostate cancer may experience bladder leakage. For some people experiencing urinary tract infections, bladder leakage may occur. Lots of people in the UK need to use continence products including catheters and urostomy bags and may deal with leakage issues.

Bladder leakage can impact all aspects of a person’s life. There is also a significant impact on the health service.

For more information visit The Urology Foundation

Portsmouth North PCN Pharmacy Team Wins Excellence in Primary Care Pharmacy Award at Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2025!

We are thrilled to announce that the pharmacy team at Kirklands Surgery has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Primary Care Pharmacy Award at this year’s Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2025!

This fantastic achievement recognises their outstanding work in implementing Menopause Group Consultations, a pioneering approach that has made a significant difference to patients care and support during menopause.

The team’s dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit have not only improved patient outcomes but also set a new standard in primary care pharmacy practice. Their approach offers personalised support in a group setting, empowering patients with knowledge, guidance, and peer connection in a way that traditional consultations can’t always provide.

We are incredibly proud of our pharmacy team for this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their ongoing commitment to delivering excellent care to our community.

Congratulations, Portsmouth North PCN Pharmacy Team, your hard work is making a real difference. 

Flu and Covid Vaccinations- Autumn 2025

We are pleased to let you know that our booking system for Flu invitations si now open.  If you are eligible for a vaccine we will contact you when it's your turn to book.

We are awating information about when we will receive our covid vaccinations.  If they are here when you come in for your flu vaccination it will be offered at the same time.

The flu and covid vaccinations provide the best protection against an unpredictable virus which infects many people and can cause serious illness and death each year.

NHS England guidance has stated that the Flu vaccinations given from 1st October will be the most effective for elderly and chronic disease groups.

Flu Autumn/Winter 25/26 – Who’s eligible?

From 1 September 2025:

• Pregnant women (GP Surgery)
• All children aged 2 or 3 years old as of 31 August 2025 (GP Surgery)
• All primary school children (Reception to Year 6 will be given at school)
• Secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11 will be given at school)
• Children (6 months to under 18) who fall into clinical risk groups (GP Surgery)

From October 2025:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Adults (18–64) in clinical risk groups (e.g., those with chronic conditions)
• Residents in long-stay care homes
• Unpaid carers (those receiving carer’s allowance or who are the primary carer for an older/disabled person)
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

Campaign Timeline

• Pregnant women & children: vaccination begins from 1 September 2025
• Other eligible adults: vaccination begins from 1 October 2025
• Public booking (external to GP practice) will remain available until 31 March 2026, though most vaccinations are expected to be completed by the end of November 2025 for optimal protection into winter

Covid Autumn/Winter 25/26 – Who’s eligible?

Vaccination is being offered to those at highest risk of serious illness, following advice from the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) accepted by the government:

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

Programme Dates & Booking

• The COVID-19 vaccine programme runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026.
• Most vaccinations are expected to be completed by 19 December 2025 for optimal winter protection.
• The National Booking Service (NBS) will open to the public from 1 September 2025 for booking from the 1^{st of} October.
• The last available appointment date on NBS will be 31 January 2026 for COVID-19; NBS will remain open for flu only appointments until 31 March 2026.

Know Your Numbers! Week

Know Your Numbers! Week is an annual event hosted by Blood Pressure UK to promote blood pressure checks.

High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses. Once you Know Your Numbers! you can get support to bring your blood pressure under control and prevent these diseases. 

Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t know it. It doesn’t have any symptoms so, the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check. 

This year's theme is: Looking for the Missing Millions

Right now, 5 million UK adults aged 18-64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure – increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Many don’t even know it. That’s why getting a simple blood pressure check at home could literally be a lifesaver.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” – no symptoms, just risk. But knowing your numbers gives you the power to act – whether that’s eating less salt, being more active, or starting medication if needed. Age doesn’t matter. Everyone should Know Their Numbers!

Your blood pressure can be checked;

• At home using a home blood pressure monitor
• At a local pharmacy
• At your GP surgery, Kirklands Surgery has a health pod in our waiting room, or you can book an appointment with our Health Care Assistant.

To prevent high blood pressure, you can follow a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating and partaking in regular physical activity.

Did Not Attend (DNA) Rate - August 2025

In August 93.3% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 6.7% of patients did not attend their pre-booked appointments with our clinicians.

If you are unable to make your appointment, then please let us know as soon as you can by calling us or cancelling through your reminder text message or via the NHS app.

Thank you for working with us to keep our DNA rate down.

Friends and Family Results August 2025

In August we collected 92 responsed from our Friends and Family Test.  This was through the Working Feedback SMS service and our paper form.

In response to the question 'Overall, how was your experience of the service?'

89% of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
10% of our patients responded Good 
1% of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
0% of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
0% of our patients responded Very Poor
0% of our patients responded Don't know/other

For more information about the Friends and Family test or to take part please visit the Friends and Family Test

Medical Students

We are pleased to announce that our practice will soon be hosting medical students from Southampton University as part of their training. We also have links with the new medical school in Portsmouth, and we hope to welcome their students in the future.

These students will be sitting in during consultations and may speak with patients as part of their learning experience. Please be assured that full patient confidentiality will always be maintained, and you are under no obligation to speak with a student if you would prefer not to.

We are delighted to support the next generation of doctors and thank you for helping us provide them with invaluable experience in real practice.

Find more information about medical students and training here

Extraordinary PPG meeting 13th August 2025

On 13th August 2025, our PPG members met with surgery staff to discuss Anima; a new way of booking appointments and submitting general enquiries.

The PPG members were shown how Anima works and surgery staff answered all questions and took on board advice that was given by the PPG members.

The PPG members were fully supportive of the change and wished the staff well with the transition.

To see the full meeting minutes please visit our PPG page.

Coming soon- Anima

From 1st October, we will be introducing a new way of working at the surgery using a digital platform called Anima.

Anima will make it easier and faster for you to contact us, request appointments, and get medical advice. It’s secure, simple to use, and helps us respond to your needs more efficiently.

Please visit our dedicated website page for more information, including how to access and use Anima.

Anima

In the meantime, thank you for your continued support as we try to make positive improvements to the care that you received at Kirkland's Surgery.

Online appointments

We have some appointments available to book online.

The appointments available are for;

• Cervical screening (smear test)
• Blood tests

Please only book in for these appointments if you have received a message from the NHS or Kirklands Surgery.

If you have been asked to book in for a Blood pressure check please use the healthpod in reception if you can.

If the appointment has been booked inappropriately, for example if you have booked in hoping to see a GP your appointment will be cancelled.

To book an appointment with a GP please call us, come in to the surgery or complete an e-consult request;

• Urgent on the day appointments are available from 8.30am
• For Routine appointments, bookable two weeks in advance please contact us at 2pm when we are open.

Flu Vaccinations 2025/2026

The flu vaccine is recommended for individuals at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu.

It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
• Are pregnant
• If you live in a care home
• If you are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• If you live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• If you have chronic diseases such as Asthma and COPD, etc
• Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Please note, Flu Vaccines will be given on the following dates

From 01/09/2025 – All Pregnant Adults and all eligible children (Please note this date will be confirmed nearer the time when our vaccines have been delivered.

From 01/10/2025 – All other eligible adults, including patients aged 65 years or over on 31/03/2025 and adults with chronic diseases (Please note we intend to offer walk-in appointments for all flu vaccines this year – please wait for invites to be sent by texts, which will give details of our clinics).

For more information please read the National Flu Immunisation Programme letter on the Gov.uk website

Psoriasis Action Month August 2025

Psoriasis Action Month is dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. The aim is to educate the public, support those living with psoriasis, and promote research into better treatments and potential cures.

Psoriasis Action Month is organised by various health organisations and advocacy groups to highlight the impact of psoriasis on millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis causes the rapid build-up of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin’s surface. Common symptoms include red patches, itching, and discomfort. It can significantly affect the quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and social challenges for those affected.

Living with psoriasis is not easy. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it increases your risk of becoming diabetic. However, there are many ways you can lower this risk of gaining these including:

• Frequently exercising
• Having a good, balanced diet
• Maintaining a low alcohol consumption

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition, and it can affect people physically and psychologically.   There is no cure for psoriasis, it is important to remember that it can be managed with the right treatment and advice.

For more information about psoriasis visit the NHS website

Did Not Attend (DNA) Rate - July 2025

In July 93.1% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 6.9% of patients did not attend their pre-booked appointments with our clinicians.

If you are unable to make your appointment, then please let us know as soon as you can by calling us or cancelling through your reminder text message or via the NHS app.

Thank you for working with us to keep our DNA rate down.

Friends and Family Results July 2025

In July  we collected 91 responsed from our Friends and Family Test.

In response to the question 'Overall, how was your experience of the service?'

90% of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
5% of our patients responded Good 
3 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
1 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
0 % of our patients responded Very Poor
0% of our patients responded Don't know/other

For more information about the Friends and Family test or to take part please visit the Friends and Family page on our website

UK Measles outbreak potential surge during the summer holidays

Health officials have warned of a potential surge of measles cases in the summer holidays as outbreaks continue around the country.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there were 109 cases of measles confirmed in April and 86 so far in May across England.

Most cases have been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, with ongoing outbreaks in a number of regions.

In particular, London reported almost half of all cases in the past four weeks, UKHSA officials said.

Read the full report here: Ongoing measles outbreaks could surge in summer, UKHSA warns – Pulse Today

Everyone should have 2 MMR (combined Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccinations. Children are given their first MMR vaccine at 12 month and second just before they go to school.

We are encouraging all of our patients to ensure they are vaccinated to avoid being very unwell with measles. Complications that can be caused by measles include:

• pneumonia
• meningitis
• blindness
• seizures (fits)

Please see the NHS website for more information on measles symptoms: Measles – NHS

If you or your child need an MMR vaccination please call us to book.

Prescribing criteria for Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)- Weight loss injections

As per an update from the NHS, from 23 June 2025, GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to a very limited number of patients.  

Our Commissioning board; the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOWICB) have not yet made a decision as to whether weight loss injections will be funded for Primary Care.  We are expected to be informed of a decison in the autumn, the latest updates can be found here.

If any of our patients are eligible, our staff will contact you directly.  We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request Mounjaro, as we are unable and not allowed to offer it outside of the strict criteria in place.  Please see below for more information.

✅ Who is Eligible?
As part of the phased roll out, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will only initially be offered to adults meeting the following criteria:
• Must have a BMI equal to or over 40
• Must have 4 confirmed diagnoses of the following 5 health related problems
o Type 2 Diabetes
o Hypertension
o Dyslipidaemia
o Cardiovascular Disease
o Obstructive sleep apnoea

Who should not take Mounjaro?
o Anyone under the age of 18
o Are pregnant or breast feeding
o Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
o Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
o Hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of its components

What You Need to Do:
If you believe you meet the new criteria;
• We must have a BMI noted on your records in the last 3 months, if we do not hold this information then please book an appointment to have your height, weight and BMI measured with the Health Care Assistant. If your BMI is 40 or over then you will be advised of next steps.
• Do not stop any current medication without advice.

What if my BMI is below 40?
• If your BMI is below 40 you are not eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS at the current time, however we can offer you referral and advice with regards to weight management.

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - June 2025

In June 93.8% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 6.2 % of patients did not attend their pre-booked appointments with our clinicians.

Missing appointments causes frustration for our clinicians and impacts the service we offer to other patients as they could have used the appointment that was missed.

If you are unable to make your appointment, then please let us know as soon as you can by calling us or cancelling through your reminder text message or via the NHS app.  

Thank you for working with us to keep our DNA rate down.

Friends and Family Test Results June 2025

In June we collected 63 responsed from our Friends and Family Test.

In response to the question 'Overall, how was your experience of the service?'
86 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
8 % of our patients responded Good 
5 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
0 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
2 % of our patients responded Very Poor
0 % of our patients responded Don't know/other

For more information about the Friends and Family test or to take part please visit the Friends and Family page on our website

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2025

Cervical Screening Awareness Week takes place from 19th -24th June 2025.  The week is an opportunity for heathcare organisations, charities and communities to come together to promote the benefits of cervical screening and encourage those eligible to come forward and have their cervical screening.

Why is the week important?

Cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.  However, many eligible individuals miss their appointments due to fear, misinformation, or lack of awareness.  Cervical Screening Awareness week plays a crucial role in;

• Educating people about the importance of screening and what the procedure involves.
• Addressing common concerns and misconception surrounding the test.
• Encouraging open conversations about cervical health.
• Highlighting the support available for those who may feel anxious about attending.
• Increase awareness of HPV and highlight how the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer.

By spreading accurate information, the week empowers more people to take charge of their health and helps save lives through early detection.

Facts about Cervical Screening 

• Cervical screening saves approximately 5,000 lives a year in the UK.
• The test checks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cell changes.
• Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in the UK.
• Thousands of lives are saved each year thanks to the cervical screening programme.

If you are due or overdue your cervical screening and have been invited by us or the NHS please call us to book your appointment.

For more information about Cervical Screening visit the NHS website

Hot weather - How to stay safe and well during the hot summer weather

The temperature is set to rise over the next few days in our local area.  Mose people can enjoy the sum without too much bother, however the increased period of hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and sun stroke.

The NHS are advising everyone to;

• stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• wear sun cream and a hat
• wear light clothes
• avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot water
• avoid activity that makes you hotter
• seek shade at the hottest time of the day (between 11am and 3pm)

For more information visit www.nhs.uk

Upcoming changes to online appointments

From 7th July 2025 you will no longer be able to book routine GP appointments online using online services.  This is to ensure that appointments with our GPs are being booked appropriately.

Instead, we will be offering patients appointments to book in for routine nursing appointments.  This will include;

• Cervical screening appointments – please only book if you have been invited by letter or a message from us.
• Blood tests please only book if you have been asked to have a blood test by us or Portsmouth Hospital.  If you would like a blood test then you will need to discuss your request with a GP first.

We want to thank our patients for their understanding and cooperation

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is a joint campaign from NHS England and Diabetes UK that takes place on 26th May – 1st June 2025.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes, how to prevent it, the complication risks and the groups at high-risk of developing the condition.

The campaign encourage the public to check their risk via the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool or, for those with a history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), to self-refer to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

The campaign also encourages healthcare professionals to refer eligible people to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – an evidence-based lifestyle change programme which helps people at risk of type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk through managing their weight, eating more healthily and being more physically active

Telephone Lines

We are experiencing some technical difficulties today with our phone system.  We have logged this with our supplier and are hopeful that these issues will be rectified soon.

We are sorry to those who have been affected by this.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kirklands Surgery

Sun Awareness Week 12th-18th May 2025

This week is Sun Awareness Week.  The week is hosted by British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).  Their aim is to provide people with information that they can use when out in the sun.  This includes the dangers of burning and tanning excessively.  For more information visit the Sun Awareness Week webpage.  

The Met office has also given advice for Sun Awareness Week including,

•          Understanding UV and its effects
•           The impacts of hot weather
•           Sun Safety Tips

Remember when you are out in the sun;

•           Avoid the hottest part of the day (between 11-3am)
•           Stay in the shade
•           Wear lightweight, light coloured clothing
•           Use sunscreen and reapply during the day.
•           Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide brimmed hat.
•          Stay hydrated and cool

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week starts today and ends on 18.05.2025.  It is a yearly event hosted by Mental Health Foundation

It is a big opportunity for the whole of the UK to come together and focus on getting people into a good mood.  The aim is to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise theirs and others mental health.

This year the theme is around community and how being part of a positive community is good for our mental health and wellbeing.

The benefits of community are;

• Increase connections
• Promotes a sense of belonging
• Reduces isolation
• Reduces loneliness

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here

Deaf Awareness Week 5th - 11th May

This week is Deaf Awareness Week

This year's theme is 'Beyond Silence'.  The aim is to highlight the importance of looking beyond common misconceptions about deafness.  Allowing us to recognise the experience, identities and contributions of people who live in our communities and are deaf or hard of hearing.  

“Beyond Silence” encourages greater understanding of the diverse ways in which Deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate, from British Sign Language (BSL) to lip-reading, written communication, and assistive technology. It also sheds light on the social, cultural, and professional barriers that many Deaf individuals face, advocating for improved accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities.

For more information visit the deafness resource centre

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

This year Melanoma UK will be sharing information about preventing and detecting skin cancer in yourself and others.

To prevent skin cancer, you can

1. Seek the shade - Limit sun exposure between 10am - 4pm when the sun's rays are strongest
2. Apply sunscreen - sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays which can cause skin cancer, sunburn and premature ageing.
3. Wear Protective clothing - Use long sleeves, trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin.  Some clothes have UV protection.
4. Wear Sunglasses - some sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.  This protects your eyes and the surrounding skin.
5. Avoid sunbeds - Tanning beds and tanning products can increase the risk of skin cancer.
6. Check the UV index - Check the UV index in your area before going outside.  A higher index indicates a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
7. Know your skin type - People with fair skin are at a higher risk of skin cancer.  Understanding your skin type helps you to take appropriate precautions.
8. Check your skin - Perform monthly self- exams on your skin to look for new moles or changes to existing moles.  Report any concerns to your GP.
9. Family history - Be aware of any family history of skin cancer and discuss concerns with your GP.
10. Educate yourself and others - Stay informed about the signs of skin cancer and the importance of sun protection.

For more information visit the Melanoma UK website

World Immunization Week 24th - 30th April 2025

World Immunization Week - Immunizations for all is Humanly Possible

World Autism Acceptance Month April 2025

World Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re at home, at school, or at work, your involvement can make a real difference. It’s about how you show up - whether you’re supporting your autistic colleagues, students, or family members, your actions can help create an inclusive and accepting world. 

This year, help us change attitudes towards autism. Your support can help create a world that works for autistic people and their families.

To find out more visit National Autistic Society

Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month!  

The Stress Management Society have onbserved this event every April since 1992.  The aim of the week is to increase public awareness about the causes and cures of stress.

Each year Stress Awareness Month has a different theme.  This years theme is #LeadWithLove.

#LeadWithLove—a powerful call to action rooted in the principles of Unconditional Positive Regard. This theme encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.

In today’s world, where stress often thrives in the midst of conflict, tension, and division, we believe that love is the universal force capable of shifting the narrative. By choosing love as our starting point, we embrace empathy, prioritize understanding, and create positive change in every interaction.

Whether it’s extending a gesture of kindness to someone nearby, offering support to global communities, or simply practicing self-love, even the smallest acts of love can spark powerful waves of positivity that ripple outward.

You can take part in the following ways;

• Practice Acts of Love: From holding the door open to being an active listener, small actions of love can make a big impact.
• Support Self-Love: Take time for self-care and show yourself the same kindness you offer to others.
• Share Your Journey: Use the #LeadWithLove hashtag to inspire others by sharing your acts of kindness and moments of connection.
• Access Free Resources: Explore our free resources that offer guidance on stress management, mental health, and how to lead with love in your daily life.
• Book a #LeadWithLove Session: Take proactive steps toward workplace wellbeing by securing your #LeadWithLove session at an exclusive Stress Awareness Month rate.

For more information visit stress.org.uk

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.  This year Bowel Cancer UK wants everyone to know important information about Bowel Cancer and to share this information with their friends and family.  Will you help #PassItOn? 

The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage.

Bowel cancer is cancer that begins in the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. It’s sometimes called colorectal cancer.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live.

Symptoms can include:

• bleeding from your bottom
• blood in your poo
• a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
• losing weight but you’re not sure why
• feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
• a pain or lump in your tummy

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.  If you have any of these symptoms or notice any changes, please contact us to make an appointment with a GP.  For more information visit Bowel Cancer UK

The NHS offers a Bowel Cancer Screening test for those aged 54 to 74 to do at home.  These tests are delivered to your door every 2 years, as long as you are registered with a GP.  For more information and advice on how to complete these tests visit NHS Bowel Cancer Screening

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Each year in the UK, around 2,400 people are diagnosed with testicular cancer. The most common symptom is a lump or swelling in a testicle, or a dull ache, pain, or heaviness in the scrotum.

Testicular cancer starts in one of the testicles. It can affect anyone who has testicles, including men, transgender (trans) women and people assigned male at birth. It is most likely to happen between the ages of 25 and 40.

If you have testicles it is important to check them reguarly.  The Macmillan Cancer Support Website has information on how to check them.

For more information, support and ways to help visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Help to keep antibiotics working!

The discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s heralded a new age in modern medicine. This was quickly followed by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria, which we now know to be antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Antibiotics are used to prevent and treat infections in people, animals and plants.  The more antibiotics are used, the more the bugs they affect evolve and the antimicrobials stop working (AMR). 

If antibiotics are misused and not taken for the correct condition the sooner they will stop working.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS are working together to deliver the following messages to all patients;

• Antibiotics should not be taken for colds and flu
• If you are prescribed antibiotics taken them as directed by your GP or pharmacist
• Don't save your antibiotics for later or share them with you friends and family.

If we work together we can slow down antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

For more information visit www.england.nhs.uk/antimicrobial-resistance-amr/