News

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026: Encouraging Honest Conversations About Death and Dying

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 will take place from 4–10 May, bringing communities across the UK together to reflect, share, and start important conversations about death, dying, and bereavement.

This year’s theme, “Let’s talk about Death and Dying,” focuses on breaking down the stigma and discomfort that often surrounds these topics. By encouraging open and honest discussions, the campaign aims to help people feel more prepared, informed, and supported when facing end-of-life matters—whether for themselves or for loved ones.

Talking about death is never easy, but it can be incredibly valuable. Conversations about wishes, care preferences, and emotional needs can bring reassurance, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that people’s choices are respected. Dying Matters Awareness Week provides a national platform to normalise these discussions and make them part of everyday life.

Throughout the week, organisations, healthcare providers, and community groups will host events, share resources, and offer guidance on topics such as advance care planning, grief support, and how to start conversations about dying. These activities aim to empower individuals and families to speak more openly and confidently.

The message is simple but powerful: talking about death won’t bring it any closer, but it can make a difficult time easier to navigate. Whether it’s a conversation with family, friends, or healthcare professionals, every discussion helps build a more compassionate and understanding society.

Everyone is encouraged to take part—by attending events, sharing experiences, or simply starting a conversation.

For more information and resources, keep an eye on local announcements and community activities during the week.

Together, we can make talking about death and dying a little less difficult.

For more information visit Dying Matters | Hospice UK

Stroke Awareness Month - May 2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK. The Stroke Association highlights that a stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted, causing brain cells to be damaged quickly.

Know the signs – Act FAST:

• F – Face: has one side drooped?
• A – Arms: can they raise both arms?
• S – Speech: is it slurred or unclear?
• T – Time: call 999 immediately

Early action saves lives and reduces long-term damage.

Why it matters:
Stroke can affect anyone at any age, and recovery can be life-changing. But many strokes are preventable through managing risks like high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

This May, the Stroke Association encourages everyone to learn the signs, share the message, and help save lives by acting FAST.

For more information visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Week.  Health experts are reminding people that skin cancer is common but often preventable. Melanoma is the most serious type because it can spread quickly if it isn’t found early.

Cases are rising due to too much sun exposure, tanning beds, and not using enough sun protection. You can lower your risk by wearing sunscreen every day, covering up with clothing and hats, and staying out of the sun during the hottest hours.

Finding skin cancer early can save lives. A simple way to check your moles is the “ABCDE” rule:

• A – Asymmetry: one side looks different from the other
• B – Border: edges look uneven or blurry
• C – Color: different or uneven colors
• D – Diameter: bigger than about 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, or color

Check your skin regularly and speak to a doctor if you notice anything unusual. The key message for 2026 is simple: protect your skin and keep an eye on any changes.

For more information visit https://melanomauk.org.uk/

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - April 2026

In April 95.8% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 4.2% 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 Results April 2026

In April we collected 35 responses 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 
6 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
6 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
3 % 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

Kirklands Surgery will be closed for the Early May Bank Holiday

Please be advised that Kirklands Surgery will be closed on Monday 4th May for the Early May Bank Holiday.  We will re-open at 8am on Tuesday 5th May at 8am.

During this time, if you require medical assistance, you can;

• call 111 or visit 111 online
• Visit St Marys Treatment Centre or a local Walk in Centre (if you are not in Portsmouth)
• Contact a local Pharmacy- please see the poster below for information.

If you require urgent medical advice that cannot wait until we reopen, please seek appropriate care through available NHS services.

In the event of a life-threatening or true medical emergency, please call 999 immediately.

We hope our patients have a great Bank Holiday Weekend

Introducing Surgery Intellect

Our Practice Introduces Surgery Intellect to Enhance Patient Care

We’re excited to announce that our practice is preparing to use Surgery Intellect, an AI-assisted digital tool designed to support clinicians during consultations.

This technology helps your doctor spend less time on admin and more time listening and responding to your needs. It works quietly in the background, and the only thing you might notice is a small, discreet microphone in the room.

What does Surgery Intellect do?

Supporting your clinician
Surgery Intellect helps by taking notes and summarising your conversation during your appointment. This means your medical records are clear, accurate, and easy to understand. Your clinician always reviews and approves these notes to make sure they reflect what was discussed. Only information relevant to your care is recorded.

Your privacy matters
Your privacy is extremely important to us. Surgery Intellect fully complies with UK data protection laws, including GDPR, so your information remains safe and confidential at all times.

No long-term storage
The system only processes information needed for your care during the consultation and does not store your personal data.

How does this benefit you?

More focused, personal consultations
With less note-taking, your clinician can give you their full attention. This helps create a more natural conversation where you feel listened to and understood.

Faster follow-up care
Administrative tasks like referral letters and documents can be prepared more quickly, helping you get the next steps in your care without unnecessary delays.

Accurate and consistent records
Your consultation details are captured clearly and consistently, helping ensure your medical record is always up to date and reducing the need to repeat information.

Reassurance about your data
Your personal information is handled securely and will never be used to train AI systems.

If you have any questions about this technology, please feel free to ask a member of our team — we’re happy to help.

And if you’d prefer not to have Surgery Intellect used during your appointment, just let us know. Your comfort and choice always come first.

Spring Covid and RSV vaccinations

The Spring COVID campaign starts on 13th April 2026. Eligible patients groups are:

• Patients aged 75 and over
• Patients aged 6 months to 74 years that are immunosuppressed

We will be inviting patients to book their vaccination appointment soon. If you are eligible for the COVID vaccination, we strongly encourage you to take up this offer. COVID can still cause severe illness in at-risk patients.

Many patients are also eligible for the new RSV Vaccination.

What is RSV?
It is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. It can be serious for older patients and cause you to go to hospital.

Who can have this vaccine?

• From 1st April 2026, anyone aged 75 and over
• All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant 

How is this given?
A single injection in one arm. One injection covers you for life.

Can I have this at the same time as my COVID Vaccine?
Yes. It is encouraged to get your RSV vaccination at the same time as your COVID vaccination. We will be offering the RSV vaccination to eligible patients at their COVID vaccination appointment.

For more information on RSV and the vaccine against it please visit: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you are eligible for COVID or RSV vaccinations please book via the link in your invite or call us on 02392 663368

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - March 2026

In March 95.6% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 4.4% 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 March 2026

In March we collected 35 responses from our Friends and Family Test.

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

94 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
3 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % 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
3 % 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

Stress Awareness Month 2026

April is Stress Awareness Month.  This has been observed every April since 1992.

The aim of the month is to raise awareness about stress, its effects and how it can be managed.  The awareness month is led by the Stress Management Society.  Stress Awareness Month empowers people and organisations to take practical steps towards healthier, more resilient lives.

This year’s theme is #BeTheChange.

The theme is a call for personal action and transformation.  The theme can encourage you to;

• Take one small action today
• Challenge limiting beliefs
• Reconnect with others
• Ask better questions
• Be present
• Build new habit
• Share your journey

For more information about Stress Awareness Month visit Stress Awareness Month 2026 - The Stress Management Society

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

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

Meningitis outbreak in Kent

As you may be aware, the media is reporting an outbreak of meningitis in Kent that unfortunately has led to the death of two people and several people being hospitalised.  It is important to know the symptoms and signs of meningitis so we can stay vigilant.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

• a high temperature
• cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• confusion
• breathing quickly
• muscle and joint pain
• pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• headache
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• fits (seizures)

Full NHS information about Meningitis is available on the NHS Website.

Update on Meningitis Vaccinations

Thank you to everyone who has recently enquired about meningitis vaccinations.

At present, our guidance is that we are not offering catch-up meningitis vaccinations for young people unless they are attending the University of Kent.

We can offer a catch up programme to children aged 10-18.  This is a 12 week course of 3 vaccinations following this schedule;

Visit 1

• Td/IPV
• MenACWY
• MMR

Visit 2- 4 weeks after 1st visit

• Td/IPV
• MMR

Visit 3 - 4 weeks after 2nd visit

• Td/IPV

If you would like your child to have these catch up vaccinations, please contact us to arrange.

If this guidance changes, we will ensure that anyone who is currently under-vaccinated is contacted and offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine.

We appreciate your understanding and will continue to keep you updated.

No Smoking Day

Today is No Smoking Day – a great opportunity to take a positive step towards a healthier future.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you smoke and have a lung condition, quitting is one of the most effective treatments for your lungs. You’ll likely feel less short of breath, cough less, and notice improvements in your overall wellbeing.

If you stop smoking, you’re likely to:

• Live longer

• Feel better

• Have more energy

• Save money

You’re three times more likely to quit successfully with the right support.

Portsmouth Wellbeing Services offer a dedicated stop smoking service to help you on your journey. Visit their website to find out more about the support available.

For additional information and tools, visit NHS Better Health. They provide:

• A free NHS Quit Smoking app

• A personalised quit plan

• Expert advice and ongoing support

Take the first step today — support is available to help you become smoke-free for life.

Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.  

Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK.

Endometriosis is more than “just bad periods”. It can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods, pain during sex, fatigue, and can impact fertility and mental health.  The main symptoms of endometriosis are severe period pain and extremely heavy periods.

Contact your GP if:

• you think you might have endometriosis
• your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships
• you’ve had treatment from a GP but your symptoms do not get better, or get worse

For more information, visit the NHS website: Endometriosis – NHS

Friends and Family Results February 2026

In February we collected 36 responses from our Friends and Family Test.

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

83 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
8 % of our patients responded Good 
6 % 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
3 % 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

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - February 2026

In February 95.8% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 4.2% 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.

Ovarian Cancer Month

Every March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It's our chance to put ovarian cancer in the spotlight.

In the UK, over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Two thirds of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late when the cancer is harder to treat. And every day, 11 women die. 

We won’t accept that – and we know that you won’t too. Not when survival rates in other countries are so much higher. And not when we can do something about it right now.  For more information visit Target Ovarian Cancer.

The main 4 symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are;

• Bloated Tummy
• Needing to wee more often
• Always feeling full
• Tummy pain.

For more information about ovarian cancer visit the NHS website

If you have these symptoms and are concerned, arrange an appointment with the GP using anima.

Message to patients regarding prescribing Diazepam for patients who are anxious flyers.

We would like to inform our patients that we do not prescribe Diazepam for patients who are anxious flyers.

We have several reasons not to prescribe Diazepam for patients who wish to use this for a fear of flying. These are;

1. Diazepam is a sedative. This means, the medication makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there would be an emergency during the flight, this could impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions, or react to the situation. This could seriously affect the safety of you and the people around you.

2. Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however, when you sleep it is an unnatural non-REM sleep. This means, your movements during sleep are reduced and this can place you at an increased risk of developing blood clots (DVT). These blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal. This risk further increases if your flight is over 4 hours long.

3. Although most people respond to benzodiazepines like Diazepam with sedation, a small proportion experiences the opposite effect and can become aggressive. They can also lead to disinhibition and make you behave in ways you normally wouldn’t. This could also impact on your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers or could lead you to get in trouble with the law.

4. National prescribing guidelines followed by doctors also don’t allow the use of benzodiazepines in cases of phobia. Any doctor prescribing diazepam for a fear of flying would be taking a significant legal risk as this goes against these guidelines. 

5. In several countries, diazepam and similar drugs are illegal.  They would be confiscated, and you might find yourself in trouble with the police for being in control of an illegal substance.

6. Diazepam has a long half-life. This means it stays in your system for a significant time and you may fail random drug testing if you are subjected to such testing as is required in some jobs.

We appreciate a fear of flying is very real and very frightening and can be debilitating. However, there are much better and effective ways of tackling the problem. We recommend you tackle your problem with a Fear of Flying Course, which is run by several airlines. These courses are far more effective than diazepam, they have none of the undesirable effects and the positive effects of the courses continue after the courses have been completed.

Fear of Flying Courses

Easy Jet

www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com

Tel: 0203 8131644

British Airways

http://flyingwithconfidence.com/courses/venues

Tel: 01252 793 250

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/anxiety-type/fear-of-flying/

Heart Month

Heart Month is hosted by Heart UK the Cholesterol Charity.

Almost 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, meaning many people are unaware they are affected until a serious health problem occurs.

Cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, genetics and other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Foods high in saturated fat can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol, while being physically active and eating more fibre-rich foods can help lower it.

The good news is that high cholesterol is manageable. Simple lifestyle changes, regular cholesterol checks, and—where necessary—medication such as statins can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

You can find out more about cholesterol on the Heart UKwebsite.

Raynaud's Awareness Month

February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month

Raynaud’s is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the extremities — such as the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and sometimes other facial features — overreact to cold temperatures or stress. This causes reduced blood flow, leading to colour changes in the skin, most commonly turning white, then blue, and sometimes red as circulation returns.

This happens because blood vessels naturally narrow in the cold to help maintain core body temperature, but in people with Raynaud’s this response is exaggerated. This can trigger a Raynaud’s attack (also known as an episode).

During an attack, people may experience numbness, tingling, pain, and noticeable colour changes. Attacks can be very painful and, in some cases, interfere with daily activities.

More information about Raynaud’s and its link to scleroderma can be found on the Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK website

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - January 2026

In January 95.7% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 4.3% 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 January 2026

In Janaury we collected 30 responses from our Friends and Family Test.

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

94 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
3 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
3 % 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

SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula product recall

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is taking place from Monday 19th - Sunday 25th January 2026.

The NHS have launched their aim to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.  They plan to do this by,

• Offering the HPV vaccination for children aged 12-13
• Promoting and encouraging those with a cervix to have their cervical screening
• Treating those who have cell changes or have cancer identified in their cervix

The Eve appeal are a registered charity who are supporting the government to reach their goal.  Visit their website for more information.

Staff Update

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - December 2025

In December 95% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 5% 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 December 2025

In December we collected 25 responses from our Friends and Family Test.

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

88 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
12 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % 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

Dry Janaury 2026

The Dry January® challenge is the UK’s one-month alcohol-free challenge run by us, Alcohol Change UK. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the UK go alcohol-free for 31 days, using the tools and resources provided by us, including the Try Dry® app, daily motivational emails, and an active online community. 

The campaign began in 2013 and has been growing ever since, with around 200,000 people globally taking part in January 2025. As we head into January 2026, we are encouraging organisations like yours to come together to help people in your community to drink more healthily.

Make 2026 the year you stop smoking for good!

When you quit smoking, good things start to happen. You'll begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health. It's never too late to quit and it's easier to stop smoking with the right support. Why not start by downloading the free NHS Quit Smoking app to track your progress and get daily motivation?

You don't need to imagine a life without smoking, you can live it!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU QUIT?

The sooner you quit, the sooner you'll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good.

• AFTER 20 MINUTES - Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal
• AFTER 8 HOURS - Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half
• AFTER 48 HOURS - All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving
• AFTER 72 HOURS - If you notice that breathing feels easier, it's because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.
• AFTER 2 to 12 WEEKS - Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.
• AFTER 3 to 9 MONTHS - Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.
• AFTER 1 YEAR - Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.
• AFTER 10 YEARS - More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker's.

WAYS TO QUIT.

Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it's much easier to go smoke-free with the right help. There are lots of support options available to help you on your quitting journey. You might want to consider the cost of different aids and the side effects. If you've tried to quit before, think about what methods worked for you and  what you might want to do differently. The key is not to give up, try different combinations until you find the one that works for you.

For information and support visit NHS Better Health Quit Smoking or Portsmouth Wellbeing stop smoking services for local support

Thank you to our patients for the cards and gifts

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our valued patients who have taken the time to send cards and gifts. Your kind gestures are truly appreciated. We wish you a joyous and fulfilling festive season.

National Grief Awareness Week 2nd - 8th December 2025

 

National Grief Awareness Week takes place from Tuesday 2nd - Monday 8th December 2025.

 

Decembeard

Decembeard is an annual event that takes place from 1st-31st December.  The event is hosted by Bowel Cancer UK.  The aim is to raise money to support the UK's leading Bowel Cancer Charity by ditching the razor and growing or styling your beard.  For more information visit Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live. If you have symptoms, ask your GP about an at-home test.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.  Almost 44,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.  More than nine out of ten new cases (94%) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. But bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age. More than 2,600 new cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 50 every year.  1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.

Friends and Family Results November 2025

In November we collected 36 responsed from our Friends and Family Test.

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

92 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Very Good 
8 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % 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

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - November 2025

In November 94% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 6% 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.

UK Malnutrition Awareness Week

UK Malnutrition Awareness Week takes place from Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd November 2025.

The week is jointly hosted by The Malnutrition Task Force and BAPEN, for more information about the activities taking place visit, https://www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk/ukmaw2025-save-date

Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.

Common signs of malnutrition include:

• unintentional weight loss – losing 5% to 10% or more of weight over 3 to 6 months is one of the main signs of malnutrition
• a low body weight – people with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 are at risk of being malnourished (use the BMI calculator to work out your BMI)
• a lack of interest in eating and drinking
• feeling tired all the time
• feeling weak
• getting ill often and taking a long time to recover
• in children, not growing or not putting on weight at the expected rate

The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

For more information about malnutrition visit the NHS website

Big News to share

We would like to share that Dr Whyte-Venables will be retiring at the end of December after many years of dedicated service.

Dr Whyte-Venables has been a valued member of our team we will miss her; we are also excited for her as she begins this new journey.

If you would like to leave a message or well wishes for Dr Whyte-Venables, we will be collecting notes to share with her before she departs.

International Stress Awareness Week

International Stress Awareness Week takes place from 3rd-7th November 2025.

The week is hosted by The International Stress Management Association (ISMA), a registered charity and lead professional body for workplace and personal stress, management, wellbeing and performance.  

The theme this year is Optimising Employee Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management

For more information and to find out how to get involved visit, the ISMA website

Could you be stressed?  If you are worried that you could be stressed please contact us through Anima to discuss your symptoms with a GP.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.  Pancreatic Cancer is the deadliest common cancer.  Half of the people with the disease die within three months of diagnosis. 

The common symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer include,

·         Indigestion

·         Tummy pain or back pain

·         Changes to your poo

·         Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

·         Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes and itchy skin)

It’s important to remember that having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have pancreatic cancer, but you should get them checked out.

For more information about the signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer visit Pancreatic Cancer UK

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer is one of the most common types of Cancer.

The symptoms of Lung Cancer can include;

• a cough for 3 weeks or more
• a change in a cough you have had for a long time
• a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections
• feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
• coughing up blood
• losing weight for no obvious reason
• feeling tired
• chest or shoulder pain that does not get better
• a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more.

If you have any of these symptoms, please let us know by completing an Anima form.

More information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can be found on the Macmillan website.

The NHS offers Lung Cancer Screening Health Checks for people who are aged over 55 years and smoke or used the smoke.  The Health Check is used to diagnose people at risk of lung cancer.  To find out more information about the screening programme visit the NHS website.

Did Not Attend (DNA) Data - October 2025

In October 94.5% of our patients attended their pre-booked appointments at Kirklands Surgery

However, 5.5% 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 October 2025

In October we collected 44 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 
5 % of our patients responded Good 
0 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Neither Good nor Poor
5 % of our patients found the overall experience of our service to be Poor
5 % 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

Movember

Movember in the leading charity changing the face of men's health.  They are taking on Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer by funding research projects and working with Men's Health partners to transform the way that health services reach and support men.

Movember started in 2003 and has grown in popularity every year since.  Movember encourages people to raise money and awareness so that they can continue to fund the projects and research needed to improve men's health.

This year Movember are encouraging people to raise funds by

• Growing a moustache
• Moving for Mental Health
• Hosting a Mo-Ment
• Mo your own way

For more information about how to support Movember or to donate visit the Movember website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/