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NHS services are very busy at the moment. It’s important to come forward with any health concerns but you can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service. Emergency departments are currently extremely busy treating high numbers of patients. This service is for those who need it most – like people with severe chest
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults. A vaccine is available for those at risk from 1 September.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign, each year focusing on different forms of mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Movement is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to move
If you’re pregnant getting vaccinated gives your child the best protection against whooping cough. Getting vaccinated is quick and easy. Speak to your midwife or contact your GP practice.
In 2023, NHS Kent and Medway spent over £3.7 million on medications for Hay fever. Antihistamines and hay fever relief products are available to purchase at supermarkets, convenience stores and local pharmacies and do not require a prescription.
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP.
The 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day, a time for us to unite and offer encouragement and support to those on their quitting journey, is swiftly approaching on 13 March. There are over 5.3 million adults in England who still smoke, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death in England. In fact,
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information on your smartphone or tablet. Millions of people are already using the NHS App to manage their health the easy way from the comfort of their homes.
Measles cases on the rise in England and across Europe. Make sure you and your family are protected against becoming seriously unwell with measles by checking you are up to date with the MMR vaccine. One of our lead nurses, Florence, has recorded a video on why it’s important to get vaccinated: Across England, on average
A Yellow Cold Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in conjunction with the Met Office. During a Cold Health Alert, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office guidance signals vulnerable people including the elderly, very young, pregnant mums, and anyone with long-term health conditions, are at increased
Launching 4th December 2023 The College Practice will shortly launch a new, additional service for patients of our GP Practice Group across Maidstone. The service – Same Day Access – this service will run Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm and provides the gateway to offer greater access to clinical assessment for patients who have
We will be having the Health Bus at The College Practice on Saturday 2nd December from 9.30 to 2.30pm. No appointment needed. There will be free health checks and Covid vaccination will be available in a bus.
This booklet was developed by researchers at Cardiff University. It provides information for parents about the management of respiratory tract infections (coughs, colds, sore throats, and ear aches) in children.
There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety – we need to find what works for us.
Did you know that, in addition to your GP, there are other health professionals in general practice who can help you get the right care?
The eligibility for a free NHS Shingles vaccine is changed from the 1st of September 2023
The adult covid and flu vaccination programmes had been due to start in October to maximise protection over the winter months, but now those most at risk including adult care home residents will be vaccinated from 11 September.
CHILDREN Information!!! Children aged 2 or 3 years can get a free flu vaccine at your GP practice. Book your Child Flu appointment now. Children aged 4 – 12 should receive a flu vaccine at school and will not normally attend the surgery. 5 Reasons to get your child a vaccine Click Link For More Information www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-leaflets-and-posters
As World Sepsis Day approaches (on 13 September), we have set up this post to raise awareness by giving people a basic understanding of Sepsis and knowledge of signs and symptoms. “Sepsis is a rare but serious overreaction of the body’s immune system to an infection, which can cause damage to the body’s cells and
Recommendations for breast feeding are currently to breast feed exclusively for the first 6 months of baby’s life. However, any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. The World Health Organisation recommends breast feeding should continue for up to 2
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
If you’ve been invited for cervical screening, we hope you’ll choose to have it.
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later along with tiredness and irritability. It’s now fairly uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination. However, the UK has now lost its
This years theme for Alcohol Awareness week is Alcohol and Cost. This gives everyone the chance to think about how much they drink and how much it costs them, whether that’s financially or personally. Alcohol duty currently contributes around £12 billion a year in revenue, while alcohol harm is estimated to cost between £27 billion and
In England there are approximately 1.3 million people with a learning disability. People with a learning disability (LD) may take longer or need more support to develop new skills, understand information or communicate with people. The level of support needed will be individual to the person and depend on whether someone has a mild to
We want to tackle the myths surrounding cervical screening Anyone with a cervix (aged 25 to 64) is eligible to attend cervical screening. This includes cisgender women, trans men and non binary people registered female at birth. It is estimated that having smears prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths. 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks.
This year the NHS wants to raise awareness about anxiety. Everyone can experience anxious feelings, especially with pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis (more than 1/3 of adults feel anxious about their financial situation) (Mental Health Foundation, 2023). Anxiety can have both physical and mental affects, affect sleep quality, ability to concentrate, make people avoid
Around 13.6 million people in the UK are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s a serious condition that can lead to other health problems sometimes called diabetes complications. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented. Research has shown that for some people, a combination of lifestyle changes can reduce their risk
Sun Awareness is the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer. The campaign runs from April to September annually and includes Sun Awareness Week in May. The campaign is two-pronged and combines prevention and detection advice. It all starts with prevention, here are some tips to keep you safe in
Parents are being asked to check children are fully up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations by checking their vaccine record in their red book.
The NHS want to raise awareness of the home test faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit, which collects a small sample of poo and then is sent to a lab. If the test finds anything unusual, you might be asked to have further tests to confirm or rule out cancer. Bowel cancer is the 4th most
Walking is a free and easy way to improve your overall health. Walking not only increases your physical activity, but can also improve your mood. Here are some free local walks you could try Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Maidstone which are open to all ages and abilities. They are easy, short, safe, friendly and free.
On 23rd April the Government is launching a national emergency alert which will send a notification and emit a loud noise even if mobile phones are on silent. For victims of DA this could expose “hidden” phones. There is a way to opt out, please watch the YouTube video below and share with any friends/family: