Yearly Archives 2025

November marks COPD Awareness Month, a time to highlight Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a serious lung condition that affects millions of people. Many individuals with COPD are undiagnosed, often mistaking early symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath for normal ageing. Early detection and proper treatment can greatly improve quality of life. Lifestyle changes, medications, pulmonary rehabilitation and quitting smoking are keys steps in managing the disease. What are the causes? COPD occurs when the lungs and airways become damaged and inflamed. It’s usually linked to long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as cigarette smoke. There are a number
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NHS patients are being threatened with being removed from their GP surgeries in a new, frightening phone call that’s spreading across the UK. The public is being urged to stay alert following reports of a new scam in which fraudsters impersonate receptionists and doctors in automated fake phone calls. The calls appear to come from a UK mobile number. They claim that patients must update their GP records and hand over personal information or risk being struck off their practice. These calls are not genuine, however. The NHS will never contact patients by phone to demand updates to their records,
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We’re looking for patients who would like to help shape and improve the services we provide. Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a friendly group of patients, carers, and practice staff who meet to discuss how we can make our practice even better for everyone. What does the PPG do? Shares feedback and ideas about the care and services we offer Helps the practice understand what matters most to our patients Supports health awareness campaigns and community events Acts as a link between patients and the practice team Why join? Your voice can make a real difference. By joining, you will:
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Cervical screening (also known as a ‘smear test’) is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer, yet many delay or miss their appointment. Mount Pleasant Health Centre are encouraging all eligible patients to take up their invitation when it arrives. What is Cervical Screening? Cervical screening is a simple test that checks the health of your cervix. It looks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Detecting these changes early means they can be monitored or treated before they turn into cancer. Who is invited?
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Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. The mites spread from person to person during close skin contact. Anyone can get scabies, and it should be treated quickly to avoid it spreading. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include: intense itching, especially at night a raised rash or spots – the spots may appear red. What should I do if I think I have scabies? Scabies aren’t usually serious, but you will need to seek treatment straight away. A pharmacist can help, and they will recommend a cream or lotion that needs to be applied over your whole body, including
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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! Lung Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the leading cause of cancer deaths, but detecting it early can save lives. Know the signs: A persistent cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more Shortness of breath Chest infections that keep coming back Unexplained weight loss or fatigue You may not realise that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, but it’s vital that you contact your GP practice if you have a persistent cough, and don’t wait to see if it resolves
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Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families. How Op COURAGE can help Op COURAGE can help you and your family with a range of support and treatment, including: helping you transition from military to civilian life by providing mental health care with Defence Medical Services (DMS) helping you recognise and treat early signs of mental health problems, as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma providing support and treatment
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Today marks the start of Stress Awareness Week! Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress can take a toll on your body and your mind. Stress can manifest in many ways: difficulty sleeping low energy irritability headaches physical illness Long-term stress can increase the risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as serious health problems such as heart disease. Small Steps Can Make A Big Difference Managing stress doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes, the simplest actions have a powerful effect: Taking short, mindful breaks throughout the day Speaking to a friend,
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About Minor Surgery Procedures Minor surgery refers to small medical procedures that are usually done under local anaesthetic. These procedures are typically quick, low-risk, and don’t require a hospital stay. We run regular minor surgery clinics and these appointments can only be arranged following a clinician’s recommendation. Our minor surgery services include the removal of non-sinister cysts, moles, and skin tags—particularly those that are prone to irritation from clothing or at risk of recurring infection. Minor surgery sessions and injections are carried out our qualified clinicians: Dr Hopkins, Dr Collyer, Dr Scammell, Dr Shafafi, Dr Crighton, Dr Sandercombe, Dr Whaley,
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Emergency Contraception You can now get the emergency contraceptive pill for free from pharmacies across England – no GP or sexual health clinic appointment needed. Pharmacists are on hand to offer confidential advice and support. Find your nearest participating pharmacy here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-emergency-contraception/ Page created: 30th October 2025 Page updated: 30th October 2025
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