Archives for News

SEASONS GREETINGS I am pleased to report that it has been another busy and successful year for ‘The Friends’ with many successful events, and the refurbishment of the benches in the health centre waiting area. These things could not be achieved without the support of all ‘The Friends’ the sterling help of the volunteers, the overarching support of the Management Committee and Beverley’s hard work. We have also been blessed over the year by kind donations and bequeaths for which we are most appreciative. It remains to say that on behalf of ‘The Management Committee I wish you all a
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Protect Yourself This Winter – Get Your Vaccinations! Flu & Covid-19 vaccinations are the best way to stay protected this Winter. If you’re aged 65 and over, or 18-65 in a clinical risk group, then you can get a flu vaccination for free! To book an appointment, please call 01392 255722 or fill out an eConsult on our website: https://mountpleasanthealthcentre.webgp.com/ Please call 01392 255722 to book your Flu & Covid-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination eligibility Flu vaccinations will be offered to: those aged 65 years and over those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined
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We’re Celebrating Christmas Jumper Day! Today, our teams are proudly taking part in Christmas Jumper Day 2025, and you may notice our staff wearing their brightest, silliest, and most festive Christmas jumpers throughout the day! Christmas Jumper Day is all about spreading a little joy while supporting a wonderful cause that helps children and families around the world. By joining in, we hope to bring a little festive cheer to our patients, visitors, and wider community. Get Involved! We invite you to join us in this festive endeavour and get involved: Wear your Christmas jumper today (or any day this month),
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We are supporting the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS on a new campaign encouraging all adults to take the Healthy Choices Quiz. This health and wellbeing quiz aims to empower adults to take control of their health by making small changes day to day. Taking around 5 minutes to complete, the quiz asks a series of questions about your lifestyle. You will then receive an overall score out of 10 and advice on how you are doing in each area. You’ll also receive personalised recommendations and a wealth of NHS resources including free apps to help
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This week marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, a time to recognise and support those who are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Though often invisible, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups. This week encourages all of us to learn more, reduce stigma, and stand with those affected. You can show support by wearing purple, sharing information on social media, or checking in on friends and colleagues managing IBD. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of conditions that cause ongoing inflammation in the gut, often leading to significant
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Free 6-Week HOPE Programme Launches in Exeter in January 2026 A free wellbeing course is launching in Exeter this January, offering support to adults living with chronic pain, fatigue, or low-level anxiety or depression. The HOPE Programme, a friendly, supportive initiative designed to help participants boost confidence, develop practical coping strategies, and improve overall wellbeing will begin on Monday, 19 January 2026. Sessions will take place at St Katherine’s Priory, Exeter (EX4 7JY), and are open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Devon. The course is free of charge but you will need to sign-up online. The programme
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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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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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