Archives for News

Social Prescribing Day 2026

It’s Social Prescribing Day! Today we’re celebrating the many ways health and wellbeing go beyond prescriptions. Social prescribing connect people to support in their local community, from wellbeing groups and activities to practical help and emotional support. Did you know? Our PCN Wellbeing Team includes dedicated Social Prescribers for: Adults Children & young people If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, our wellbeing team is here to listen and help you find the right support. Small steps can make a big difference. What are Social Prescribing Link Workers? Social prescribing link workers help individuals access community-based support,
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How We Use Your Information To Plan Your Care

At our practice, we want to make sure every patient gets the right care at the right time. To do this, we regularly review and group patient health information so we can better understand who may need more support. This helps us look after patients safely, prevent illness where possible, and make the best use of clinical time and resources. What is Data Segmentation? Data segmentation means grouping patients based on their health needs or level of risk. For example, we may consider: Ongoing health conditions (such as diabetes, or heart disease) Recent test results or hospital admissions How often
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Meningitis Outbreak

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 cases notified since Friday 13th March 2026. The outbreak has primarily affected teenagers and university students linked to close-contact social settings. Officials have identified the strain as Meningitis B. Meningitis spreads through close or prolonged contact such as: Coughing Sneezing Kissing Sharing items like drinks or vapes What actions are being taken? UKHSA specialists are continuing to interview affected individuals and their families to identify close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit further spread. Close contacts of cases have already been
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Have Your Say – Join Our Patient Participation Group!

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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Minor Surgery & Injections

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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Sleepstation – Sleep Improvement Programme

What is Sleepstation? Sleepstation is an online service designed to help people who are struggling with sleep problems, including long-term insomnia. It provides access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), a proven, structured treatment that helps you change thoughts and behaviours that affect your sleep. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends CBTi as the first treatment for chronic insomnia, rather than sleeping tablets. More than 80% of people who complete the full CBTi programme with Sleepstation report significant improvements in their sleep and quality of life. It can also help those who need lower-intensity sleep coaching and support.
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Manage Your Health with the NHS App

Managing your health has never been easier. With the NHS App you can access a wide range of health services right from your phone or tablet at any time and from anywhere. Why use the NHS App? Contact us by sending an online form about your symptoms, conditions, or treatment directly to the surgery Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them View messages from the practice and get notifications through your phone or tablet Check your referrals and hospital appointments View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines.
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Cold vs. Flu – What is the Difference?

As respiratory virus season ramps up, many patients find themselves asking a familiar question: “Is it just a cold, or is it the flu?”. While both illnesses share common symptoms, they differ in severity, how soon symptoms appear, and how long they last. Understanding the differences can help you decide when to rest at home, and when to seek medical support. What causes the Cold and the Flu? Colds are usually cause by a variety of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. Influenza (flu) is caused specifically by influenza viruses. How do they differ? Although both colds and flu affect the respiratory
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Update to Our Phone Line Options

Dear Patients, Please note that our phone line options have recently changed. We are no longer able to accept prescription requests over the phone for safety reasons. Prescription requests can be submitted via the NHS app, SystmOnline, or by sending us an eConsult. To learn more, please visit: https://www.mountpleasanthealthcentre.co.uk/prescriptions/ What’s new Option 1 – Speak directly with our reception team to cancel an appointment Option 2 – Speak with reception to request an appointment Option 3 – Speak with reception regarding mental health issues Option 4 – Speak with our admin team about test results, sick notes, or hospital referrals
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Every Appointment Matters – Don’t Let Appointments Go To Waste

When you book an appointment with a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional, that time is set aside especially for you. Attending your appointment, or letting us know in advance if you can’t attend, plays a vital role in helping us provide timely care to everyone in our community. Missed appointments have a real impact. When a booked slot goes unattended, it cannot always be filled at short notice. This means valuable clinical time is lost, while other patients who may need care urgently continue to wait longer for an available appointment. Many patients in our community are waiting to
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