Archives for News

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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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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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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About FCP Physiotherapists Patients registered at our practice have access to our experienced First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy team. FCP Physiotherapists are highly skilled clinicians who are the most appropriate first point of contact for patients experiencing muscle, joint, ligament, osteoarthritis or back pain. They are able to: Assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions Provide expert advice on management and rehabilitation Recommend exercises and self-care strategies Request investigations such as X-rays or MRIs if clinically appropriate Refer on to specialist services where necessary The Physiotherapy service helps ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care as early as possible – supporting
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal cycle. SAD is also known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are often more severe during the darker winter months. What causes it? The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the: production of melatonin production of serotonin the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) What are
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Join us and participate in Hello Yellow! We’re excited to announce that we are participating in Hello Yellow today, an event that raises awareness for young people’s mental health and highlights the support available for those who may be struggling. Whether you’re in the classroom, at work, or at home, this is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and spark conversations about young people’s mental health. Hello Yellow is traditionally a vibrant event that encourages people all over the country to wear yellow and share their stories and experiences related to mental health. Today is dedicated to promoting understanding, empathy,
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