News
We’re here to help you stay well this winter
Some important information from the NHS to help you stay well
this winter.
Unpaid Carers Flu Vaccine
With the winter months here, it is important for unpaid carers to get their flu jabs – both to protect themselves and to protect those they’re caring for. We are still offering flu vaccines for patients aged under 65 years who provide care. Please contact the surgery on 0191 377 0340 if you wish to
Carers Rights Day 2024
This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is recognising your rights. If you’re an unpaid carer, or if you are interested in the campaign, please see poster with details of the local Carers Rights Day event taking place in Spennymoor on 18th November. Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid
Flu vaccinations 2024
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) vaccine
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.
Durham East Primary Care Network – Engagement Event
Durham East Primary Care Network are hosting an Engagement Event on Thursday 5th September, please see the poster below for more information. The event is to promote the amazing support offers that are available within the community. Please come along if you’re interested in finding out more about the fantastic services in our area.
RSV Vaccination Programme
We will shortly be commencing our RSV vaccination programme. Any eligible patients will receive an invite from the surgery asking them to book an appointment. For more information on the RSV vaccination programme for 75-79 year olds, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults/your-guide-to-the-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults For more information on the RSV vaccination programme for pregnant women, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-maternal-vaccination/a-guide-to-rsv-vaccination-for-pregnant-women
Carers Week 2024
Millions of people across the UK care, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or addiction cannot cope without their support. It is estimated that they save the economy £162 million a year – the equivalent of a second NHS. Yet, many carers feel their role
Whooping cough cases continue to rise
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.
Covid Spring Boosters
This spring those most vulnerable and at greatest risk from COVID-19 will need extra protection.You are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine if you are: Your GP may contact you to arrange a vaccination, or you can search ‘NHS COVID-19 vaccine’ for more details on how to book, or book through the NHS App. If
Healthwatch County Durham
Healthwatch County Durham helps you and your family get the best out of health and social care services in County Durham. They are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. Healthwatch are here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care. Our sole purpose is to understand the
Think pharmacy first
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.
New Year – time to stop smoking?
Smokefree County Durham offer FREE support and a range of stop smoking medication, including vapes. Ring 0800 772 0565 to make an appointment with a specialist advisor.
The NHS App found in 22.6 million pockets across England
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.
Find your little big thing for your mental health
There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety – we need to find what works for us.
Behind the scenes of a general practice
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?
Prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease
The eligibility for a free NHS Shingles vaccine is changed from the 1st of September 2023
NHS Child Flu Vaccinations
‘Be wise, immunise’ your child against flu – you nose it makes sense!
Protect your child, and others, from flu by making sure they get their flu vaccine.
Flu can be a very nasty illness in children, causing a range of symptoms including fever, dry cough, sore throat, aching joints, and extreme tiredness. The virus also spreads easily, and children can pass it on to others.
The nasal spray vaccine is free for children aged 2-3 years, those in primary and secondary schools up to year 11.
The vaccine is also free for children and young people who have a medical condition from the age of six months.
The flu vaccination for most children is needle-free for those aged 2-17 years.
It is given as a single squirt up each nostril; it’s quick, painless, and more effective in children than an injectable vaccine.
Children aged 2-3 years (on 31 August 2023) will be given the flu vaccination at their GP surgery.
If you haven’t heard from your practice by the middle of October, please get in touch with them to arrange an appointment for your child’s flu vaccination.
If your child is of primary or secondary school age, up to year 11, you will receive information from the School Age Immunisation Service asking you to give your consent so your child can have their free vaccination at school.
Please remember to complete the consent process as soon as possible.
All children up to the age of 18 who live with someone with a high-risk health condition, or those that live with someone who has, can get the free flu vaccine from their GP.
For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
NHS Winter Flu and Covid Vaccine
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.
MMR and Measles
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.
NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite
If you’ve been invited for cervical screening, we hope you’ll choose to have it.
Seasonal health: how to cope in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks.
Measles: Are you protected?
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.
When Stroke Strikes, Act F.A.S.T.
Act F.A.S.T. Call 999 if you see any single one of the signs of a stroke.
Help Us, Help You: Cancer – early diagnosis
If something in your body doesn’t feel right, don’t carry the worry of cancer with you.
Get to the help you need — use 111 online
The NHS 111 online service can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist.
Group A Strep & Scarlet Fever
You may have seen in the news and online stories about Group A Strep.
Better Health: Every Mind Matters
Looking after your mental health. There are little things we can all do to help look after our mental health. Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.
Know Your Numbers! Week
Know Your Numbers! Week is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.
Don’t let the thought of cancer play on your mind
If something in your body doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor. Most people who go for tests find out it’s not cancer.
How does the NHS in England work and how is it changing?
Big changes are taking place across the health and care system. What does it mean?
Why can’t I get a prescription for an over-the-counter medicine?
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.
Lift someone out of loneliness
Fancy a cuppa? Sometimes reaching out to someone with as little as three words can make a big difference.
Help us help you — Just think 111 first
When you think you need A&E, contact NHS 111 by phone or online. NHS 111 is free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You answer questions about your symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
We are here to Help You, Thank You for Treating us with Respect
We are working to improve the difficulties patients are experiencing but please bear with us and treat staff with respect.