News

Changes to the Cervical Screening Programme

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix which would develop into cancer, if left untreated.  How often people need to be screen is changing from 1^st July 2025.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers. Now that we have a better test for HPV, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years who test HPV negative, will be invited every 5 years, instead of every 3.

This change is strongly backed by robust scientific evidence. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years. If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and, if not, if any cell changes have developed.  This move brings England into line with Scotland and Wales which have introduced this change, and with women aged 50 – 64 who are already invited every 5 years.

The way people can receive cervical screening invitations and reminders has also changed as this is now possible via the NHS App. To receive these, please download the NHS app and make sure your notifications are switched on.

Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app If you don’t wish to use the App, we’ll attempt to contact you by text message or letter so, don’t worry, you won’t miss an invitation.

Blood Pressure Readings

If you are under regular review for blood pressure (BP) medication or hypertension, it is important that your BP is monitored during appointments at the surgery, rather than through the pharmacy.  This ensures your BP is assessed in a clinical setting where the GP or nurse can properly review the results.  Your blood pressure will be checked as part of your annual review.  Alternatively, if you'd like to monitor your BP between visits, you are welcome to use the machine available in the waiting room.  Please remember it is important to have your BP taken while at rest, as this provides a more stable baseline reading that reflects your body's normal pressure.  This helps to ensure a more accurate reading and correct diagnosis of any blood pressure-related condition.

Covid Vaccinations

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination

We are now taking bookings for free RSV vaccination appointments at the surgery.

If you are aged between 75-79 years you will be eligible for an RSV vaccination from the 1st September 2024. 

The surgery will contact eligible patients via text message with a booking link.

Eligible patients without a mobile number will be contacted via letter.

Please note that you should not have any other vaccine within 7 days of the RSV vaccine. This is to ensure best immune response.

More information on the RSV vaccination programme can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults/your-guide-to-the-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults

Welcome to our new website!

We hope you like the look of our new website, which launched on Monday 12th August 2024. 

The website has been designed to be easy to navigate and user friendly. If you have any suggestions or questions for us regarding the website, please do not hesitate to get in touch, either by calling the surgery or sending us an email. Details on the 'Contact us' page.