Newsletter – May 2025
Proposed changes to our appointment system for GP appointment requests
As we begin to collate feedback on the proposed changes, we will update the following FAQ page with answers to questions we receive: Proposed changes to our appointment system – Feedback responses « Highfield Surgery
Here is more information on the proposed changes: Proposed changes to our appointment system 1st July 2025 « Highfield Surgery
Blood pressure and Stroke
Do you know what “normal” blood pressure is? More importantly, do you know what YOUR blood pressure is? May Measure Month encourages us to have our blood pressure checked as high blood pressure can be a risk factor for some chronic diseases and premature death. High blood pressure can be an indicator that you’re at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. What is “normal” blood pressure, and what can you do if your blood pressure is higher than it should be?
Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke. Some of the most common risk factors for a stroke are: high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, your age, lifestyle factors, family history, ethnicity. While you can’t do anything about your age, ethnicity or family history, you may be able to help decrease the risk from other factors.
World Wellbeing Week, 31st May – 6th June
In Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s think about the number of people impacted by poor mental health. In the UK, it’s estimated that one in four adults suffers from a mental health problem of some kind each year. People suffering from poor mental health need support and to have their voices heard.
This year, let’s focus on community in terms of our wellbeing. Feeling part of a community can have a significant positive impact on our overall wellbeing. While busy lives can mean that it’s difficult to set aside time to build relationships, contributing to our communities helps us and helps others too.
National Smile Month, 12th May – 12th June
This year, National Smile Month is concentrating on how nutrition and hydration work to maintain a healthy smile. From brushing twice a day to making sure we eat and drink mindfully to look after our teeth, there’s a lot we can do to keep our teeth in good shape!
Babies
If you have a baby under six months of age, it can be really difficult to know whether you need to make a medical appointment, or whether you can safely look after your baby at home. The Lullaby Trust built an app to help parents of young babies to know the difference:
National Patient Participation Week, 31st May – 6th June
If you’ve never considered joining your local Patient Participation Group, it’s a fantastic time to try. Patient participation doesn’t need to be time-consuming or difficult, but it really helps practices and the wider NHS build services that work well for patients.
Patient Participation Group « Highfield Surgery
