Practice News – October 2026

🍂 Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinic – Saturday 10 October

Our annual Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic will be taking place on Saturday 10 October.

If you have already booked an appointment, please help us keep the clinic running smoothly by arriving as close to your appointment time as possible. Arriving too early can create congestion in waiting areas and queues.

Please ensure your arm is free for your vaccination – wearing short sleeves under a jacket or coat is optimal.

If you think you are eligible for a vaccination but have not yet booked an appointment, please contact the practice after 2:30pm, when our telephone lines are generally less busy.

Protecting yourself against flu and COVID helps protect your family, friends and the wider community, especially those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.

🚭 Stoptober – Quit Smoking This October

October marks Stoptober, the UK’s national stop smoking campaign.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Within weeks of stopping, circulation and lung function begin to improve, and over time the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer reduces significantly.

If you would like support to stop smoking, there is help available. Speak to a member of our team who can direct you to local smoking cessation services and support programmes.

Remember, it is never too late to quit, and every smoke-free day is a positive step towards better health.

Quit smoking – Better Health – NHS

💊 Antibiotics: Use Them Wisely This Winter

As we move into the colder months, many people experience coughs, colds, sore throats and flu-like illnesses. While these infections can make us feel unwell, antibiotics do not work against viruses, which are responsible for most winter illnesses.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria adapt and become resistant to treatment, making infections more difficult to treat in the future.

You can help tackle antibiotic resistance by:

By using antibiotics responsibly, we can help ensure they remain effective for those who genuinely need them.

Antibiotic resistance – NHS

🏥 Helping Us Help You

As we enter what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for the NHS, we would like to thank all of our patients for their continued support and patience.

Simple steps such as attending appointments on time, cancelling appointments you no longer need, ordering repeat prescriptions in good time, and using pharmacy services where appropriate can help us continue to provide the best possible care to our community.

🧠 World Mental Health Day – 10 October

10 October is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for our physical health.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly during the darker autumn and winter months. Feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness or low mood can affect anyone at any time.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please remember that support is available. Speaking to family, friends or a healthcare professional can be the first step towards getting help.

For urgent mental health support, NHS services are available 24 hours a day. You do not have to struggle alone.

📱 Have You Downloaded the NHS App?

The NHS App is a quick and convenient way to access a range of NHS services from your smartphone or tablet.

Using the NHS App, you can:

  • Order repeat prescriptions.
  • View your medications.
  • Check upcoming appointments.
  • View test results.
  • Access parts of your GP record.
  • Update your contact details.

The app is free to download and can save you time by reducing the need to contact the practice for routine enquiries.

Ask a member of our team if you would like help getting started.

📞 Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date

Do we have your correct phone number, email address and home address?

Having your up-to-date contact information helps us:

  • Send appointment reminders.
  • Contact you regarding test results.
  • Invite you for vaccinations and health reviews.
  • Keep you informed about important healthcare information.

If any of your details have changed, please let our reception team know or update them through the NHS App.

💊 Did You Know? Your Local Pharmacy Can Help

Many common illnesses do not require a GP appointment and can be treated by your local pharmacy.

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment for a range of conditions, including:

  • Earache
  • Sore throat
  • Sinusitis
  • Infected insect bites
  • Impetigo
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women

Seeking help from your local pharmacy can often be the quickest way to access treatment and advice.

🏃 Move More This Autumn

As the weather becomes cooler and the days become shorter, it can be tempting to spend more time indoors. However, regular physical activity remains one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Even small changes can make a difference:

  • Take a daily walk.
  • Use the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Join a local exercise group.
  • Try gentle stretching or home exercises.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

Being active can help improve mood, reduce stress, strengthen the immune system and improve sleep quality.

⭐ Your Feedback Matters

We are always looking for ways to improve the services we provide.

If you have recently used our services, we would be grateful if you could complete the NHS Friends and Family Test. Your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where improvements can be made.

Whether your experience has been positive or highlighted areas for improvement, we welcome your comments.

Thank you to all patients who take the time to share their feedback with us.

👋 Farewell to Leon and Welcome to Bradley

We would like to thank Leon, our Clinical Pharmacist, who has recently left the practice to pursue a new opportunity. Leon has been a valued member of the team and has provided excellent support to both patients and colleagues during his time at Highfield Surgery. We wish him every success for the future.

We are also pleased to welcome Bradley, who will be joining the practice in October as our new Clinical Pharmacist. We look forward to Bradley becoming part of the team and supporting our patients with medication reviews, prescribing queries and medicines optimisation.