Practice newsletter – September 2025
🗓️ September Newsletter Update from Highfield Surgery 🗓️
Hello everyone. As the days get shorter and autumn arrives, we’re here to keep you informed and healthy. Here’s your September update from Highfield Surgery:
💉 Flu Vaccinations are Coming! 💉 Protect yourself and our community this winter.
- Pregnant women: If you are pregnant, you can get your free flu jab now. Please contact the surgery to arrange your appointment.
- General population: Our main flu clinics for eligible patients (e.g., over 65s, those with long-term conditions) will begin in October. We will be contacting eligible patients directly with details on how to book. If you think you are eligibile but haven’t hear from us, please give our reception team a call after 2.30pm when the lines are less busy and they will be able to help you.
❄️ Preparing for Winter Months ❄️ Winter can be a challenging time for health.
- Stay Warm: Keep your home warm and dress in layers.
- Repeat Prescriptions: Order your repeat prescriptions well in advance, especially before bank holidays.
- Know Your Services: Familiarise yourself with our opening hours and out-of-hours services. Use NHS 111 for urgent, non-life-threatening advice.
🍎 Support in Our Community: Foodbanks 🍎
We understand that many in our community are facing financial challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford food, local foodbanks can provide vital support. You can find information on local foodbank services below:
- The Big Food Project: 01253 568342, info@thebigfoodproject.co.uk
- Blackpool Community Grocery: Kings Church Blackpool, Bispham Road, Blackpool, FY2 0LB. Open Monday 9.30am-5.30pm and Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. Telephone: 01253 934511. Email: blackpool@communitygrocery.org.uk
- The Salvation Army: Salvation Army, Raikes parade, Blackpool, FY1 4EL. Aged 26 and over. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am -11am and 12pm-2pm
- Comfort Cafe: St Thomas’ Church, 135 Caunce Street, Blackpool, FY1 2DT. Hot meals and take away food. Open Tuesdays 11am-12.30pm
- St Peter’s Church: 190 Lytham Road, Blackpool, FY1 6DJ. Open from 6pm on a Tuesday
- Helping Hearts: New Life Community Church, 6 Queen Victoria Road, FY1 5LF. Open 6.30pm on a Thursday
- Holy Cross Church: Central Drive, Fy1 6LA. Open 4.30pm-6pm on Saturdays.
Blackpool Council also offer the Discretionary support scheme. It can provide assistance to vulnerable people who need:
- Short term emergency support: Assistance for gas and electricity pre payment customers
- Help to become established or maintain independence in the community: You must have a local connection, be over 16 years old, receive a qualifying means tested benefit and need help to move to your own home or stay in your own home.
They may be able to help by:
- Referrals to a food bank for a food parcel
- Referrals to a local childrens centre
- Arrangements to top up emergency supply of gas or electric
- Non-refundable travel warrant for emergency travel
- Referrals to other agencies
Link: Blackpool Council Discretionary support scheme
📱 Your Health in Your Hands: The NHS App 📱
Have you downloaded the NHS App yet? It’s a simple and secure way to:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View your hospital appointments
- Access your GP health record
- See messages from your hospital or GP surgery
🎒 Back to School Health for Kids 🎒
With children back in school, it’s a good time to remember some healthy habits:
- Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing is key to preventing the spread of germs.
- Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced diet, plenty of sleep, and regular physical activity.
- Minor Ailments: For coughs, colds, and minor injuries, your local pharmacy can often offer expert advice.
