Great Western Medical Practice

07/01/2026

All main vaccination centres in Aberdeenshire, except Huntly, will be open on Thursday 8th January from 0845-1600.

Those clinics which usually open later on a Thursday - Stonehaven, Garioch and Banchory will contact those booked in after 1600 and reschedule/bring appointments forward

Please be aware that car parking and pavement conditions on and around our sites may be impacted by snow and ice.

If patients wish to reschedule, please contact 01224 555333.

***The Shingles/Pneumococcal clinic due to be held at the Maud Resource Centre has been cancelled due to the car park conditions, our team will be in contact with these patients to reschedule.***

Please be aware that staffing will be limited and we would ask for your patience as our teams work to get you seen.

Thank you!

Aberdeenshire Council NHS Grampian

06/01/2026

We've done our best to clear a path to the front door and shovel the snow off the road leading into the practice, but the snow keeps falling!
Your safety is our top concern so please stay safe and if you need to change your appointment to a phone call rather than an in-person consultation today just let us know.

05/01/2026

We still have a few spaces available for our ONLINE menopause group consultation THIS THURSDAY. No need to phone to book, simply email gram.gwgroupconsultations@nhs.scot and we'll get back to you. Stay cosy and safe at home, whilst still getting the care you deserve.

31/12/2025

Get ready for the bells 🎉🔔
Follow our tips so you and your loved ones are health-prepared to say hello to 2026.

📲 Use NHS inform symptom checkers
When you’re feeling unwell, NHS inform's symptom checkers and self‑help guides will give you fast, expert‑designed advice on what to do next and how to manage common symptoms.

💊 Check medicines and repeat prescriptions
Make sure you have enough prescribed medicines as many GPs and pharmacies will be closed over New Year. Order only what you need, and collect before holiday closures. If you run out when the GP is closed, a community pharmacist may be able to give an emergency supply.

🤧 Manage winter illnesses at home
NHS inform has practical guidance for coughs, colds, sore throats, flu, norovirus and more - including self‑care and when to seek help.

🩹 Have remedies and first aid items available at home
It’s helpful to keep over‑the‑counter remedies such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you), antihistamines, anti‑diarrhoeals, indigestion remedies, a mild laxative, and a basic first‑aid kit. Always follow the pack advice and don’t overstock as medicines can go out of date. If unsure, ask a pharmacist.

🤒 For minor ailments - Remember Pharmacy First
If you’ve got a minor illness, your local community pharmacy is the first place to go for advice - no appointment required. Pharmacists (and trained team members) can assess, advise and provide medicine where appropriate, and will refer you to a GP, dentist, optometrist or another service if needed.

🗓️ Know your festive opening times
GP practices and pharmacies may have different opening hours on public holidays. Check local opening times and find nearby services using Scotland’s Service Directory on NHS inform.

🚑 Know where to get the right care in the right place
Call 999 or go to A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening. Otherwise, NHS inform can help you decide what to do next, including when to contact your GP or 111.

Need more info? All links in the comments!

28/12/2025

🌟 Meet Clare, an NHS 24 Clinical Supervisor based in Aberdeen.

Over the festive period Clare will be on shift Boxing Day, 27th and 28th December, Hogmanay, New Year’s Day and 2nd January. She says:

"When not working, I've enjoyed traditions like catching the panto and enjoying the city’s festive light trail. I'll be spending Christmas Day with my partner and our two beautiful girls.
"If you have run out of your normal medication and your GP or local pharmacy are closed, use the accessing medicines guide on NHS inform. It can help point you in the right direction to get more prescribed and non-prescribed medicine."

For more winter health tips: https://www.nhsinform.scot/winter ❄️

16/12/2025

For lots of people, this is not the most wonderful time of the year. If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, you can call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87. They are open 6pm - 2am, Monday - Thursday, and from 6pm on Friday right through to 6am on Monday. You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123, 24/7. For more information on the other ways Samaritans can help, visit www.samaritans.org

15/12/2025

Cases of flu are high this winter, so if you’re wondering whether it’s just a cold or you’re floored with flu here’s what to do.

Most symptoms can be safely managed at home. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease aches and fever. Your pharmacist can advise on cold and flu remedies.

Antibiotics won’t help with colds and flu as they are viruses – time and self-care are best.

To stop the spread:
💉 get your flu vaccination if you are eligible
🧼 wash your hands regularly
😷 cover coughs and sneezes

Remember you can access trusted advice and symptom checkers by visiting NHS inform - LINK IN COMMENTS!

10/12/2025

Does HRT Cause Weight Gain? Let’s talk about it. ⬇️

One of the most common concerns about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is weight gain. So here's the truth:

👉 HRT does NOT directly cause weight gain.
Research shows that most women tend to gain some weight during midlife—with or without HRT—due to aging, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle changes.

📉 Estrogen in HRT may actually help reduce abdominal fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and support lean body mass in some people.

As estrogen levels drop, inflammation rises, and insulin resistance increases. Even without changing your diet or exercise habits, women see visceral (deep abdominal) fat jump from around 8% pre‑menopause to approximately 23% during menopause. That’s nearly a threefold increase!

Visceral fat—unlike subcutaneous fat—is metabolically active and produces inflammatory signals. It's strongly linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.

HOW TO COMBAT VISCERAL FAT:

1. Boost Fiber Intake
Most women only get ~12 g/day, aim for 25 g or more daily to lower inflammation, slow glucose absorption, support gut microbiome health, and reduce visceral fat.

2. Minimise Added Sugars
Limit added sugars (not just natural fruit sugars) to < 25 g/day. People who do often see significantly lower levels of visceral fat and inflammation.

3. Prioritise Protein
Menopause accelerates muscle loss (sarcopenia), which further slows metabolism. Adequate protein intake supports muscle synthesis, satiety, and metabolic health.

4. Strength Training & Movement
Weight-bearing or resistance training at least twice a week is vital to preserve muscle mass, increase bone density, reduce visceral fat, and support insulin sensitivity.

5. Support the Gut & Consider Probiotics
Estrogen loss disrupts gut microbiome balance. Eat probiotic-rich fermented foods (e.g. yogurt, sauerkraut)

6. Lifestyle: Sleep, Stress & Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels, chronic stress, and poor sleep amplify inflammation and insulin resistance—fueling the storage of abdominal fat. Optimising these supports metabolic health.

Visceral fat gain during perimenopause isn't a personal failure—it’s a predictable hormonal shift, one that insulin resistance, inflammation, and body composition changes can amplify.

Rather than calories-in/calories-out, it’s about creating metabolic resilience—so your body stays strong, healthy, and functional as you navigate the hormonal transition.

HRT can help ease symptoms and support metabolic balance, but it works best alongside the lifestyle strategies listed above.

We hope you found this helpful. If you wish to discuss menopause more then please call or email the surgery to book onto our group consultations at gram.gwgroupconsultations@nhs.scot

04/12/2025

Group menopause consultations are back and they're filling up fast. However, we do have a few spaces next week, on Thursday 11th Dec. Either call reception to book or email with your name, address and D.O.B to gram.gwgroupconsultations@nhs.scot. We'll reply the next working day if you have got a space.

We look forward to welcoming you!

21/11/2025

We're excited to announce that our pilot project of introducing Group Menopause Consultations has been a huge success and we are now rolling it out as a permanent option for accessing menopause care at Great Western!

These appointments are for any age or stage of the menopause journey, whether you're on HRT or not, whether you're still having periods or not. Meet others, learn from a healthcare professional and receive individual tailored advice (including prescriptions if appropriate).

The group consultations are on Thursday nights 7-8.30pm and the dates of the next 4 group consultations are:
In person - Nov 27th - NEXT WEEK (we have plenty of spaces)
In person - Dec 11th
Online - Jan 8th
In person - Jan 22nd

We will continue to roll out more dates so watch this space.

We look forward to welcoming you!

02/06/2025