Alston Medical Practice

Alston Medical Practice We are a rural dispensing practice, Alston is notably the “highest market town” in England set in the mountainous district of the The North Pennines.

The practice area covers all of Alston Moor.

As we head into winter, we’re seeing flu and other seasonal illnesses rising earlier than expected, with cases already h...
17/12/2025

As we head into winter, we’re seeing flu and other seasonal illnesses rising earlier than expected, with cases already higher than this time last year.

To help protect our patients and our teams, we’re asking anyone attending our Out of Hours services or GP practices to wear a mask if you have respiratory or flu-like symptoms.

What you need to know:
😷 If you have a cough, cold, sore throat or flu-like symptoms, please wear a mask when visiting our sites
🤝 This helps reduce the spread of germs
❤️ It helps protect vulnerable patients and our staff

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe this winter.

Christmas is coming! 🎅 Don’t get caught out missing your medicines, make sure your repeat prescriptions are ordered in p...
16/12/2025

Christmas is coming! 🎅

Don’t get caught out missing your medicines, make sure your repeat prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time.

Why it’s important:
- Many GP practices and pharmacies are closed or have reduced hours over the festive period.
- Running out of essential medicines could disrupt your treatment or health condition, especially for long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart problems.
- Planning ahead gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy the holidays without worry.

✅ Arrange collection or delivery before the holidays begin
✅ Check your stock — you don’t want to run out when pharmacies may be closed
✅ Plan ahead and stay prepared for the festive break

💡 Ordering early ensures you have everything you need to stay well over Christmas and New Year.

Looking after little ones can feel overwhelming, especially in winter. 📖 Looking after poorly little ones can feel overw...
13/12/2025

Looking after little ones can feel overwhelming, especially in winter. 📖

Looking after poorly little ones can feel overwhelming, especially in winter.

The Little Orange Book is designed to help parents and carers of babies and small children. It covers everything from common minor ailments like teething, constipation, and colds, to more serious conditions such as urinary tract infections and wheezy chests.

Using a traffic light system, it helps parents decide what action to take:
🟢 Self-care at home
🟡 Consult your GP or primary care professional
🟠 Call NHS 111
🔴 Visit Accident & Emergency if needed

Keep it handy this festive season, it’s a great guide to help you know when to care at home and when to seek professional help.

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Little-Orange-Book.pdf

Little ones running a temperature? 🌡️ Don’t panic, here’s what to do:✅ Keep them cool & comfortable✅ Dress lightly, keep...
10/12/2025

Little ones running a temperature? 🌡️
Don’t panic, here’s what to do:

✅ Keep them cool & comfortable
✅ Dress lightly, keep room temperature moderate
✅ Offer plenty of fluids & rest
✅ If child is distressed or uncomfortable, you can give age-appropriate paracetamol, neurofen or ibuprofen (check the packaging or ask a pharmacist)

If their fever lasts more than 3–4 days or they seem unusually unwell, call your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

👉 For full NHS guidance on fevers in children, visit https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/

🌟 Volunteer with the Alston Social Day Unit! 🌟We’re looking for volunteers to help our Social Day Unit on Tuesdays & Wed...
21/11/2025

🌟 Volunteer with the Alston Social Day Unit! 🌟

We’re looking for volunteers to help our Social Day Unit on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. No firm commitment needed, we run a monthly rota, so any help is welcome!

Ways you can help:
🚗 Transport – assist clients to and from the unit
🍽 Catering – help with food & refreshments
🗨 Social Interaction – spend time chatting & engaging with clients

The Social Day Unit is a huge success and we’re very proud of it. Your support can make a real difference!

Interested?
📞 Contact: The surgery to find out more

💛 Join us and make a difference today!

19/11/2025

💙 International Men’s Day – Celebrating Men & Supporting Their Health
📅 November 19, 2025
🌍 International Men’s Day

Today is about more than raising awareness of men’s health, it’s also about celebrating the positive influence of men as fathers, mentors, leaders, and role models in our communities. 💪

This year, our Charity of the Year is Andys Man Club, a fantastic peer-support organisation providing safe spaces for men to talk and look after their mental and emotional wellbeing. Their clubs across Carlisle, Maryport, Cockermouth, Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow, Kendal, Penrith, and beyond are transforming lives every day.

We also want to recognise other Cumbrian organisations doing incredible work to support men’s mental health:

- Every Life Matters: su***de prevention, training, and bereavement support.
- Carlisle Eden Mind (MindLine Cumbria): mental health support, crisis services, and one-to-one listening.
- Together We CIC: wellbeing programs, talking therapies, and recovery support.
- West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership: working with Andy’s Man Club and local services to strengthen men’s mental health support.

On this day, we not only highlight the challenges men face but also celebrate their everyday contributions: the guidance they give, the inspiration they provide, and the difference they make in our communities.

💬 Let’s continue to break the stigma, support one another, and remind the men in our lives: “It’s okay to talk, help is here.”

👉 Learn more and get involved: Andys Man Club

🎶 Exhibition: Songs, Dance & Memory 🎶📅 Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 November 2025🕚 Open 11am – 4pm📍 Alston Hospital Communit...
17/11/2025

🎶 Exhibition: Songs, Dance & Memory 🎶
📅 Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 November 2025
🕚 Open 11am – 4pm
📍 Alston Hospital Community Room, Alston CA9 3RP

Come and drop in for a heart warming exhibition celebrating traditional folk songs, dance and the importance of memory in our communities. 💜

This special event shares highlights from workshops led by local artist Amanda Drago with the wonderful Alston Ladies Club, uncovering and reviving traditional songs as part of the Land of Lead and Silver 2025 community arts project.

Expect a cosy, welcoming space filled with stories, song, and a beautiful connection to local heritage. 🎻🪕✨
Perfect for anyone who loves music, history, or community traditions!

Want to find out more about the project? Visit the North Pennines National Landscape website. https://northpennines.org.uk/song-dance-memory/

This project is led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and proudly funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (thank you National Lottery players!) and Historic England, with support from Cumbria Health.

We’d love to see you there, bring a friend, a neighbour, or family member and enjoy a celebration of our shared heritage.

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sa...
11/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
🌹Lest we forget.

This week is Stress Awareness Week (3rd–7th November)! 🌿It’s a time to reflect on the everyday stresses of modern life. ...
05/11/2025

This week is Stress Awareness Week (3rd–7th November)! 🌿

It’s a time to reflect on the everyday stresses of modern life. A little stress can motivate us, too little can lead to boredom, but too much over time can harm our health and wellbeing.

💚 Be aware of the signs of stress:
😟 Irritability
💤 Poor sleep or fatigue
🤯 Worry or feeling overwhelmed

🧘♀️ Tips to manage stress:
Practice relaxation, deep breathing or mindfulness
Eat well, stay hydrated and get enough rest
Keep active and exercise regularly
Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues

You’re not alone, talk to someone you trust and don’t suffer in silence.

For further help and information, visit the NHS page on stress:
💻 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

If you feel unwell or need medical help but aren’t sure which NHS service is right for you, please visit NHS 111 https:/...
30/10/2025

If you feel unwell or need medical help but aren’t sure which NHS service is right for you, please visit NHS 111 https://www.nhs.uk first. A&E is for emergencies only. 🚨

🎉 Congratulations!You’ve done the best thing you can for your health by quitting smoking and after 28 days smoke-free, y...
28/10/2025

🎉 Congratulations!

You’ve done the best thing you can for your health by quitting smoking and after 28 days smoke-free, you’re now 5 times more likely to quit for good. That’s a huge achievement, and everyone from your GP surgery is proud of you!

💡 Quitting smoking is always worth it.
Even after just a few weeks, your body is already repairing itself: your circulation improves, your lungs start to clear, and your risk of heart disease begins to drop. Every smoke-free day is a step towards a healthier, longer life.

🛠 Staying smoke-free
To help you stay on track, check out these tips and strategies to remain a non-smoker: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/staying-smoke-free/

Remember, quitting isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Keep going, and celebrate every smoke-free day!

🌟 Eden Sight & Hearing Awareness Event 🌟Come along to the friendly awareness event and discover local support available ...
28/10/2025

🌟 Eden Sight & Hearing Awareness Event 🌟

Come along to the friendly awareness event and discover local support available for people with sight or hearing loss! 👁️👂

🗓 Thursday 13th November
🕐 1pm – 3pm
📍 Penrith Quaker Meeting House

Pop in anytime to chat with representatives from:
• Eden Sight Support
• Westmorland & Furness Rehab Officer (Visual Impairment)
• Cumbria Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service
• Optelec
• Retina UK

☕ Free refreshments available
📞 For enquiries, call 01768 891724
No need to book — just pop in!

Let’s raise awareness and share resources to support our community 💙

Address

The Surgery Cottage Hospital
Alston
CA93QX

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 6:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+441434381214

Website

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