Banbury Cross Health Centre

19/03/2026

Canterbury Meningitis Outbreak
We understand this outbreak may cause anxiety, especially for those with links to the Canterbury area. Please be reassured that:
• Public health teams are responding quickly and thoroughly.
• The disease, while serious, remains uncommon.
• Support and advice are readily available.
• If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice

We are not being advised to give any additional vaccines - vaccines can only be offered to eligible people that are due. You can check your vaccine status on the NHS app.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?
• all students and staff living on Canterbury campus at University of Kent
• close contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
• Club Chemistry staff
• Club Chemistry attendees 5 to 7 March inclusive.

This situation is evolving and advice may be updated as information emerges

More resources

• NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
• Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org | 0808 800 3344 (24 hours).
• Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org | 0808 80 10 388 (9am-8pm).

Meningitis Now is the UK's largest meningitis charity, offering support, funding research and raising awareness. Find out about the work we do to save lives

19/03/2026

06/01/2026

Hi Banbury,

These products are marketed or intended to be used as pillows or cushions for babies to sleep on, or with, or to be placed on or with, unsupervised.

We have been asked to highlight the main harms, which are suffocation and overheating which can lead to serious injury or death in babies. These harms can occur when a baby is placed on the baby sleep pillow unattended or for sleep including when the pillow is put into a cot or crib.

There are significant concerns about baby sleep pillows marketed for babies under 12 months old. These products promote sleep or care practices that contravene NHS Safe Sleep guidance and can give rise to significant harm or death. Action is being taken to assess these products and to remove those that are unsafe from the market.

02/01/2026

Please be careful when visiting today and allow extra time. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, the car park and surrounding paths were not gritted overnight so it's a bit slippery. Apologies - we are trying to resolve this.

24/09/2025

Please join BCHC and our PPG to support this wonderful charity. We'll be selling a selection of cakes and some hot drinks on the morning of Friday 26 September. Perfect in this cold weather. See you there.

Thank you to our PPG, our staff, our cake bakers and especially those patients that donated. We raised £137 which is very much appreciated. Well done all.