The Practice of Health

03/09/2025

Update 11.50 Our telephone lines are now up and running.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Update - Major Server Outage.

Our telephone lines are not working this morning! The engineers are currently working to fix them. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

02/09/2025

Every September, Urology Awareness Month shines a spotlight on urology diseases. The theme of Urology Awareness Month 2025 is ‘Bladder Leakage: Time to Act’. We’re inviting people to join the movement for change!

There are many urology diseases. From the urology cancers, including – bladder, kidney, prostate, pe**le and testicular cancers to the benign conditions including incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), erectile dysfunction and kidney stones.

This awareness Month is an opportunity to bring together the urology community – from researchers, urologists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, influencers and decision makers, to patients and their families – and all those with an interest in urological diseases.

Throughout the Month we highlight stats and facts on urology health and share new videos and resources, deliver webinars, hold roadshows and health and wellbeing sessions, organise events and fundraising activities. There are lots of ways you can get involved and stay in touch with info@theurologyfoundation.org.

02/09/2025

The Autumn/winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination rollout is set to start shortly. Flu and COVID-19 remain a serious threat to our communities and can have a profound impact on health and care services. As always, vaccination remains the best line of defence against both infections, so it’s vital to get immunised as soon as they become available to you 💉

While the eligibility criteria for the flu vaccine will remain the same as previous years, the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility this winter will be narrowed to ensure that the programme focuses on those most vulnerable to the disease.

For a comprehensive list of eligibility for both vaccines, please go to the Cardiff and Vale UHB website here: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/patient-advice/local-public-health-team/key-areas-of-focus/immunisations/flu-covid-vaccination/

For parents and guardians, a comprehensive webpage has been
designed on the flu vaccination programme in primary and secondary schools, containing key information, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a timetable of when school immunisation nurses will visit. You can access it here: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/patient-advice/local-public-health-team/key-areas-of-focus/immunisations/flu-covid-vaccination/flu-vaccine-in-schools-information-for-parents/

02/09/2025

INFORMATION SESSION: Introduction to Fibromyalgia: we will explain what we know about how fibromyalgia works, how it is diagnosed and what to expect from healthcare professionals.

📅 Tuesday – 23rd September 2025
🖥️ Online via Teams 11.00 am – 12.00 noon.

Join Cymru Versus Arthritis and Francesca Fulthorpe (Advanced Pain Management Practitioner) to learn about fibromyalgia. We will explain what we know about how fibromyalgia works, how it is diagnosed and what you can expect from healthcare professionals.
There will be an opportunity for questions and to share your own tips. Everyone is welcome!

Register your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-fibromyalgia-how-fibromyalgia-works-and-is-diagnosed-tickets-1616822522689?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawMjzatleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTUzdlR2pkTnNXODlZc3FzAR6gCubTU13_Zf9mSF0MTPm8lOqXC7E9JaqZDQNw0HqD3fat9xOZ3IcTEnmOhQ_aem_4Apq3v_dfortl69jUp3WsA

02/09/2025

Parkinson's UK Support Group

02/09/2025

Do you want to learn about Fibromyalgia?
Register:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-fibromyalgia-how-fibromyalgia-works-and-is-diagnosed-tickets-1616822522689?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/08/2025

Digital mental health support is growing - but so are the myths and misconceptions that surround it. At NHS Wales’ online CBT Service, we wanted to set the record straight. Here are some common myths about mental health apps – and why they definitely don’t apply to SilverCloud.

MYTH: "It’s just a chatbot - I’ll be all on my own."
BUSTED: Every SilverCloud Wales user is assigned a real, NHS- trained, human supporter who checks in, gives feedback, and helps guide you through the programme.

MYTH: “It’ll cost me – these things always need a subscription.”
BUSTED: SilverCloud is 100% free for anyone aged 16+ living in Wales or registered with a Wales-based GP practice. There are no hidden fees, no in-app purchases, no ‘first month free’. You can leave your debit card in your wallet – we promise you won’t need it. Ever.

MYTH: "It’s not as good as seeing someone face-to-face."
BUSTED: SilverCloud isn’t designed to replace in-person therapy, but it’s a great option for early support and self-management. It’s grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the same approach often used with in-person talking therapies.

MYTH: “Online therapies don’t really work.”
BUSTED: For many people, online CBT has been shown to be just as effective as in-person support. Moreover, SilverCloud is backed by over 20 years of research, meaning it’s clinically proven to help with issues like stress, anxiety and low mood. It’s used by over a million people worldwide, is commissioned by NHS departments all over the UK and comes with the stamp of approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

MYTH: "I’m no good with computers, I probably won’t be able to use it."
BUSTED: If you can use email or browse the internet, you can use SilverCloud. If you’re not confident online, free training is available via Digital Communities Wales, or you can email us at Silver.Cloud@wales.nhs.uk and we’ll do our best to get you up and running.

MYTH: "I don’t have time for mental health support. I’m too busy.”
BUSTED: SilverCloud is convenient and flexible. You can dip in and out in your own time - before work, after the school run, or even on your lunch break. Most people spend just 15–20 minutes a few times a week. You can even do it in your PJs!

MYTH: “My data won’t be private.”
BUSTED: SilverCloud Wales is an NHS-appointed service, and your information is treated with the same high standards of confidentiality that you’d expect from your GP or any other NHS care. It’s a secure platform, and your data is never shared without your consent.

MYTH: “I’ll a need a referral from my GP.”
BUSTED: There’s no need to see a doctor. No appointments. No waiting rooms. No difficult conversations. You can sign up online with just a few clicks.

MYTH: “There’s probably a massive waiting list.”
BUSTED: There’s no waiting list for SilverCloud. You can get the help you need and begin your journey to feeling better today. Don’t wait until things feel overwhelming, because then you may well require a service with a waiting list. Start early before things get out of hand.

https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

28/08/2025

✒️ National Patient Experience Survey ✒️
https://forms.office.com/e/e7GqEFmDXg
We want to hear from you! Annually, we must ensure that all registered patients have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience when making contact with the surgery through the National Patient Experience Survey produced by Welsh Government.
Clicking on the link here https://forms.office.com/e/e7GqEFmDXg take you directly to our practice survey. It would help us greatly if you could spare a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and leave constructive feedback on the health services that we may have provided to you.
Please think about a recent appointment with members of our clinical team; Health Care Assistants, Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacist, and GPs. Consider the types of additional services we provide (not just appointments) for example Contraceptives (Coils/Implants), Joint Injections, Minor Surgery, COPD clinics, Diabetes Clinics, INR Clinics, Medication Reviews, etc.
Your feedback is really important and will enable us to improve the services we provide. The results will develop an action plan which will demonstrate how we plan to move forward with implementing and communicating change. It will also allow us to reflect and demonstrate improvements that we have made.
Thank you.

✒️ National Patient Experience Survey ✒️
https://forms.office.com/e/e7GqEFmDXg
We want to hear from you! Annually, we must ensure that all registered patients have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience when making contact with the surgery through the National Patient Experience Survey produced by Welsh Government.

Clicking on the link here https://forms.office.com/e/e7GqEFmDXg take you directly to our practice survey. It would help us greatly if you could spare a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and leave constructive feedback on the health services that we may have provided to you.

Please think about a recent appointment with members of our clinical team; Health Care Assistants, Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacist, and GPs. Consider the types of additional services we provide (not just appointments) for example Contraceptives (Coils/Implants), Joint Injections, Minor Surgery, COPD clinics, Diabetes Clinics, INR Clinics, Medication Reviews, etc.

Your feedback is really important and will enable us to improve the services we provide. The results will develop an action plan which will demonstrate how we plan to move forward with implementing and communicating change. It will also allow us to reflect and demonstrate improvements that we have made.

Thank you.

27/08/2025

Visit diabetes.org.uk/the4Ts

21/08/2025

The HPV vaccine is given to boys to help protect against a range of cancers, including head, neck and mouth cancers.

All boys born after 1st September 2009 who missed their vaccination can catch up at their GP practice until their 25th birthday 🥳

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/hpv/

21/08/2025

Don't forget that some pharmacies may be closed or have reduced opening hours this upcoming bank holiday weekend.

Be sure to collect any medication you may need and stock up a first aid kit 💊

Find your nearest pharmacy at www.111.wales.nhs.uk

21/08/2025

Today is the big day for many 16 year olds who will be getting their GCSE results! 😬 Getting exam results and feedback can bring up many emotions, anxieties, and worries. For some getting positive results is a great time, but for others the disappointment of not achieving what you expected can be really hard to manage.

To everyone getting their GCSE results today – remember this: your grades do not define you. They don’t measure your kindness, your creativity, your resilience, or the way you make people feel. 💗

Whatever’s on that piece of paper today, it’s just one part of your story – not the whole book. Be proud of yourself for getting through it, and know there are always different paths forward.