Widcombe Surgery

21/01/2026

We’ve recently seen an increase in patients turning up asking to be seen there and then for things like dressing changes, stitch removals and blood tests and even GP appointments. We completely understand how frustrating it can be to wait for an appointment, and we want to reassure you that we are doing our very best to meet demand. However, we wanted to explain why we can’t offer a walk-in service:

• All clinical appointments are pre-booked and usually fully allocated each day.
• Each clinician can only safely carry out a set number of appointments per session.
• Even “quick” appointments still need preparation, infection control, equipment and documentation.
• Fitting in unscheduled patients would mean clinics running late, affecting everyone else.
• This also increases pressure on staff and can compromise safety and care quality.

We’ve seen comments saying “it’s only 10 minutes – I should be able to be seen.”
If several people did this each day, those 10 minutes quickly add up to hours of lost clinic time.

A helpful comparison 🚗

You wouldn’t turn up at a garage for an MOT and expect it to be done immediately without a booking. GP surgeries work in exactly the same way.

What we ask instead

• Please book in advance for dressings, stitch removals and blood tests.
• Our reception team will happily help you book the right appointment.
• If something feels urgent and you can’t get an immediate slot with us, the Minor Injuries Unit / Urgent Treatment Centre at the RUH may be able to help – but you may still need to wait to be seen there too.

A respectful reminder 💬

When we explain this, we are sadly seeing increasing anger and abuse towards our reception team. This is not acceptable. They are only doing their job and following practice policy.

We’ve also noticed comments being posted on various Facebook sites. While we understand people may feel frustrated, this isn’t helpful and doesn’t allow us to resolve concerns properly. We can only assist if issues are raised with us directly and respectfully.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us run clinics safely and fairly for everyone 💙

20/01/2026

🎗️ Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Jan 20–26)

It’s —a vital reminder that cervical screening saves lives. Every year, thousands of cases are prevented thanks to early detection.

✅ Who should attend?
Women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 are invited for regular screening.

✅ Why is it important?
Screening detects abnormal cells before they become cancerous. It’s quick, free, and could save your life.

✅ What about HPV?
The HPV vaccine helps protect against the virus that causes most cervical cancers. If you’re eligible, make sure you’re vaccinated.

📅 Book your smear test today—don’t delay. If you’re unsure when you’re due, check your NHS app or call us at Widcombe Surgery.
Learn more:

NHS Cervical Screening:

Find out about the NHS cervical screening programme, including when it's offered, how to book, what happens at your appointment, getting your results and how it can help protect you from cervical cancer.

19/01/2026

😔 Blue Monday (Jan 19)

Feeling low today? is often called the “gloomiest day of the year,” but help is always available.
💡 Talk to someone, take a walk, or reach out for support—mental health matters every day.

We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

06/01/2026

❄️ Our Winter Practice Newsletter is here ❄️

Our latest Winter Newsletter is now available and includes important updates about the practice, useful health information for the colder months, and details of local support available if you’re finding things difficult financially.

We know winter can be a challenging time for many people, and this edition highlights where to find help with things like:
💙 local support services
💙 NHS cost help
💙 staying well over winter

You can read the newsletter here 👉

For all GP appointments or administrative queries, please request this by completing the relevant form using our Online Triage system found by clicking here.

06/01/2026

Thank you to all of our patients who completed a Friends and Family Survey in December.

We’ve been reading your comments carefully and wanted to share a few key themes that came through.

What you’re telling us we do well:

✅ Kind, caring clinicians who listen
Many of you mentioned feeling listened to, reassured and treated with empathy by our GPs and nurses. Feeling heard really matters to us.

✅ Efficient, timely appointments
Lots of feedback highlighted being seen on time (or even early!) and appointments running smoothly, with blood tests and follow-ups arranged promptly where needed.

✅ Friendly, professional nursing care
Our nursing team were frequently praised for being gentle, thorough and putting patients at ease – especially during blood tests, smears and injections.

🔧 Where we’re focusing our improvements

Some feedback mentioned that appointment links don’t always go far enough into the future. GP appointment links are usually released up to a maximum of two weeks ahead, in line with contractual guidance. Nurse appointments are generally available around four weeks in advance, and for some appointment types this can be up to three months ahead.

We continue to review this to ensure appointments are released in the fairest and most accessible way possible.

05/01/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Harry Collin to Widcombe Surgery! 🎉
Dr Collin will be with us for the next 12 months, covering for Dr Harrington while she takes a sabbatical.
Please join us in giving him a warm welcome – we’re excited to have him on board and know he’ll be a fantastic addition to our team.

04/01/2026

Unwell or injured?

by choosing the right service at the right time.

https://bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth/health-services/

🏡 💊 📱 🤒 🏥 🚑

02/01/2026

Start the year with a positive change—join and take a break from alcohol for 31 days.

✅ Why take part?

Improve your sleep and energy levels
Save money
Boost your mental wellbeing
Reduce long-term health risks like high blood pressure and liver disease

💡 Even one month alcohol-free can make a big difference to your health. Many people find they drink less even after January!

📱 Need support?

Download the Try Dry app for tips and tracking
Join the online community for motivation

Alcohol Change UK:

The official website for the Dry January® challenge: one month alcohol-free. Take part and reset your relationship with alcohol in January and beyond.

01/01/2026

Thank you for your support in 2025 – Here’s to a healthy 2026!

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

🎄 Widcombe Surgery – Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

We’ll be closed on:

✅ Christmas Day – 25 December
✅ Boxing Day – 26 December
✅ New Year’s Day – 1 January

Please order your repeat prescriptions as early as possible so we have time to process them before the holidays.
If you need urgent medical help while we’re closed, please call NHS 111 for advice and support.
Local Pharmacy Opening Hours

Widcombe Pharmacy – 4A Widcombe Parade, Bath BA2 4JT
• Christmas Eve: 09:00–14:00
• Christmas Day & Boxing Day: Closed
• New Year’s Day: Closed
Boots Pharmacy (Bath branches) – Reduced hours on Christmas Eve, limited opening on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (please check locally).
For other pharmacies, check the NHS website or call 111 for details.

✨ From all of us at Widcombe Surgery, we wish you a joyful festive season and a healthy, happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support and kindness throughout the year.

08/12/2025

📢 Final Flu Clinics – This Wednesday, 10th December!

If you still need your flu jab and have already received an invite, we’re holding our last walk-in clinics of the season. No appointment needed!

🕒 3:30–4:00pm
🕕 5:00–6:00pm

Please pop in and get protected for winter! 💉❄️