Bexhill Primary Care Network

02/09/2025

💙 Know Your Numbers Week – 8th to 14th September 2025 💙

We have now added an out of hours drop in session for those unable to come in the day😁

Did you know high blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms? 🤔
Checking your blood pressure could help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

📍 Come along for your FREE blood pressure check at:
📚 Bexhill Library – Mon 8th Sept (10:00–13:00)
🩺Collington Surgery-Mon 8th Sept (18:00–19:00)
🛒 Bexhill Sainsbury’s – Tues 9th Sept (10:00–14:00)
🌊 De La Warr Pavilion – Wed 10th Sept (10:00–14:00)

👉 No booking needed – just drop in!

02/09/2025

📚🏫 Back to School Reminder for Parents! 🤒

With children heading back to school this week, it can be tricky to know whether to send them in or keep them at home when they’re feeling under the weather.

🤧 Not sure what to do? Follow this simple advice:

👉 Keep your child at home if they have:

A fever

Vomiting or diarrhea

A persistent cough

Unexplained rashes

Contagious illnesses (like chickenpox or conjunctivitis)

📞 If you're ever unsure, it's always best to check with your GP or your child's school for guidance.

Let’s keep our classrooms healthy and safe! 💙



➡️ https://nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school

27/08/2025

💙 Know Your Numbers Week – 8th to 14th September 2025 💙

Did you know high blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms? 🤔
Checking your blood pressure could help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

📍 Come along for your FREE blood pressure check at:
📚 Bexhill Library – Mon 8th Sept (10:00–13:00)
🛒 Bexhill Sainsbury’s – Tues 9th Sept (10:00–14:00)
🌊 De La Warr Pavilion – Wed 10th Sept (10:00–14:00)

👉 No booking needed – just drop in!

19/08/2025

Some local pharmacies may have different opening hours over the bank holiday weekend.

To find an open pharmacy near you, visit https://nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

16/08/2025

🌥 The sun may not be shining, but the team at Bexhill PCN is out in full force at ! 🌟

We’re here alongside a huge range of amazing local services – so why not come along and say hello? There’s something for everyone, rain or shine!

⬇️ In no particular order...

🫡 Royal British Legion
Sharing information about the invaluable work of both local RBL branches here in Bexhill.

🫂 Bexhill Diabetes Support Group
Helping people better manage their diabetes with practical tips and info about their regular monthly meetups.

🦁 Bexhill Lions Club
Find out more about their wonderful community work – and don’t miss their famous flamingos!

🚓 Bexhill Police (Sussex Police)
Stop by their stall to learn more about their work in the area – and grab some freebies!

🌡 Bexhill Primary Care Network
We’re raising awareness of the free and accessible healthcare services across Bexhill – and offering free blood pressure checks too!

🤲 Community Supporters
Discover their creative all-age workshops with live demos throughout the day.

👁 Homecall
This home visiting service for the visually impaired will be showcasing their work – including simulation glasses to experience visual impairments.

💪 Sussex MSK Partnership East (SMSKPE)
Learn about NHS services for physiotherapy, pain management, orthopaedics and more.

👂 Bexhill Hearing Centre
Offering free hearing advice and information about their private audiology services.

🎣 Bexhill Sea Angling Club
Explore their fantastic visual display and fishing equipment – and find out how to get involved.

📍 Don’t miss out – come and see us today at !

11/08/2025

🌟 Join us for – A Celebration of Community! 🌟

We’re so excited to be part of this year’s Bexhill Day alongside so many amazing local organisations who make our town such a wonderful place to live. 🥰

We at Bexhill Primary Care Network will be there to:
💙 Share information on the many free and accessible health services available across Bexhill
🩺 Offer FREE blood pressure checks – a quick and easy way to look after your health

But that’s not all – you’ll also find:
🫡Royal British Legion – Discover the incredible work of both Bexhill branches
🫂 Bexhill Diabetes Support Group – Learn tips and ideas for managing diabetes
🦁 Bexhill Lions Club – Meet their famous flamingos and find out about their charity work
🚓 Sussex Police – Chat with your local officers (and grab some freebies!)
🤲 Community Supporters – Watch demonstrations and hear about all-ages workshops
👁 Homecall – Try their simulation glasses to understand visual impairment
💪 Sussex MSK Partnership East – Learn how to access physiotherapy, pain management & more
👂 Bexhill Hearing Centre – Get free hearing advice from the experts
🎣 Bexhill Sea Angling Club – Enjoy photos, presentations & fishing equipment displays

📅 Save the date, bring the family, and come say hello! Let’s make a day to remember. 💛

🥰 Thank you to the many organisations who will be joining us on !

🔎 Here's the first of our highlight posts with more about what they'll be up to on the day. Two further posts will follow next week!

⬇️ In no particular order...

🫡 Royal British Legion - Providing information and promotion of the valuable work done by both branches of the RBL in Bexhill.

🫂 Bexhill Diabetes Support Group - Providing useful knowledge and ideas to help members manage their diabetes better, with regularly monthly meetings

🦁 Bexhill Lions club - Local charitable organisation providing information about their work, with their famous flamingos on show!

🚓 Bexhill Police (Sussex Police) - With an informative stall about their work in the area - and freebies!

🌡 Bexhill Primary Care Network - Raising awareness of the many free and accessible services across Bexhill, also offering free blood pressure checks on the day.

🤲 Community Supporters - Information and demonstrations relating to the all-ages workshops provided by the charity.

👁 Homecall - Home visiting scheme for the visually impaired, who will be providing information on their work and demonstrating their simulation glasses to recreate a visual impairment.

💪 Sussex MSK Partnership East - Smskpe - The NHS musculoskeletal referral service for East Sussex, helping people access physiotherapy, pain management, rheumatology and orthopaedics.

👂 Bexhill Hearing Centre - A private practice providing a range of hearing related services, offering free advice on the day.

🎣 Bexhill Sea Angling Club - Showcasing photographs and a visual presentation, along with example equipment, tackle, and information on how to join.

15/07/2025

🍂 Nurture in Nature – Autumn 2025 🍂

We are delighted to announce that the new Nurture in Nature programme will begin on Wednesday, 4th September 2025! 🌿

As the evenings draw in, Nurture in Nature will be running just one morning session this Autumn — so spaces are limited and expected to fill up quickly.

🧠🌳 This programme is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, support your wellbeing, and enjoy the calming power of nature.

📍 Don’t miss out — get in touch with Nurture in Nature to book your place!

12/07/2025

☀️ Don't forget your sunscreen, Bexhill! 🧴

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause sunburn — so whether you're on the beach, the prom, or just out and about, make sure you're protected.

Staying sun-safe helps reduce your risk of sunburn and skin cancer. A few simple steps can make a big difference.

Find out how to stay safe ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

05/07/2025

🎉 Today marks 77 years of the NHS! 💙

Since 1948, the NHS has been there for us all — through every high and low. Today, we celebrate this incredible milestone and give our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff who make it all possible.

From clerks to cooks, midwives to nurses, pharmacists to radiographers – and so many more – it’s our people who make the NHS what it is. Your compassion, skill, and tireless dedication continue to inspire us every single day.

💙 Thank you for 77 years of care, commitment, and community.

24/06/2025

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Prescribing Update

Please do not contact your GP Practice regarding weight loss prescribing at this time. GP Practices are currently reviewing the situation and awaiting further guidance from the local NHS.

Due to current appointment pressures, the reception team will be unable to book reviews for weight loss injections. Eligible patients will be contacted directly in due course.

Qualifying Criteria for Use in Obesity

To be considered eligible, patients must have:
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and
• Four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:

o Type 2 diabetes
o Hypertension (high blood pressure)
o Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease or stroke)
o Obstructive sleep apnoea
o Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)

Currently, very few patients meet these criteria. However, GP Practices will be reviewing their patient lists over time to identify those who qualify. It is expected that the eligibility criteria will be reviewed and potentially widened each year to include more patients.

Starting 23 June 2025, people living with obesity and four or more of the listed health conditions may have the opportunity to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss support through their GP. Each GP Practice will develop its own plan to manage this process for its patient population.

Access to medication will be considered alongside support for healthy eating and increased physical activity, as part of a national wrap-around service. Engagement with this service will be a requirement for receiving weight loss medication.

Your GP Practice is committed to helping patients live healthier lives. They understand how challenging it can be for people living with obesity to access the right support. That’s why they are working closely with partners across Sussex to deliver services that promote long-term, sustainable improvements in wellbeing.

Obesity is a complex health condition and a leading contributor to serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Your GP Practice understands that some people may feel disappointed or frustrated if they are not currently eligible for medication-based treatments. Living with obesity can be emotionally and physically challenging, and it’s completely normal to experience a range of feelings when seeking support. If you are struggling, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/ offers free and confidential help for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, or other emotional pressures.

Please note: The criteria for prescribing Mounjaro for diabetes (when blood sugar is difficult to manage with oral medications) is different from the obesity criteria outlined above. This can be discussed during routine diabetes reviews.

To learn more about obesity treatment and the support available, please speak to your healthcare team or visit the NHS website.
Further information:

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/
• https://oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/ offer group, one-to-one and digital health and wellbeing support to anyone living or working in East Sussex.
• https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/ – Free online tools and support to help you lose weight and get active.
• https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/ – Free 12-week diet and exercise plan, available as an app on the App Store, Google Play, or as a printed version.
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ – A 9-week running plan for beginners with each week involving 3 runs. Available online and on the App Store or Google Play.
• https://manvfat.com/ – Diet tips and weight loss motivation for men

20/06/2025

🌞 Stay Cool, Sussex! 🔥

With temperatures soaring over the next few days, make sure you’re staying safe in the sun:

✅ Apply SPF 30+ and reapply regularly
✅ Stick to the shade between 11am–3pm
✅ Wear loose, light, and breathable clothing
✅ Keep hydrated—drink plenty of water

And remember:
❤️ Check in on vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family
🐾 Don't forget your pets—they feel the heat too!

Stay safe and sun smart!

👉 More tips here
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

15/06/2025

Father’s Day and Grief: You Are Not Alone

Father’s Day can be especially difficult if you're grieving the loss of a father or father figure. There is no timeline for grief—no “right” way to feel or expected progress to make.

Whatever you're feeling is valid. You are not alone.

If you're finding this time particularly hard, support is available. Visit the NHS page on grief, bereavement, and loss for guidance and resources:
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/