Highfield Surgery Blackpool

27/11/2025

❄️ Stay Warm This Winter ❄️

As the colder weather approaches, we wanted to share some important information about the Winter Fuel Allowance that could help with your heating bills this season.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a government payment designed to help older people cover their energy costs.

Who is eligible?
Generally, if you were born on or before a specific qualifying date (please check the official gov.uk website for the exact date for Winter 2025/26, typically around late September 1959) and you live in the UK, you could be eligible. Payments usually range from £250 to £600, including a Pensioner Cost of Living payment.
How does it work?

Most eligible individuals receive this payment automatically if they already get the State Pension or certain other benefits. If you don't receive these benefits, or if you live abroad, you may need to make a claim.

When is it paid?
Payments for Winter 2025/26 are typically made automatically during November and December.

Find Out More:
To check your full eligibility criteria, how much you could receive, and details on how to claim if you need to, please visit the official government website:
➡️ www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with their heating bills - claim form, how much you get, eligibility

27/11/2025

Men, have you been thinking about Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests? 🤔

It's a common question, and understanding what a PSA test means for you is important. A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of Prostate Specific Antigen in your blood. While it can help detect prostate cancer, it's not a perfect screening tool and has both benefits and limitations. 👈

Key things to know:
It's not a routine screening: Unlike some other cancer screenings, a PSA test isn't routinely offered to all men.

💡Pros & Cons: It can help identify potential prostate cancer early, but high PSA levels can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions (like prostate enlargement or infection). Conversely, some cancers may not cause high PSA.

Informed Decision: The decision to have a PSA test should be an informed one, made after a thorough discussion with your GP about your individual risk factors, family history, and potential implications.

If you're over 50 (or younger with a family history of prostate cancer/of Black ethnic origin) and considering a PSA test, or have any concerns about your prostate health, please book an appointment to speak with one of our GPs at Highfield Surgery. We're here to discuss the pros and cons, and help you make the right choice for your health.

In this video Dr Sophie gives information about the PSA test, a blood test that can be used to help diagnose prostate problems, including prostate cancer. Th...

27/11/2025

👉Did you know about the Blackpool Whitegate Drive Walk-in Centre? It's a valuable resource for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions when you can't see your GP.

When to consider using the Walk-in Centre:
Minor injuries (e.g., sprains, minor burns, cuts)
Minor illnesses (e.g., infections, rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea)
When our surgery is closed and you need urgent attention but it's not an emergency.

Please remember:
⛔Always call 999 for serious emergencies like chest pain, severe bleeding, or signs of a stroke.

For routine appointments or ongoing health concerns, please contact Highfield Surgery directly.📞

The Walk-in Centre helps to ensure you get the right care, at the right place, at the right time.

For more information on opening times and services, please visit the NHS website or click on the link attached to this post.

Urgent treatment centres are for conditions such as suspected broken bones or breathing difficulties which need immediate care but are not life-threatening. Learn more about walk-in centres in Blackpool

27/11/2025

❄️ Stay Warm This Winter ❄️

As the colder weather approaches, we wanted to share some important information about the Winter Fuel Allowance that could help with your heating bills this season.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a government payment designed to help older people cover their energy costs.

Who is eligible?
Generally, if you were born on or before a specific qualifying date (please check the official gov.uk website for the exact date for Winter 2025/26, typically around late September 1959) and you live in the UK, you could be eligible. Payments usually range from £250 to £600, including a Pensioner Cost of Living payment.

How does it work?
Most eligible individuals receive this payment automatically if they already get the State Pension or certain other benefits. If you don't receive these benefits, or if you live abroad, you may need to make a claim.

When is it paid?
Payments for Winter 2025/26 are typically made automatically during November and December.

Find Out More:
To check your full eligibility criteria, how much you could receive, and details on how to claim if you need to, please visit the official government website:
➡️ www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with their heating bills - claim form, how much you get, eligibility

26/11/2025

26/11/2025

Don't miss a beat from Highfield surgery 🔔

Did you know you can stay better connected and receive important updates directly from us via the NHS App?😊

👉By simply turning on notifications, you'll get timely reminders for your appointments, updates on your prescriptions, and other key messages straight to your phone. It's the easiest way to manage your health and keep up-to-date with Highfield surgery, making your healthcare journey smoother.

👇How to switch them on:
Open your NHS App.
Go to 'More' or 'Settings' (usually found at the bottom or top right).
Look for 'Notifications' and toggle them on.

It takes just a moment but can save you time and ensure you're always in the loop.

26/11/2025

Tired of waiting in phone queues? 📞

At Highfield surgery, we want to make it easier for you to get the help you need.

Did you know you can contact us online for many queries, avoiding the wait altogether?

Whether you need to request a repeat prescription, ask an administrative question, or get advice for a non-urgent medical issue, our online contact methods are quick and convenient.

Save time and get in touch with us at your convenience. Visit our website today to explore your options.

https://highfieldsurgeryblackpool.nhs.uk/appointments/

26/11/2025

💊Struggling with prescription costs? 💊 A Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money

At Highfield surgery, we want to make sure our patients are aware of all the options available to help manage healthcare costs. If you pay for your NHS prescriptions, a PPC might be a smart choice for you.

What is a PPC?

It's like a season ticket for your prescriptions. Instead of paying for each item, you pay a one-off fee for either 3 or 12 months, no matter how many NHS prescriptions you need during that period.

Who could benefit?

If you get more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months, or more than 11 prescribed items in 12 months, a PPC will likely save you money.
Why consider one?

Save Money: Avoid paying the individual prescription charge for each item.
Convenience: Once you have it, you don't need to worry about individual payments.
Peace of Mind: Budget effectively for your medication needs.

How to get one:

You can easily buy a PPC online, over the phone, or at some pharmacies. For current prices and to apply, visit the official NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website:
➡️ www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
Don't let prescription costs add up – check if a PPC is right for you!

26/11/2025

We are pleased to offer pre-bookable evening and weekend appointments to make accessing healthcare more convenient for you.

You can now book ahead to see our dedicated:
🩺 GPs
👩‍⚕️ Nurses
💉 Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)

Whether it's for routine check-ups, chronic condition management, or other consultations, we're committed to providing flexible access to our services.

📞 To find out more or to book your evening or weekend slot, please speak to our friendly reception team during our regular opening hours.

25/11/2025

Fuel Your Body, Boost Your Life 🍏🥕

Did you know that making small changes to your diet can have a huge impact on your overall health and well-being?

👉Here are just a few incredible benefits:
Increased Energy Levels: Say goodbye to that afternoon slump! Nutritious foods provide a steady release of energy.

Stronger Immune System: A healthy diet helps your body fight off infections and illnesses.💪

🤔Better Mood & Mental Clarity: What you eat affects your brain! Healthy foods can improve mood and concentration.

Healthy Weight Management: Eating well is key to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.🍆

Improved Digestion: Fibre-rich foods keep your digestive system happy and healthy.🍉

😁Healthier Skin, Hair & Nails: Nourish your body from the inside out for a natural glow.

It's never too late to start your journey towards a healthier you. If you have any concerns about your diet or want advice on making healthier choices, please don't hesitate to book an appointment with our team.

Read about the Eatwell Guide, which shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

25/11/2025

👵Breast screening is a FREE NHS service that offers a mammogram (an X-ray of your breast) to look for early signs of cancer. Finding cancer at an early stage often means treatment is more effective and successful.

Who is eligible? 👈
In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are automatically invited for breast screening every three years. You will receive an invitation letter in the post when your screening is due. If you are over 71, you can still request screening every three years by contacting your local screening unit directly.

👉Why is it so important?
Regular screening helps detect changes in the breast that might be too small to feel or see, potentially before any symptoms develop. This early detection can be life-saving.

Please do not ignore your invitation. Attending your breast screening appointment is a simple step you can take for your health.🚫

If you have any concerns about your breasts, such as a lump, changes in size or shape, skin changes, or ni**le discharge, please contact Highfield surgery to speak to a doctor regardless of your age or when your next screening is due.

Find out what happens when you have breast screening and what you can do to prepare.

25/11/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 👈

We would like to remind everyone about the importance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This November, we're joining forces to highlight the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and why early diagnosis is so crucial.

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, but catching it early can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Knowing what to look out for could save a life – perhaps even your own, or that of a loved one.

Key symptoms to be aware of include:
A persistent cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more
Persistent breathlessness
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
Aches or pains in the chest or shoulder
Repeated chest infections

Don't wait. Don't be afraid to speak up. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, or have any concerns about your lung health, please do not hesitate to contact us.

📞 Contact the surgery to book an appointment if you are concerned.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Find out more about signs and symptoms, where you can find information and support, and how you can make a difference this Lung Cancer Awareness Month.