Highfield Surgery Blackpool

29/04/2026

🌹COVID-19 Spring Boosters! 🌹

As we head into spring, we're preparing for the latest COVID-19 Spring Booster programme, designed to offer continued protection to our most vulnerable patients.

Who is eligible for the Spring Booster?
Adults aged 75 years and over
Residents in care homes for older adults
Individuals with a weakened immune system

When can you get yours?
Eligible patients will be invited to book their booster from April 2026 onwards. No need to call as we are currently contacting those eligible.

Please wait to be contacted by the NHS, or you can check the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination) for booking availability from early April. You can also call 119 free of charge.

Getting your booster helps maintain your protection against severe COVID-19. We encourage all eligible patients to come forward when invited.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and healthy!

NHS information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including what the vaccine helps protect against, who should have it and when, how to get it and side effects.

29/04/2026

🩺 Keep an Eye on Your Heart Health! 🩺

Did you know you can get a quick and convenient blood pressure check at many local pharmacies?

We're keen to support initiatives that make it easier for our patients to monitor their health. Regular blood pressure checks are vital for early detection of potential issues and can help you stay on top of your cardiovascular well-being.

No need for an appointment at the surgery for this simple check – just pop into your local participating pharmacy. They can provide a quick reading and advise you on next steps if needed.

Find out about the blood pressure check service, including who can use it.

29/04/2026

👉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.

28/04/2026

✋Feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health? You are not alone, and help is available.

At Highfield Surgery, we understand the importance of mental wellbeing. If you're finding things difficult, please know there are many places you can turn for support:

Your GP: We are here to listen, offer advice, and discuss treatment options or referrals to specialist services. Don't hesitate to book an appointment with us.
NHS Services:

NHS 111: For urgent medical advice when it's not a 999 emergency.

Mind: Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental
health problem.

Samaritans: Available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope. Call 116 123 for free.

Crisis Support: If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Let's look after our minds as much as our bodies.

28/04/2026

👉Understanding Sick Notes & Self-Certification

Feeling under the weather? Here's a quick guide on how sick notes and self-certification work, to help you understand when to contact us.

🗓️ For illnesses lasting 7 days or less (including non-working days):
You do NOT need a sick note (Med3/Fit Note) from your GP. This is called 'self-certification'.

You can self-certify your absence for up to 7 days.
Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification form (SC2), which is available from them or can be downloaded from the HMRC website.

🗓️ For illnesses lasting more than 7 consecutive days:
If your illness lasts longer than 7 consecutive days, you will need a 'Fit Note' (formerly known as a sick note or Med3) from a doctor.

This is when you should contact Highfield Surgery to arrange an assessment.
A Fit Note isn't just about saying you're 'unfit for work'. It can also advise on ways you could return to work, such as altered hours, amended duties, or a phased return.

For more detailed information, please visit the NHS website or Gov.uk guidance on sick pay and fit notes.

Guidance for doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, employers, and patients using fit notes (statements of fitness for work).

28/04/2026

📢 Bank Holiday Closure Notice: Early May Bank holiday 📢

Please be aware that Highfield surgery will be closed for the upcoming Early May bank holiday.

We will be closed on:
❌Monday 4th of May 2026

The surgery will re-open as usual on Tuesday 5th May 2026.

For any urgent medical advice during our closure, please:
Visit NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.

Please ensure you order any repeat prescriptions in advance to avoid running out of medication.

28/04/2026

📞📧🏡 Is your contact information up-to-date? It's more important than you think! 📞📧🏡

At Highfield Surgery, we rely on accurate contact details to ensure we can provide you with the best possible care and keep you informed about your health.

Here's why keeping your details current is so vital:
Appointment Reminders & Changes: We often send text message reminders for appointments or need to call you if there's an unexpected change or cancellation.

Test Results: For many test results, we may need to contact you directly to discuss the findings or arrange follow-up appointments.

Urgent Health Information: In some cases, we may need to reach you quickly with important information regarding your health or treatment.

Vaccination Programmes: We invite eligible patients for flu jabs, COVID-19 boosters, and other essential vaccinations.

Practice Updates: We occasionally need to communicate important changes to our services, opening hours, or new initiatives that could benefit you.

You can update your details by:
Calling our reception team, coming into the surgery or following the link provided
Help us help you stay healthy and informed! Thank you for your cooperation.

Practice Website for Highfield Surgery

27/04/2026

📣 Discover the NHS App with us 📣

Did you know you can manage much of your healthcare from the comfort of your home, 24/7? The NHS App continues to be a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services directly from your smartphone or tablet.

We strongly encourage all our patients to download and register for the NHS App. It's designed to make your life easier by allowing you to:

Order Repeat Prescriptions: Request your medications quickly and conveniently, then collect them from your nominated pharmacy.

View Your GP Health Record: Access your medical history, test results, allergies, and medications securely.

How to get started:
Download the free NHS App from your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Come into the surgery with photo ID & ask our reception team for the 'online access form'

Once this has been done our admin team will email you your online credentials and this will give you access to your medical records (from the day you will out the form)

If you have any questions about using the app, please visit the NHS App website for more information or speak to our reception team.

27/04/2026

👉Did you know that cervical screening (smear tests) can save lives? It's a quick and vital check-up designed to prevent cervical cancer.

Who is it for?
In the UK, cervical screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 every 5 years

How long does it take?
The actual smear test usually takes less than 5 minutes! The whole appointment, including preparation and discussion with our friendly nurse, typically lasts around 10-15 minutes. It's a small amount of time for such an important health check.

Why is it so important?
Smear tests look for high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and any abnormal cell changes in your cervix. Finding these changes early means they can be treated before they potentially turn into cancer.

If you've received an invitation or think you're due for your smear test, please don't put it off! Our dedicated nursing team are here to make you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have.

To book your appointment, please contact the surgery.

27/04/2026

Unsure what age your child should be vaccination? 👧🏼

From 8 weeks old: Your baby will start their vaccination journey, receiving protection against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, Hib, Hepatitis B, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease.

At 1 year old: Further doses and new vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and Hib/MenC, are given to boost protection.

Pre-school (around 3 years and 4 months): Boosters for DTP and polio, and a second dose of the MMR vaccine, ensure continued immunity before they start school.

Why Are Vaccinations So Important?
Protects Your Child: Vaccines build your child's immunity against a range of serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infectious diseases. These include measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and various forms of meningitis and septicaemia.

27/04/2026

✋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.

26/04/2026

📢 Men's Health Awareness: Understanding PSA Testing & Prostate Symptoms 📢

We're shedding light on PSA testing and why it's important to be aware of prostate health.

🔬 What is a PSA Test?
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland. Higher levels of PSA can sometimes indicate a problem with the prostate, including prostate cancer, but also benign conditions like an enlarged prostate or infection.

🤔 Why might you need a PSA Test?
Your GP might discuss a PSA test with you if you're experiencing symptoms, have a family history of prostate cancer, or are in an age group where prostate cancer is more common (usually men over 50). It's a tool that helps us in conjunction with other checks, like a physical examination, to assess your prostate health.

⚠️ What symptoms should you look out for?
It's important to remember that many men experience prostate symptoms that are not cancer-related. However, if you notice any of the following, please don't hesitate to book an appointment to discuss them with one of our GPs:

Difficulty starting to urinate or a weak flow.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Feeling that your bladder isn't fully empty after urinating.
Sudden urges to urinate.
Pain or discomfort when urinating.
Blood in your urine or semen (this is less common but requires urgent investigation).
Erectile dysfunction (though this has many causes).
Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis (in more advanced cases).

Find out about the PSA test, including why it is done and how you need to prepare.