Highfield Surgery Blackpool

26/09/2025

You may have seen a lot in the news recently about new weight loss injections. We understand many of our patients are curious about these treatments.💉

We want to clarify the current situation for patients in our area. Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has not yet approved GP surgeries, including Highfield surgery, to prescribe or administer these specific weight loss injections.

This means that, contrary to some national news headlines, this service is not currently available from your GP practice in our region.

We understand this might be disappointing for some. If you have concerns about your weight, please do book a routine appointment to discuss general weight management strategies and support with our team.

However, please be aware that we are unable to offer or refer for weight loss injections at this time.

Thank you for your understanding.

26/09/2025

Antibiotics: When to Use Them and When to Skip Them

Let's talk about antibiotics – those little pills that can do wonders, but only when used correctly! 💊

🔍 When They Work: Antibiotics are your best friends when it comes to fighting bacterial infections like strep throat or a urinary tract infection. They target and kill bacteria, helping you get back on your feet! 🦠💥

🚫 When to Skip: Got a cold, flu, or a sore throat? 🤧 These are usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics won't help. In fact, using them when not needed can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat! 😱

💡 Remember: Always consult your GP before taking antibiotics. They know best when it comes to your health! 🩺

Let's use antibiotics wisely and keep them effective for when we really need them! 🌍💪

25/09/2025

🤰 Pelvic Floor Support for New & Expectant Parents🤱

We are sharing some important news for our patients who are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals are providing dedicated support and help for anyone experiencing antenatal (during pregnancy) or postnatal (after pregnancy) pelvic floor problems. This valuable service aims to support your recovery and well-being.

If you're experiencing any issues, please know that help is available.

For more information on how to access this support, please see the attached poster 👇

25/09/2025

Protecting our future generations! 🛡️ Did you know the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing several types of cancer, including cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers?

This vital vaccine is typically offered to young people aged 12-13 in schools as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme. It's incredibly effective and safe!

If your child is in this age group, they'll likely be offered it at school. If they've missed it, or you have questions about eligibility for older age groups, please don't hesitate to contact us at Highfield Surgery.

Find out about the HPV vaccine, including who it's for, how to get it and possible side effects.

25/09/2025

🏥 Patient Confidentiality & Your Health Information 🛡️
At Highfield surgery, we understand you might want to help a loved one by collecting their test results or discussing their health information. However, we have a strict duty of confidentiality to all our patients.

Why can't we give you someone else's test results or information?
Every patient's medical record is confidential. This means we cannot share any personal health information, including test results, with anyone other than the patient themselves, unless we have their explicit consent.

The Importance of Consent:
Before we can release any information to a third party (even family members), we must have clear, documented consent from the patient concerned. This is crucial to protect individual privacy and adhere to data protection laws.
We understand this can sometimes be frustrating, but our priority is always to safeguard patient confidentiality and ensure your private medical details remain private.

How can a patient give consent for someone else to act on their behalf?
If a patient wishes for a family member or friend to access their information, collect prescriptions, or discuss results, they need to formally inform the surgery. This can often be done by completing a consent form, which allows them to nominate a specific person and specify what information can be shared. Please speak to our reception team for more details on how to set this up.

25/09/2025

Flu Vaccinations are here at Highfield Surgery! 💉

The flu season will soon be upon us, and getting your flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. We are now inviting eligible patients for their free NHS flu jab.

Have you received a text message from us?
If you have recently received a text message from Highfield Surgery regarding your flu vaccination, please respond to the text directly to book your appointment. This is the quickest and easiest way to secure your slot.

Haven't received a text or need to call?
If you are eligible and haven't received a text, or if you prefer to book by phone, please contact Highfield Surgery after 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday, to arrange your flu vaccination appointment.

We kindly ask that you avoid calling outside of these times for flu jab bookings, as our phone lines are extremely busy with urgent patient queries.
Let's work together to stay well this winter!

Find out about the flu vaccine for adults, including who should have it, how to get it and side effects.

25/09/2025

Why cant you get an appointment sooner? The below information outlines the reasons why general practice are struggling to keep up with demand for appointments. 💡

24/09/2025

Are you looking for support to manage your weight and improve your health?😁

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme can help!🙏

This convenient 12-week online programme helps you develop healthier eating habits, increase your physical activity, and improve your overall wellbeing, all from the comfort of your own home via your smartphone or computer.

🤔Who is it for?
The programme is designed for eligible adults who live with overweight or obesity and also have a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension, or both. Eligibility criteria apply.

Interested in a referral? 💡
If you think you might be eligible and would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to call the surgery to discuss a referral. Our team can help you understand if this programme is right for your health journey.

Take the first step towards a healthier you!

NHS England » How to access the programme

24/09/2025

📞 Ever found yourself doing the phone-hold dance, humming along to 'Greensleeves' (or something similar!) while trying to reach us? 🎶

At Highfield surgery, we know your time is precious! While we love hearing from you, our amazing online triage form is often the quickest way to get your request to the right clinical team – without the wait! 🚀

Think of it as jumping the queue, digitally! You can tell us all about your query, anytime during open hours, anywhere, and we'll get back to you. No phone-related arm cramps required! 😉

Give your ears a break and give our online form a try for your non-urgent queries or administrative requests. Find it easily on our website.

https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/p81074

Highfield Surgery – Always here to help, even if it's not by phone!

24/09/2025

📞 Can we reach you?

It's vital we have your up-to-date contact details, especially your mobile number and email.

This allows us to get in touch quickly regarding appointments, test results, and important health information.

Please update your details with us today! Call us, pop in, or update them online if you have access to our online services or our website.

24/09/2025

Measles Alert! 🚨

We're seeing a worrying rise in measles cases across the UK. This highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications, but the good news is it's preventable!

The best protection for you and your family is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. If your child has missed a dose, or if you're an adult unsure of your vaccination status, it's never too late to catch up.

Let's work together to protect our community. Contact Highfield Surgery today to check your eligibility or to book an appointment for your MMR vaccine.

Stay safe and get vaccinated! 💪

Find out about measles, a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.