West Meads Doctors Surgery

21/03/2026

Hi everyone 😊

On 19th April, our team will be taking on a 12-mile walk around Chichester to raise money for SSAFA.

It’s a cause that means a lot to us, as SSAFA supports serving personnel, veterans, and their families when they need it most.

If you’d like to support us, we’d be so grateful for any donation, no matter how small 💙

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/springwalk19apr

Thanks so much for your continued support—we’ll be thinking of you all as we tackle those miles! 🚶‍♂️🌸

20/03/2026

👶🍼Newborn Baby Classes🍼👶

Have you recently welcomed a baby into your family and are looking for support or classes to enjoy together? New groups are now running at The Phoenix Centre.

These sessions offer a chance to meet other parents and carers, share experiences and access support in a friendly environment.

Please see the posters for more information, including dates, times and how to book a place.

18/03/2026

🩺 Friends & Family Feedback – February Update 🩺

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Friends and Family Test in February. Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we need to improve.

If you haven’t shared your views yet, please do complete the Friends and Family Test after your next contact with us – your feedback genuinely shapes how we work.

17/03/2026

🍀 Happy St Patrick’s Day! 🍀

Wishing all our patients and staff a very happy St Patrick’s Day.

If you’re celebrating, please do so safely and look after yourself and those around you. Remember to take any regular medications as prescribed, stay hydrated, and plan your journey home in advance.

Our usual services and appointment systems remain in place – please use them considerately so we can support everyone who needs our help.

16/03/2026

🧠 Brain Awareness Week 🧠

It’s Brain Awareness Week – a chance to recognise how important brain health is at every age.

Simple everyday habits can help support a healthy brain, such as:

🩷Staying socially connected
💜Keeping mentally active (reading, puzzles, learning new skills)
💚Being physically active
💙Not smoking and keeping alcohol within recommended limits
💛Managing long‑term conditions with regular reviews

If you have concerns about your memory, mood or thinking, please contact the surgery so we can advise on the most appropriate next steps within our available services.

Find more general information on brain health and mental wellbeing here:

If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can't sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

13/03/2026

😴 World Sleep Day 😴

Today is World Sleep Day – a reminder that good quality sleep is vital for our overall health and wellbeing.

Good sleep is just as important for your health as eating well and staying active. Small changes to your routine can make a big difference:

💤Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day
💤Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool
💤Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs) for at least an hour before bed
💤Cut down on caffeine and heavy meals late in the evening
💤Build a relaxing wind‑down routine – reading, gentle stretches or a warm bath

If poor sleep is affecting your daily life, please contact the surgery so we can discuss the best next steps within our available services and appointments.

For more tips on sleep from the NHS, visit:

Learn about sleep problems, including what it means to be sleep deprived or have insomnia. Plus find out how sleep hygiene can help if you are struggling to sleep.

11/03/2026

🚭 No Smoking Day 🚭

Today is No Smoking Day – a reminder that stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, at any age.

We know quitting is hard, and many people need several attempts. Support and treatment can make a real difference, and there is good evidence that getting help is more effective than trying to stop alone.

If you’re thinking about quitting, please contact the surgery to discuss what local stop smoking support is available and what is realistic for us to offer within our current capacity.

You can also find information and support services via the NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

09/03/2026

💛 Endometriosis Awareness Month 💛

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month – a time to recognise the impact this condition can have on people’s lives, including work, relationships and day‑to‑day activities.

If ongoing pelvic pain or very heavy, painful periods are affecting your daily life, please consider contacting the surgery. We will do our best to advise on appropriate next steps within our available appointments and local pathways.

You can find general NHS information about endometriosis here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/

08/03/2026

We had a very busy February at the surgery, but it was encouraging to see a reduction in missed appointments. We understand that sometimes it’s not possible to attend, but if you know you are unable to make your appointment, please let us know as soon as you can. This allows us to offer that appointment to another patient who needs it and helps us make the best use of our limited capacity.

06/03/2026

We would like to inform our patients that Dr Kirkwood, Senior Partner at the practice, will be retiring on 27 March after many years of dedicated service.

Dr Kirkwood has made a significant contribution to the care of our patients and the development of the practice, and we would like to thank Dr Kirkwood for her commitment, leadership, and support over the years. She will be greatly missed by colleagues and staff, and we are sure many patients will wish to join us in extending their best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement.

We are also pleased to confirm that Dr Blackman will be taking on the role of Senior Partner from 28 March. Dr Blackman is well known to many of our patients and is committed to maintaining the high standard of care and continuity you expect from the practice.

The practice team remains unchanged, and patient services will continue as normal.

04/03/2026

Today is our Monthly Diabetes Peer Support Group! 💚

If you’re pre-diabetic or living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes we’d love to see you there!

No need to book—just drop in and join our welcoming community for support, advice, and connection.

02/03/2026

💊 Pharmacy First – Help Without Needing a GP Appointment💊

Did you know your local community pharmacy can now assess and treat a range of common conditions through the Pharmacy First scheme?

Highly trained pharmacists can offer expert advice and, where appropriate, provide treatment — including prescription-only medication — without you needing to see a GP first.

✔️ Conditions include:
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Infected insect bites
• Impetigo
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)

This service can be a faster and more convenient way to get the care you need, while helping GP appointments remain available for patients with more complex health needs.

ℹ️ Please note: Not all pharmacies offer every service, so we recommend checking with your local pharmacy.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or you’re unsure, please contact the practice as usual.

Helping you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time 💙, helping you get the care you need while keeping GP appointments free for more complex issues.

ℹ️ **Please note:** Not all pharmacies offer every service, so it’s best to check with your local pharmacy first.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or you’re unsure, please contact the practice as usual.

Sharing this to help you get the right care, at the right place, at the right time 💙