Blandford Medical Centre

18/05/2026

💊 Make sure you have enough prescription medicine before the bank holiday weekend (Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May) begins. 💊

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Patients Know Best (PKB) is our online patient portal that allows you to securely view some of your health information online via a web browser or the NHS App, like outpatient appointment information, inpatient discharge letters and radiology test reports.

We’d love to hear your views on PKB – whether you use it or have chosen not to use it. Our short feedback survey will help us understand what works well, any barriers to access or use, and where improvements are needed.

The survey is quick to complete and hosted on a Microsoft Form. Your feedback will help shape how we use PKB to improve patient engagement, communication and overall experience.

Take part here: https://orlo.uk/ycVGq

Find out more about how PKB is used at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust: https://orlo.uk/cSuqM

14/05/2026

🌡️ High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and dementia. 🩺

❓ Could you have high blood pressure without knowing it? ❓

Essex ICB have teamed up with Essex County Council Libraries to offer free blood pressure monitor loans through local libraries across Essex.

You can borrow a monitor, check your blood pressure at home and take simple steps to look after your health.
✔️ Free to borrow
✔️ Easy to use
✔️ Available through participating libraries

Speak to our local library team to find out more.

A quick check could make a big difference.

12/05/2026

😍😍😍

11/05/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Week lets look after each other 🫶

08/05/2026

📱 There’s a lot of talk about screen time these days. 📱

👧 To help parents build healthy screen habits, from setting simple time limits to thinking about what they watch for under 5's visit the Best Start in Life website and swipe through for some top tips! 👶

Visit: https://orlo.uk/gp2BP

07/05/2026

💙 Turning Braintree Blue for Dementia Action Week 💙

In collaboration with Braintree District Council, on Tuesday 12th May, members of our Home Instead Team will be heading into Braintree town centre to connect with local shops and businesses as we launch our “Turning Our Town Blue” campaign for Dementia Action Week (18th–24th May).

We’ll be encouraging businesses to decorate their shop fronts in blue to show solidarity with people living with dementia, help spark important conversations, and raise awareness throughout our community.

💙 As part of the campaign, we’ll also be distributing:
• Information leaflets
• Campaign banners
• Our WoW Guide — packed with fantastic local activities, support, and opportunities for the elderly community in and around Braintree

Together, alongside Braintree District Council, we can make Braintree stand out, show support, and create a stronger, more dementia-aware community.

👉 If you’re a local business and would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!

Let’s come together and turn Braintree Blue.

07/05/2026

💧 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Over 65s – What to Expect 💧
If you are over 65 and have symptoms of a UTI, you may not be prescribed antibiotics straight away.
🔬 Why is this?

A urine sample often needs to be sent to the lab first
This helps us check exactly which bacteria are causing the infection
It ensures the most appropriate antibiotic is used
It also helps reduce antibiotic resistance in the community

⏳ Waiting for results

You may be asked to wait up to 48 hours before starting antibiotics
Many mild UTI symptoms can improve on their own during this time

🌿 What you can do to help yourself
To ease symptoms while waiting for results:

✅ Take paracetamol up to 4 times a day to help with pain or fever
✅ Rest and drink plenty of fluids so your urine stays pale
✅ Avoid bladder irritants such as fruit juices, coffee and alcohol

⚠️ When to seek further help
If your symptoms worsen, you develop a fever, confusion, shivering, pain in your back, or you feel very unwell, please contact us or seek urgent medical advice.
Thank you for helping us use antibiotics safely and effectively 💙

06/05/2026

📅 The First Thursday of the month is upon us. 📅

💙 If you know someone that could do with the support please share and tell them about this service in our area. 💙