Birchwood Medical Practice

29/01/2026

💬 Got something on your mind?
You don’t have to deal with it alone.

ChatHealth is a confidential text service where you can message a real healthcare professional about whatever’s bothering you — big or small.

💜 You can text about:

Stress or anxiety

Feeling low or overwhelmed

Friendships & relationships

Bullying

Self-esteem

Smoking, drugs or alcohol

Sexual health

Or anything else you’re unsure about

📱 Just send a text — no phone calls, no appointments, no pressure.

👉 Text: 07312 263093
🔗 Find out more: https://sirona-cic.org.uk/children-services/information/chathealth/

It’s free, confidential, and run by the School Nursing Team.
If you’re aged 11–19, ChatHealth is there for you 💬✨

24/01/2026

🦷 Tooth or mouth problem?
We aren’t able to help with dental issues, as these are best assessed by dental experts.

Problems like toothache, cheek or facial swelling linked to teeth, bleeding, or broken or loose teeth usually need dental care rather than medical services.

👉 NHS 111 is the best place to go
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice and help arranging urgent dental care if needed - they can help even if you don’t have a dentist

Thank you for helping us get you to the right expert 💙

06/01/2026

🌿 Looking for a gentle midweek reset? 🌿

Get outdoors, boost your wellbeing and connect with nature in your local area 💚
Join the South Bristol Ranger-led Nature Nurture Group and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in green spaces 🌳✨

🪵 Have a go at practical countryside activities like:
✔️ Coppicing
✔️ Scrub & woodland management
✔️ Caring for local wild spaces

🌱 Why people love it:
💚 Supports mental health & wellbeing
🚶‍♂️ Encourages gentle, active movement
🤝 Friendly, supportive group
🌍 Make a real difference locally

📅 Wednesdays | 10am – 3pm
📍 Various South Bristol locations (see programme for details)

📧 parkvolunteers@bristol.gov.uk

📱 Call or text Nicky: 07831 814 660

🌼 No experience needed – just come as you are
👉 Like, share or tag someone who could benefit 💚🌿

24/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Surgery Closure – Important Information

It’s that time of year again — Christmas is here!

✨ We hope you have a safe and peaceful Christmas period, whatever that looks like for you.

🏥 Please note the surgery will be closed for 4 days over Christmas, reopening on Monday 29th December.
If you become unwell while we are closed, please don’t wait until we reopen, as your condition could worsen.

🩺 If you need to see or speak to a GP, Bristol’s out-of-hours GP service is available — just call 111 for advice and support.

🏥 Urgent Treatment Centres remain open over the Christmas period for illnesses or injuries that can’t wait.

💙 We know that Christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone. If you’re struggling with your mental health, immediate support is available — call 111 and select Option 2 to speak to the mental health crisis service.

🚑 For life-threatening emergencies, please call 999.

💊For local pharmacy opening time : https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/BNSSG-V3.xlsx

Take care of yourselves and one another 💛
🎄✨

24/12/2025

11/12/2025

🌟CHOOSING HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP 🌟
🌟 Ready to make healthier choices in 2026? 🌟

❓ Do you have ❓
• Weight management support needs (criteria applies)
• Type 2 diabetes/pre-diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

👥Join our FREE 4-week support group designed to help you take positive steps toward a healthier lifestyle! Online or in person!

This is a friendly space to:
✅ Share your struggles and successes
✅ Explore healthier habits that work for YOU
✅ Learn practical tips through open discussion

📍 Where & When?
Priory Surgery (January): Every Wednesday, 6pm – 7pm
Brooklea Health Centre (February): Every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm
Stockwood Surgery (March): Every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm
Brooklea Health Centre (May): Every Wednesday, 6pm – 7pm

What to expect:
• Support from others with similar challenges
• Tailored topics to help you take positive steps
• A safe, welcoming environment

💡 Perfect for anyone looking to manage weight, improve health, or make lasting lifestyle changes.

✨ Spaces are limited – book your spot today!

You can self refer - Email your name & date of birth📩 to: bnssg.connexus.pcn@nhs.net

Not online? That's ok call us and we can submit an eConsult for you for a referral. Quote "Choosing Health Support Group" in your contact with us.

Let us help you to start your Journey!

24/11/2025

🌟 🗣️YOU SAID • 👂WE LISTENED • 🎬 WE TOOK ACTION 🌟

At our practice, we genuinely value your feedback — it helps us make positive changes for everyone. 💬💙

Many of you told us that the car park layout was making it difficult, especially for those who struggle to walk longer distances. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️💨

So… we listened.
And we’ve taken action.

👉 We’ve now moved the reserved doctors’ parking spaces to the furthest part of the car park, freeing up the closer spaces for patients who need them most.
This change comes directly from your comments — thank you for helping us improve! 🙏💙

We’ve also put together a little video to show you the new layout…
Please be kind — I’m no Claudia Winkleman 😄🎥 (no laughing, promise! 😉)

Thank you for helping us make the practice better for everyone. 💙✨

19/11/2025

🌟 New to the area? Not yet registered with a GP? Or been here ages but not thought you needed to?🌟

Register here : https://gp-registration.nhs.uk/L81120/gpregistration/landing

As we head into the winter months, it’s more important than ever to make sure you and all your family have quick, easy access to medical care when you need it. ❄️💙

If you’ve recently moved locally—or simply haven’t gotten around to registering with a GP—now is the perfect time. Registering means:
✔️ Faster access to help when you’re unwell
✔️ Eligibility for winter vaccinations, including flu jabs
✔️ Continuity of care for ongoing health needs
✔️ Peace of mind knowing support is just a phone call away

Your health matters, and having a GP practice you’re registered with helps us look after you better—especially during busy winter months.

👉 It only takes a few minutes to register.
👉 You don’t need ID, proof of address, or immigration documents to sign up.

Don’t wait until you're ill to find a GP. Get registered today and stay winter-ready! 🩺✨

Register at our practice in person or online here : https://gp-registration.nhs.uk/L81120/gpregistration/landing

If you need help or have questions, just drop us a message—we’re here for you. 💬

17/11/2025

🚌 You wait ages for a bus… and then TWO 🚌🚌 come along at once!

That’s what’s happening in Bristol – two amazing opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people (and families) to get involved, connect, and have fun. 🌟

💪 Inclusive Sports – local sessions where everyone is welcome. Move, play, and meet new friends in a supportive space. 🏀⚽🏓

🤝 PLUS – Peer Support Drop-ins from Bristol Disability Equality Forum (BDEF). Relaxed spaces to chat, share experiences, and feel supported. 🗣️💬

✅ Why join?
✔ No pressure – come as you are
✔ Meet others who get it
✔ Accessible and welcoming

📌 👉 Check the posters below for all the details – times, places, and how to join!
📍 Everything you need is right there.
💬 Tag a friend or family member who’d love this! Let’s make Bristol more inclusive together. 💜

08/11/2025

🎖️ We’re proud to be a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice 🇬🇧

This Remembrance Day, we stand with and support our veteran community. ❤️

We understand that this time of year can be particularly challenging for many veterans, and we want you to know that our team is trained and committed to recognising and supporting your unique health needs. 💙

As a Veteran Friendly Accredited Practice, our team:
✅ Recognises the importance of identifying veteran patients within our community
✅ Understands the unique health needs that veterans may have
✅ Strives to provide veterans with the very best care and support
✅ Knows about the specialist veteran healthcare services available
✅ Undertakes regular training to ensure we meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

If you’re a veteran, please do let us know that you have served — this helps us make sure you receive the most appropriate and best possible care when you need it. 🙏

Learn more about the accreditation and how Birchwood supports its veteran patients here:
👉 https://www.birchwoodbristol.nhs.uk/clinics-and-services/veteran-friendly-gp-practice/

🇬🇧🌺

31/10/2025

We are so proud of Dr Tim Hodkinson and his wife, Katie 👏👏👏

The doctor wants to shed a new light on the festive period with this fundraising book

10/10/2025

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

At Birchwood, we know that looking after your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical wellbeing. 🌱

Whether you're struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, or just feeling overwhelmed — please know you’re not alone. 💬✨

We’re here to listen and to help.
Our team includes:
🧠 Mental Health & Wellbeing Coaches
🤝 A dedicated Mental Health Practitioner
👩‍⚕️ A GP with a Special Interest in Mental Health

Together, they provide support, guidance, and practical strategies to help you take positive steps toward feeling better. 💪

If you’re finding things difficult, please reach out — you deserve support and care. 💚

Let’s keep the conversation going — today and every day.