West Walk Surgery, Yate and Coalpit Heath

12/12/2025

❗ Important Update – Christmas & Winter Pressures ❄️🎄

As we head into the festive period, we’re experiencing significant winter pressures. To ensure we can support those who need us most, we are currently prioritising urgent medical matters only.

🗓 Routine appointments will be available again in the New Year.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us manage care safely during this busy time.

Wishing all our patients a safe and healthy Christmas season 🎅✨

12/12/2025

💙 HPV Inform Website 💙

A new local website, HPV Inform, has been created with the University of Bristol and young people to help explain HPV and the HPV vaccine.

It includes easy-to-understand information on:

• What HPV is and the illnesses it can cause
• How the HPV vaccine works, its safety and side effects
• How and where to get the vaccine
• Tips for getting the vaccine at school

🔍 Search https://hpvinform.com/

Please share with anyone who may find it useful!

12/12/2025

Flu cases are higher than they have ever been at this time of year.

An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week. That’s enough flu patients each day to fill more than 3 whole hospital trusts.

If you haven’t already, and you’re eligible, get your flu vaccine.

The flu jab reduces your risk of becoming seriously ill this Christmas, and helps protect those around you.

Book via your GP, pharmacy or the NHS App.

➡️ http://nhs.uk/fluvaccine

12/12/2025

🌬️💛 Lots of coughs and colds going around!

If your little one is coughing and you’re unsure what’s normal, this leaflet from the University of Bristol is really useful.

It explains how long coughs usually last, what you can do at home, and when to get things checked.

Take care everyone - and feel better soon to all the sniffly kiddos 💕🌈

📄 Children’s Cough Guide:
👉https://bpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.bristol.ac.uk/dist/e/265/files/2016/01/UoB_Childrens-cough_PDF-leaflet_A4.pdf

10/12/2025

With the recent increase in respiratory infections, we kindly ask that any patients experiencing cough, cold, flu-like or other respiratory symptoms wear a mask when attending the surgery.

If you do not have a mask, our reception team will be happy to provide one on request.

Many thanks for your cooperation.

05/12/2025

🌟New Online Long Term Conditions Courses – Feb & Mar 2026🌟

Vita Health Group Talking Therapies have a number of new online Long-term Conditions courses designed to support those living with long-term health conditions.

📅 Upcoming Courses:
• Living Well with Diabetes – 02/02/2026
• Living Well with MSK Pain – 03/02/2026
• Living Well with Respiratory Conditions – 16/02/2026
• Living Well with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – 16/03/2026
• Living Well with Menopause Symptoms – 16/03/2026

For more information, please see the attached posters or contact Vita Health Group directly:
📞 0333 200 1893
🌐 www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk

If you or someone you know could benefit from extra support, now’s a great time to get involved!

05/12/2025

📢 Important Update

Unfortunately we have a lot of sickness within our team today. As a result, we’re running with very limited staff.

We would be really grateful if patients could contact us only for urgent queries today, so we can prioritise those who need us most.

Thank you so much for your understanding and patience.

04/12/2025

💊 DECEMBER PRESCRIPTIONS 2025 💊
Pharmacy teams are likely to be very busy in the run up to Christmas. If you are due to run out of medication over the festive period, please submit your prescription request in writing as usual by Friday 12 December 2025.
Thank you🎄

💊 DECEMBER PRESCRIPTIONS 2025 💊

Pharmacy teams are likely to be very busy in the run up to Christmas. If you are due to run out of medication over the festive period, please submit your prescription request in writing as usual by Friday 12 December 2025.

Thank you🎄

02/12/2025

🌼 Preparing for Cancer Treatment? You’re Not Alone 🌼

Penny Brohn UK offers a FREE online support programme to help people prepare physically and emotionally for cancer treatment.

This 2–6 week programme includes both self-guided tools and live interactive sessions led by specialist Cancer Nurses, Nutrition, Exercise and Wellbeing professionals.

💛 Online support groups
💚 Eating well guidance
💜 Fatigue, pain, and stress management
🧡 Emotional resilience, and more

Their specialist team of doctors, nutritionists, exercise specialists, counsellors and therapists are here to help you live well with cancer.

If you or someone you know is preparing for treatment, this could be an invaluable resource. 💛

👉 Find out more or sign up:
📧 prehab@pennybrohn.org.uk
📞 0303 3000 118
🔗 https://pennybrohn.org.uk/prehab/

27/11/2025

💙 Age UK support for South Glos residents this winter ❄️

If you know someone aged 50 or over who may be struggling or feeling isolated, Age UK South Gloucestershire is offering their Good Neighbours support across the area.

Whether it’s a friendly chat, a bit of help, or someone to check in, this service can make a real difference.

📞 01454 411707
📧 info@ageuksouthglos.org.uk

Please share to help spread the word - you never know who might need it 💙

27/11/2025

For some people, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can feel more noticeable or harder to manage during the winter.

But small things can help:

🔵 try some physical activity – anything that gets you moving
🔵 make the most of natural light – getting outside or sitting near windows
🔵 plan for tougher days – shifting stressful tasks or building in more rest

There’s also treatment available if you’re finding things really tough – such as light therapy, talking therapies or medication.

Find out more ➡️ www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

24/11/2025

☀️ Feeling low on sunshine?

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and overall wellbeing - and many of us don’t get enough, especially in the colder months.

The good news? You can easily purchase Vitamin D supplements over the counter at most pharmacies and supermarkets. It’s a simple way to support your health when sunshine is in short supply. 🌦️

Want to learn more about why vitamin D matters? Check out the NHS info page ➡️ https://shorturl.at/U3ws3

Stay well and take care 💛