The Family Practice Western College

07/04/2026

This April we take a look at Stress Awareness Month. We have attached a few posters supplied by the Stress Management Society, in the hope they may be of help to some of our patients. Stress can affect us in a range of ways, and we encourage anyone not coping to reach out to the surgery for further support. We offer social prescribers as well as GPs/Pharmacists at the surgery, covering a range of different approaches; we can refer to outside providers for those who need something more than this.

02/04/2026

Last week the surgery got involved with 'Wear a Hat Day' for Brain Tumour Research! Here are some pictures of the fun hats the staff chose to sport. We managed to raise £51 with your help!

You are still able to donate https://www.justgiving.com/page/thefamilypracticewesterncollege?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_donation_received_--_nth_donation

27/03/2026

Just a reminder that today the surgery is supporting 'wear a hat day' and we've had some great efforts so far! We would love to raise some money for brain tumour research, so please get involved!
https://www.justgiving.com/page/thefamilypracticewesterncollege?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_page_launched_--_campaign

19/03/2026

With the recent news of the outbreak of Meningitis B in Kent, we appreciate many patients are apprehensive about what that means for them. We want to stress that is important to follow the information being shared by the UK Health Security Agency. Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know – https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/

Whilst meningitis B is a serious illness and should be treated as such, it is not easily spread - the bacteria is spread by a 'long period of close contact' such as living in shared accommodation, intimate kissing (or equivalent close contact), or sharing items such as vapes or drinks and exposure to respiratory secretions. We have attached some verified documents from the Government, listing how it is spread, what to look out for and what to do if you suspect you have it.

We are experiencing a high number of queries about MenB vaccinations; at present we cannot offer this to anyone after their second birthday on the NHS. Those who were born from 2015 onwards would have been offered a total of 3 doses as part of their childhood immunisations. Anyone who has not had the MenB vaccine and wants this should go to their local pharmacy. We will ensure we keep patients updated if this changes.

If any of your questions aren't answered in the following materials, please submit an online consultation - https://www.thefamilypracticewesterncollege.nhs.uk/contact-us-online -so we can keep our phone lines open for urgent appointments.

13/03/2026

Today is World Sleep Day!

World Sleep Day is a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. Sleep hygeine is an important part of maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, allowing your body to fully rest and restore each day. A lack of sleep has a direct impact on your physical and mental health, having a knock on effect on all aspects of daily life. Did you know different age groups require different amounts of sleep, decreasing with age.

Sweet dreams, and make sure you get your head down tonight!

12/03/2026

This month the surgery will be raising awareness on Brain Tumours. This is a crucial cause, because brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and adults under 40; despite this, research is massively underfunded. Better funding could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment. The Brain Tumour Research charity are responsible for organising a national fundraising day, called 'wear a hat day', raising funds by getting people to wear hats for a day in March - this year it falls on the 27th of March. As a surgery, we have decided to join in, hopefully raising some money for this wonderful cause. Anyone wishing to donate can do so using the following link.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/thefamilypracticewesterncollege?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_page_launched_--_campaign

Stay tuned to see how it goes!

23/07/2025

Receptionist and Admin Assistant
The Family Practice, Cotham, Bristol
Hours per week: 37
Salary: £12.24ph

Would you like the opportunity to work with us in a beautiful building set in lovely gardens in Cotham, Bristol with a friendly team and on-site parking?

The Family Practice is a really friendly and busy GP surgery providing quality care for approximately 17500 patients.

We are ideally looking for an experienced receptionist/care navigator (but we are happy to train the right candidate) to join our brilliant and very happy team. We have some excellent cooks in the team and there is usually something fabulous to try. We also have lovely gardens to sit out in on a sunny day and on hot days ice-creams are mandatory.

The role will include patient facing services and support to the clinical team, and will require a flexible approach. You should be proficient in using Microsoft programmes and a working knowledge of EMIS Web would be an advantage.

We are looking for a colleague to work on a flexible shift system between 8.00 and 18.30. The role may include the occasional evening session until 20.00 (worked by a rota system) and occasional Saturday and you will be given plenty of notice of your shifts.

Permanent contract: 37 hours per week, NHS pension, cycle to work scheme,

If you would like to know more about the role or arrange an informal visit, please contact Agnes on 0117 9466455 or email her at agnieszka.gorczyca@nhs.net . Please apply with a covering letter and CV.

Informal visits welcome.

Closing date 11.8.2025
Interviews: TBC
Enquiries to:
Agnes Gorczyca
agnieszka.gorczyca@nhs.net

16/07/2025

Are you a Primary Care clinician interested in brushing up your knowledge on baby, child and young person health? Check out BNSSG Paeds Pod, a bite-sized podcast series where our GP Dr Ruth Bowen interviews local Paediatric specialists as part of her role with the BNSSG Training Hub.

20/03/2025

20/03/2025

https://youtu.be/HpcTCtKrg-I

In this video, we explain what the main symptoms of bowel cancer are. If you have any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, contact your GP practice. It...