Knowsley Medical Centre

06/02/2026

💗 Supporting Cervical Screening Awareness 💗

Yesterday we were delighted to welcome the Supporting sisters to Knowsley Medical Centre again. Helen spent time sitting with the ladies who attended to talk through smear tests, explaining what they are, why they are done, and why they are so important.

During the discussion, we asked the ladies who joined us about reasons why they may not attend for smear tests. Many shared that this was due to concerns about pain, as well as cultural reasons. These conversations were incredibly important and helped highlight the real barriers some women face when accessing cervical screening.

A smear test (also known as cervical screening) is a simple test that checks the health of the cervix, which is the opening to the womb from the va**na. The test looks for certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that can cause changes to cervical cells. These changes often have no symptoms, but if they are found early, they can be treated before they develop into cervical cancer.

Although a smear test can feel a little uncomfortable, it should not be painful and only takes a few minutes. Regular cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect your health and can help prevent cervical cancer before it starts.

Thank you to everyone who attended today and to Helen for providing such important information in a supportive and reassuring way 🌸 If you have been invited for your smear test, we strongly encourage you to attend.

26/01/2026

Do you know that cervical cancer is almost wholly preventable? This we are supporting The Eve Appeal in raising awareness that nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk strains of HPV.

HPV is a common virus that 80% of people will get at some point during their lives, sometimes it can lead to the development of six types of cancer.

HPV vaccination and cervical screening together offer the best protection against cervical cancer developing.

The Eve Appeal has lots of information on preventing cervical cancer, answers to your FAQs and tips to help make appointments easier.

Click the link in the comments for more information.

22/01/2026

⏰ Arriving on Time & Cancelling Appointments ⏰

Appointments at Knowsley Medical Centre are carefully timed to ensure all patients receive safe and fair care.

• Patients must arrive on time for their appointment
• Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to allow for check-in
• Patients who arrive late may not be seen and will need to rebook

❗ Missed and late appointments waste valuable NHS time and reduce appointment availability for other patients.

📌 If You Cannot Attend Your Appointment:
• Please cancel as soon as possible
• Wherever possible, give at least 24 hours’ notice
• This allows the appointment to be offered to another patient in need

Repeated missed appointments may result in a review of your registration with the practice.
Thank you for respecting appointment times and helping us provide safe and fair care to all patients.

20/01/2026

🧠 Mental Health Support – You Are Not Alone
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and support is available.

At Knowsley Medical Centre, we can help with:
• Anxiety, stress and low mood
• Ongoing mental health concerns
• Advice, support and signposting

💻 Kooth & Qwell Services
We offer access to Kooth (for young people) and Qwell (for adults) — free, confidential online mental health support including:
• Live chat with trained counsellors
• Self-help tools and resources
• No GP appointment needed

📍 These services are available outside normal surgery hours too.

🚨 If You Are in Crisis
If you feel at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others:
➡️ Go straight to A&E
➡️ Or call 999 in an emergency

You deserve help, and urgent support is available.
If you’re unsure where to turn, you can also contact NHS 111 for advice.
💙 Please reach out — help is always available.

16/01/2026

🌍 World Religion Day- 18/01/2026 🌍

On Sunday we recognise World Religion Day, a time to celebrate the diversity of beliefs, faiths and traditions within our community.

At Knowsley Medical Centre, we respect and value people of all religions and beliefs, and we are committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care to everyone.

By learning from one another and promoting understanding, we help build a healthier and more connected community.

14/01/2026

🤝 Please Be Kind to Our Staff

Going into the new year, this is just a reminder that at Knowsley Medical Centre, our staff are here to help you and work hard every day under increasing pressure.

Our reception, admin and clinical teams:
• Follow NHS and practice policies
• Try their best to offer the right care as quickly as possible
• Often deal with high call volumes and urgent requests
📌 They are not being nosey.
They ask questions to:
• Help identify urgent medical problems
• Make sure you are booked with the right clinician or service
• Ensure patients receive the correct care as quickly as possible

❗ Abusive, aggressive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
This includes shouting, swearing, or unacceptable language in person or over the phone.

We understand that being unwell or worried can be stressful, but kindness and patience help us support everyone safely and fairly.

Thank you to our patients who treat our staff with respect — it truly makes a difference 💙

12/01/2026

🚨 Same-Day Medical Problems We Can Help With 🚨
At Knowsley Medical Centre, we can offer urgent same-day appointments for problems such as:
✔ Sudden illness that is not life-threatening
✔ Infections needing treatment
✔ Severe pain that is not chest pain
✔ Worsening long-term conditions
✔ New symptoms that need urgent advice
📞 Please use our triage service at 8am so we can help.

🚑 When You Should Go to A&E or Call 999 🚑

A&E and emergency services are for serious or life-threatening conditions.
Please do not contact the GP surgery in these situations.

❗ Call 999 IMMEDIATELY if you or someone else has:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Signs of a stroke – face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech
• Severe difficulty breathing or choking
• Loss of consciousness or collapse
• Seizures or fitting
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing)

🏥 Go to A&E for:

• Serious head injuries
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Deep or large wounds needing stitches
• Severe burns or scalds
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden severe pain that is not improving
• Serious infections causing confusion or high fever

⚠ A&E Is NOT For:

❌ Coughs, colds, sore throats
❌ Minor cuts or sprains
❌ Ongoing back pain
❌ Prescription requests
❌ Sick notes or test results

Using the right service helps ensure emergency care is available for those who need it most.
Thank you for your understanding 💙

12/01/2026

📞 When to Contact the Doctor – and When Not To 📞

To help us make sure patients get the right care at the right time, here’s a guide on when you should contact the GP surgery:

✅ Please Contact Us About:

✔ Ongoing or worsening symptoms
✔ New health concerns that aren’t urgent enough for A&E
✔ Long-term condition reviews (diabetes, asthma, blood pressure)
✔ Mental health concerns
✔ Medication queries or reviews
✔ Fit notes (sick notes)
✔ Test results (if advised to do so)

❌ Please Do NOT Contact the GP For:

❌ Medical emergencies – call 999 immediately
❌ Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing problems
❌ Minor coughs, colds, sore throats (try pharmacy first)
❌ Repeat prescriptions you’ve already ordered (please order through other services, e.g., online system/NHS app or pharmacy)
❌ Hospital appointment queries – contact the hospital directly

💊 Did You Know?

Your local pharmacy can help with many minor illnesses without an appointment( we can refer you if needed), including:
• Coughs & colds
• Sore throats
• Earache
• Hay fever

📍 They can also advise if you need to see a GP.

📌 Need advice out of hours?
Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk

Thank you for helping us keep our services running smoothly 💙

09/01/2026

🌱 Dry January – A Fresh Start for Your Health 🌱

January is a great time to reset and focus on your wellbeing. Taking part in Dry January – going alcohol-free for the month – can help improve sleep, boost energy, support mental health and reduce blood pressure.

Even a short break from alcohol can make a positive difference 💚

If you’re thinking of giving it a try, the NHS has lots of free advice and support available:

🔗 NHS alcohol support and advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/

🔗 Tips and tools to drink less:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/

From everyone at Knowsley Medical Centre, we’re here to support your health all year round.

Cutting down on alcohol can be a really effective way to improve your health. See our simple tips and practical ideas to help you starting drinking less. Let's do this!

08/01/2026

❄️ December Update – Knowsley Medical Doctors Surgery 🎄

December has brought frosty mornings, festive cheer, and another busy month at Knowsley Medical Doctors Surgery. As winter continues, our team is working hard to care for our community — thank you for your continued support 💙

📊 December at a glance:
📞 3,287 phone calls answered
🩺 2,951 appointments delivered
⭐ 96% of patients would recommend us
🚫 108 missed appointments (please cancel if you can’t attend)
🚫 8 patients with more than 1 DNA
📝 54 referrals sent
📋 29 non-NHS reports completed

💉 Flu Vaccinations
Flu jabs are still available. If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, please book — it’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and others this winter ❄️

🌬️ Winter Respiratory Hub
Support is available via the Winter Respiratory Hub in Bury for coughs, breathing issues, asthma, and chest symptoms. Contact us and we’ll guide you to the right care.

💙 Thank you
We’d like to thank all our patients for your patience, kindness, and understanding during this busy winter period.
Please remember — if you can’t attend your appointment, let us know so we can offer it to someone else.

Wishing you a warm, safe, and healthy December from all of us at Knowsley Medical Doctors Surgery 🎄❄️

02/01/2026

🌟 Happy New Year from Knowsley Medical! 🌟

Welcome to January — a fresh start and a great time to focus on your health and wellbeing.

✔️ Repeat Prescriptions
Please remember to order early and allow enough time for processing. The quickest way is through the NHS App or your usual online services.

✔️ Seasonal Illnesses
Coughs, colds, and flu are circulating. Most mild symptoms can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. Visit NHS 111 online if you’re unsure where to start.

✔️ Flu & other Vaccinations
If you’re eligible and haven’t had your vaccines yet, it’s not too late. Protect yourself and others this winter. Contact us or check the NHS App for availability.

✔️ Mental Wellbeing Matters
January can be a challenging month. If you’re struggling, please reach out — support is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Wishing all our patients a healthy, happy start to 2025.
– The Knowsley Medical Team

31/12/2025

🎉 Happy New Year’s Eve from Knowsley Medical 🎉

As we say goodbye to this year and welcome a new one, we’d like to thank all our patients for your continued support and understanding.

We are proud to care for our community and grateful to our amazing staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support your health and wellbeing.

We wish you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, wherever you are celebrating. Please remember to take care, celebrate responsibly and look after one another.

For urgent medical advice tonight:
📞 Contact NHS 111
🚑 Call 999 in an emergency

Here’s to a healthy and happy new year ahead 💙