Mendip Country Practice

09/09/2025

Good Afternoon all,

We would like to clarify the rules on who is eligible for COVID and Seasonal Influenza vaccinations this year.

We are only able to give these vaccinations to the persons eligible as per the Government eligibility criteria.

You are eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccination this Autumn if you are:

Over the age of 75 years old, or turning 75 years old before the 31st of March 2026.

Or, under 75 with one or more of the following,

- Resident in a care home for older adults,

6 months or older but clinically deemed as immunosuppressed: Including but not limited to:

- Currently undergoing chemotherapy/radical radiotherapy.
- Solid organ transplant recipients
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients
- HIV infection at all stages
- Multiple myeloma or genetic disorders affecting the immune system.
- Receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy
- History of haematological malignancy including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma
- Requiring long term immunosuppressive treatment.

This year the COVID-19 Vaccination is not being offered to people in a clinical risk group. This means that it is likely that you may not be eligible, even if you have had it during previous campaigns.

You are eligible for a seasonal influenza vaccination if you are:

Over 65 years old, or turning 65 before the 31st of March 2026

Or, under 65 with one or more of the following -

- Pregnancy
- Children aged 2 or 3 years by the 31st of August 2025
- At risk condition such as, Asthma (on active treatment), COPD, Diabetes, Stroke/TIA, Coronary Heart Disease etc...
- A resident in a residential home for older adults.

We have noticed that in recent weeks, there has been a significant rise in abusive behaviour towards our reception staff due to people not being eligible for a COVID vaccination this year and want to make it clear that:

1- We have a zero tolerance policy for any and all abusive behaviour towards any of our staff members.

2- We have to follow the guidelines as set out my NHS England, the eligibility criteria is beyond our control and we are only able to vaccinate the individuals that are eligible as per the guidance.

3- We have texted/emailed everyone we can that is eligible for both Influenza and COVID vaccinations this year, and are in the process of contacting the people we cannot contact via message to offer appointments.

Thank you.

13/08/2025

Measles

Measles cases are on the rise in the UK. Vaccination is vital to protect both your own children and those around you who are vulnerable. If you’ve missed a dose, or you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late to catch up. Book an appointment by contacting Reception.

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases, and while anti-vaccine stories are often spread on social media, these may not be based on scientific evidence and could put your child at risk of a serious illness.

Facts:

Vaccines do not cause autism – studies have found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism

They do not overload or weaken the immune system

Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced – they’re also constantly monitored for side effects

If people are not vaccinated, serious illnesses can spread. Measles can lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis, and may even be fatal. Book your child’s vaccine today.

22/07/2025

📢📢📢 Coleford Foodbank NEEDS you! 📢📢📢

Coleford Foodbank are registering as a Community Interest Company (CIC), to make it a more sustainable solution for local people in need and to safeguard volunteers. Debbie, who has been involved since 2019, is happy to continue volunteering her time as a committee member of the new CIC. We now need at least two more people to join Debbie in running the new CIC.

Would you like to be part of a committed team putting something back into your community? Could you offer your time regularly as an Administrator, Treasurer or Fundraiser? In return, you'll have the opportunity to gain new skills and experiences, make new friends and meet people from a range of backgrounds. We will provide free training and ensure you're working in a safe and rewarding working environment.

For more information, contact Health Connections Mendip via phone or email on ⬇
☎️ 01749 600379 option 3
📧 somicb.healthconnections.central@nhs.net

You can also drop off donations of non-perishable food at Mendip Country Practice.
We will be setting up NEW donation points and a fundraising page soon. 💛

23/06/2025

You may have seen in the news that GP’s are now able to prescribe weight loss injections (Mounjaro). Whilst this is the case, the eligibility criteria is very strict, and we cannot prescribe this medication unless you are eligible.

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements

- BMI (Body mass index) of 40 or more

And 4 or more of the following conditions:

- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart/Vascular Disease
- High Cholesterol
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

We ask that you do not contact the practice to arrange weight loss injections unless you meet the above criteria.

Thank you for your understanding.

04/06/2025

Good morning,

Unfortunately our online request system has gone down. We are assured the company are looking into it as a matter of urgency.

For the time being, if your query is urgent for today, please contact the surgery via phone - 01373 812244

03/06/2025

We are hiring for a Part time Receptionist/Admin Assistant

33 hours per week over 4 days

We are looking for a conscientious, enthusiastic and reliable person to join our Reception and Administration team. Your role will be to provide administrative support to the primary care medical team and front of house service to our registered patients. Previous experience of working in a GP surgery an advantage but not essential. Good IT skills and customer service essential.

Job descriptions and application forms are available to download here - https://www.mendipcp.co.uk/about-the-surgery

Salaries:- subject to experience.

This post is NHS pensionable and permanent.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing date Friday 13th June 2025

Interviews Thursday 19th June 2025

If you require any further information please contact either:

Ruth Woodland Practice Manager or Samantha Pitt, Assistant PM at:-ruth.woodland@nhs.net or samantha.pitt@nhs.net or on 01373 814880

We would also like to use google translate cookies and analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics.

16/05/2025

Receptionists are not ‘just admin’ — they are patient advocates, navigating complex systems to get people the care they need. You don't know what happened on the call they just took.

Receptionists are not ‘just admin’ — they are patient advocates, navigating complex systems to get people the care they need. They are the gateway to the cli...

29/04/2025

We’re now using Anima to help during consultations!

Anima securely summarises your conversation with your clinician, helping keep clear notes and saving time.

Prefer not to use it? Just let your clinician know.

22/04/2025

Update - all is back up and running.

Good morning,

Unfortunately our online triage system has gone down, please contact the surgery via phone if your query is urgent for today.

Please note there may be delays in answering your call.

Next update 11AM

27/03/2025

06/03/2025

Re - Road Closure Church Street 25th March for 4 days

Good afternoon,

Just a pre warning that we have had notice that Wales and West utilities will be performing road works on Church street for 4 days from the 25th of March.

We have been assured that access to the surgery will still be granted, but please allow extra time to travel to your appointment with us.

26/02/2025

Good afternoon,

We are soon upgrading our website to become more user friendly, it will look very different but we hope easier to navigate on any device.

Https://mendipcp.co.uk

We would also like to use google translate cookies and analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics.