Coleford Medical Practice

22/04/2026

We are aware that some patients have received a recent text message sent on behalf of the Primary Care Network which has caused worry.

The message was sent to a group of patients on the practice cancer register, which includes people who may have had cancer in the past, even if it was many years ago and is no longer an active issue.

Receiving this text does not mean that you have a new or current cancer diagnosis.

We apologise for the distress this may have caused.

21/04/2026

Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network HIVE
Dedicated to supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families

Wednesday, 13th May 11am-2pm at Cinderford Rugby Club (Bell Sports & Rugby Park, Dockham Road, Cinderford, GL14 2AQ)

Quiet Hour 11am-12pm (Quiet Space available)

FREE Bacon Rolls (from 12pm) and hot drinks

Come and join a friendly relaxed atmosphere where you can meet
like minded people.

For further information email: armedforces.network@fdean.gov.uk

15/04/2026

Young Gloucestershire is a countywide charity that supports young people who are facing challenges in their lives.

Access their services here:

Accessing Our Services Get Involved with YG All YG’s services can be accessed by completing the referral form on this page. How to make a referral Our referral form is now available to complete online. This is the fastest way to get information to us. The link below will take you to the online for...

15/04/2026

Whilst you might think stress is a sole responsibility, when it comes to managing stress in the workplace, the responsibility is shared. Clare, has written a story on our website regarding the importance of stress awareness and techniques for managing stress both in the workplace and then in your personal life check it out here: https://www.youngglos.org.uk/stress-awareness/ Or simply head to our website and search for stress awareness

15/04/2026

Listed below are the Enhanced Access appointments available for the week commencing 13/04/2026, via the West Forest of Dean PCN Hub. The same day appointments are booked on the day via the Surgery from 8.30am, for acute on the day problems. It is recommended that ongoing problems/ reviews are carried out by your usual Practice.

09/04/2026

Lydbrook Dispensary Opening Times

- Monday 8.30 to 1pm / 1.30 to 6pm
- Tuesday 8.30 to 1pm
- Wednesday 8.45 to 12.45
- Thursday 8.30 to 1pm
- Friday 8.30 to 1pm

Please use the NHS App where possible for ordering medication.

When ordering prescriptions please allow 7 days (excluding weekends and Bank holidays).

All Lydbrook patients on controlled drugs must collect from Coleford. They will not be delivered to Lydbrook.

We are experiencing a high demand at the moment please bear with us and be kind to all staff who are trying their best to help.

Thank you for your co-operation.

08/04/2026

Our Help Team will be in COLEFORD on Thursday morning providing information advice and guidance on all aspects of later life and how to age well.

We can help with a range of things including how to claim any benefits you may be entitled to, making social connections and much more. No need to make an appointment, just drop in.

To find out more about our Help Team and how we can support you, visit: 👇
ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire/helpteam

This activity is proudly supported by Forest of Dean District Council

Forest of Dean Forest of Dean Salvation Army

07/04/2026

Your NHS Bowel Screening Kit could save your life.

If you are aged 50 – 74, you will be automatically sent a Bowel Cancer Screening kit in the post every two years, consisting of a FIT test which checks for blood in your poo.

It takes just minutes to complete, but it could save your life.

If caught early, bowel cancer can be treated.

07/04/2026

What's on this month!

Check our the April Diary Dates compiled by Andrew Morgan-Watts on behalf of FODDAA. As always Andrew has sourced local events for you to attend and meet others building social connections and enjoying your day.

https://tinyurl.com/AprilDiaryDates

30/03/2026

Join the Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network ‘HIVE’ (Help, Information, Volunteer, Exchange) on Wednesday 1st April from 12:00 – 15:00 at Bream Sports Club, High Street, Bream, GL16 6JF​

Free bacon rolls and hot drinks for all attendees.​

Enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where you can meet like-minded people who understand the unique challenges and experiences of the Armed Forces community. ​

Free draw for Veterans to win 1 of 10 pairs of tickets to the annual Army v Royal Air Force Inter Service Rugby Championship Matches at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, 16th May.

Forest of Dean District Council in partnership with, DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Help for Heroes, Op Nova (Forces Employment Charity), Op Courage (NHS mental health specialist service).

For further information email: armedforces.network@fdean.gov.uk

24/03/2026

Did You Know?

The West Forest of Dean Primary Care Network is busy working in the background to organise various health projects supported by your GP Practice.

Some of our current projects:

Lung Cancer Screening
- for patients age 55-74, current or ex-smokers

Acute Respiratory Hubs
- Additional clinics at all practices between December and March
delivering approx. 900 additional GP appointments for patients with respiratory illnesses

Carers Support
- Over 800 additional carers identified
- Working with partners to improve support for carers

Enhanced Access
- Supporting your GPs to deliver over a hundred additional appointments every week including evening and weekend appointments

Frailty Team
- We are building a small team to support GPs with patients living with moderate to severe frailty.

Early Cancer Diagnosis Projects
- Including engagement/education sessions targeted at specific patient groups

If you have any questions regarding these, or suggestions for future events, please email glicb.westforestofdean.pcn@nhs.net. Not to be used for individual health concerns.

16/03/2026

Upcoming Changes to the NHS App

The NHS App is being updated with a new look and improved features as part of NHS England’s 10‑year plan to make digital access to healthcare easier and more intuitive.

Over the coming weeks, patients who have automatic updates enabled will begin to see the new layout in the NHS App. Others will receive prompts to update manually. The rollout will begin by the end of March 2026.

What’s changing?

NHS England has redesigned the NHS App based on research involving more than 1,000 users, including accessibility testing.

The updated design aims to make the App:
- Easier to navigate
- More accessible to all users
- Quicker to use for common tasks such as ordering prescriptions or viewing health information

These improvements have been developed with input from healthcare and clinical safety teams, and NHS England is confident patients will adapt quickly to the new layout.

You can read more about the changes, and watch a short video of the new home screen, on the NHS England website:

New look NHS App: What is changing – https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/resources/new-look-nhs-app-what-is-changing

Need help?

If you need assistance using the NHS App, our practice team is here to help. Please speak to reception or visit the NHS App support pages for guidance.

Find out what changes we are making to the layout of the NHS App and why we are making them. The NHS App provides a simple and secure way for people to access a range of NHS services on their smartphone or tablet.