Chapel Street Medical Centre

23/03/2026

⚠️ Meningitis B Update

There has been a recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent.

Extra MenB vaccines are only offered in exceptional circumstances, such as:
✔ Close contact with a confirmed case
✔ Being in specific UKHSA‑identified locations (see below)

Routine NHS vaccinations continue as normal for:
🧒 Infants under 2 (MenB)
🎓 Ages 14–25 (MenACWY)

GP practices cannot offer additional MenB vaccines on the NHS outside these groups.
Private vaccination may be available at some pharmacies or private clinics.

📱 Check your vaccination record on the NHS App before calling the surgery.

🚨 Call 999 if you have meningitis symptoms.

☎ If exposed but well: UKHSA 0344 225 3861 (Mon–Fri, 9–5)

More info: nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

Current UKHSA affected locations:
• University of Kent (Canterbury campus)
• Affected student accommodation in Canterbury
• Club Chemistry, Canterbury — 5–16 March

20/03/2026

Patient Update: Meningitis Cases in Canterbury

We are aware of the recent increase in meningitis cases within the Canterbury area and are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Patients are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms and to follow the guidance provided in the accompanying poster. Early recognition and prompt medical assessment are essential.

If you have any concerns or develop symptoms, please contact the practice or seek urgent medical advice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

19/03/2026

11/03/2026

Missed Appointments – February 2026

In February 2026, our practice had a number of appointments that were not attended. Each missed appointment is time that could have been used to help another patient who may have been waiting to be seen.

Missed appointments can have a real impact on our services, increasing waiting times and reducing the availability of care for those who need it most.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please remember to cancel it as soon as possible. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient and helps us keep appointments available for everyone.

Please see the poster below for more information about missed appointments in February.

Thank you for helping us make the best use of our appointments and supporting your local GP practice.

11/03/2026

Missed Appointments – January 2026

In January 2026, our practice had a number of appointments that were not attended. Each missed appointment is time that could have been used to help another patient who may have been waiting to be seen.

Missed appointments can have a real impact on our services, increasing waiting times and reducing the availability of care for those who need it most.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please remember to cancel it as soon as possible. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient and helps us keep appointments available for everyone.

Please see the poster below for more information about missed appointments in January.

Thank you for helping us make the best use of our appointments and supporting your local GP practice.

23/02/2026

We encourage all patients to download the NHS App and make sure push notifications are turned on. This helps your healthcare team contact you quickly with important updates about your care, such as appointment reminders, test results, messages from your GP practice, and other relevant information.

Keeping notifications enabled ensures you don’t miss time-sensitive information and allows us to communicate with you more efficiently. The app is secure, convenient, and designed to give you better access to NHS services.

If you haven’t already, please download the NHS App and check that notifications are switched on in your phone settings.

18/02/2026

20/01/2026

Children under 6 are now routinely offered the MMRV vaccine as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.

MMRV replaces the existing MMR vaccine and adds protection against chickenpox, alongside measles, mumps and rubella.

More advice ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

20/01/2026

We are supporting Jess’s Rule, a patient safety initiative that promotes listening to patients, families and carers when there are concerns about a person’s condition.

Jess’s Rule is designed to encourage open communication and shared understanding between patients and healthcare professionals, helping to ensure concerns are acknowledged and taken seriously.

You may see information about Jess’s Rule displayed in our practice — please take a moment to read the poster, which explains the purpose of the rule and how it supports patient safety.

05/01/2026

📱 Stay connected with your NHS care

Did you know the NHS App helps you stay up to date with important health information? From appointment updates to messages from your GP practice, the app makes managing your care easier and more convenient.

🔔 Don’t forget to enable notifications
Turning on notifications means you won’t miss important messages, reminders, or updates about your care.

✅ Download or log in to the NHS App
✅ Check your notification settings are switched on
✅ Stay informed, anytime, anywhere

The NHS App is free, secure, and available on smartphones and tablets.
Find out more and download it today 👉 www.nhs.uk/nhs-app