The Croft Practice at Eastergate Medical Centre

12/05/2026

Happy International Nurses Day to our amazing nursing team 💙

Thank you for everything you do for our patients, our practice, and each other every single day. From the friendly faces and reassuring chats to the care and support you give behind the scenes, we honestly couldn’t do it without you.

Your kindness, hard work, and dedication make such a difference to so many people in our community, and today is all about celebrating you.

We’re very lucky to have you as part of our team ✨

11/05/2026

🌼 Reminder: Learning Disability Patient Meeting 🌼

A gentle reminder that our dedicated Learning Disability Patient Meeting is taking place this week at The Croft Practice 💚

This welcoming event is for patients, carers, and families to come together, hear about local support available, and share experiences in a friendly and supportive environment.

We’ll be joined by:
✨ Aldingbourne Trust
✨ Toby, sharing his personal journey
✨ Time to connect, chat, and be heard

📅 Wednesday 13th May
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 The Croft Practice, Eastergate

We would love for you to join us 🤍

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who may benefit.

🌼 You’re Invited to a Special Patient Meeting

We’re really pleased to be hosting a dedicated Learning Disability Patient Meeting at The Croft Practice 💚

This is a welcoming space for patients, carers and families to come together, share experiences, and hear about local support available.

We’ll have:
• A talk from Aldingbourne Trust
• A patient story from Toby, sharing his personal journey
• Time to connect, chat, and be heard

📅 Wednesday 13th May
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 The Croft Practice, Eastergate

We would love for you to join us 🤍

09/05/2026

Thank you to Maywood Surgery for sharing this wonderful event from West Dean in support of Mental Health Awareness Week. 🌿💚

Just saw this.... It's a beautiful place to visit and to support Mental Health Awareness week it's FREE entry 💙

09/05/2026

If you’re aged 40–74 and don’t already have certain long-term conditions, you may be eligible for a FREE NHS Health Check.

These quick checks help spot early signs of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia — often before symptoms appear.

An NHS Health Check can help you understand your risk, get personalised advice, and take simple steps to stay healthy for longer.

Ask our team for more information or scan the QR code on the poster to find out more and book your check today. 💙

08/05/2026

🇬🇧 Supporting Our Armed Forces Community 🇬🇧

We now have a selection of leaflets available in the surgery, along with a donation box for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

If you’d like to find out more about the incredible work they do supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families, please feel free to pick up a leaflet next time you’re in.

Every donation, big or small, helps make a real difference ❤️

Thank you for your support!

07/05/2026

Join us for Knit & Natter 🧶☕

Held on the first Tuesday of every month, 10am–12pm at Eastergate Medical Centre.

Come along, enjoy tea and coffee, have a chat, and help us make items for the local paediatrics department.

Please bring your own knitting kit. Everyone welcome!

06/05/2026

April was another incredibly busy month at The Croft Practice!

Here’s a snapshot of what our team achieved in April 2026:

👥 Caring for a patient population of 13,839 patients

📞 4,124 phone calls answered
🩺 6,358 appointments provided
🏡 374 home visits completed
💻 3,494 triages received – averaging 184 every day
💊 11,416 prescriptions issued
📄 10,031 documents processed
🧪 3,968 test results reviewed
📨 493 referrals sent
👩‍⚕️ 2,116 nurse appointments delivered

Our average wait time for patients being called into their appointment was just 3.8 minutes despite the continued high demand.

A huge thank you to all of our staff for their hard work and dedication, and thank you to our patients for your continued patience and support 💙

05/05/2026

Today, on International Day of the Midwife, we recognise and celebrate the vital role midwives play in caring for women, babies and families.

Midwives provide expert, compassionate care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond — supporting families through some of the most important and life-changing moments. Their dedication, skill and kindness make a lasting difference in our community every single day.

At The Croft, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all midwives for the incredible work they do.

💙 Your care truly matters.

05/05/2026

Protect Yourself This Season

Viruses like RSV, COVID-19, flu and pneumonia are more common at this time of year — and for some people, they can lead to serious illness.

💉 If you’re eligible, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you.
You may be eligible if you:
✔️ Have a long-term health condition
✔️ Are pregnant
✔️ Are a carer or healthcare worker
✔️ Or meet other criteria — check with us to see what you’re entitled to

❤️ It’s not just about you — vaccination helps protect your family, friends, and the wider community.

04/05/2026

💚 Mental Health Go Green Day – Join Us! 💚

We’re proud to be taking part in Go Green Day to raise awareness and support for mental health 💬

📅 Thursday 14th May

Pop in and see us — we’d love to welcome you!
☕ Enjoy a tea or coffee
🍰 Treat yourself to a biscuit or cake
💚 Make a donation if you can

Every conversation matters, and every bit of support helps make a difference.

👕 Don’t forget to wear green to show your support!

Let’s come together as a community to support mental health 💚

03/05/2026

Hay fever season is here and symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a blocked nose are common—but manageable.

💊 Treatments

* Antihistamines (tablets) – help with sneezing, itching, and runny nose; best taken daily.
* Nasal sprays – often the most effective; reduce inflammation but need regular use and may take a few days to work.
* Eye drops – relieve itchy, watery eyes.

🌿 Simple tips

* Keep windows closed in the morning/evening (high pollen times)
* Shower after being outdoors
* Avoid drying clothes outside on high pollen days
* Wear sunglasses to protect eyes

⚠️ When to seek help

* Symptoms aren’t improving with pharmacy treatment
* Wheezing or breathing problems
* Symptoms are severe or affecting daily life

🏥 Key message

Most hay fever can be managed with advice and treatment from your local pharmacy—no GP appointment needed.