Epsom Primary Care Network

05/11/2025

Are you a UK Veteran? 📢🪖🎖️

Does your GP record include the code “Military Veteran” (1300561000000108)?

The NHS uses codes to flag veteran status, helping ensure you can access specialist or priority treatment where clinically appropriate.

⚠️ This code isn’t added automatically.

Here’s how to check yours;

✅ Step 1: Tell your GP practice you’re a military veteran.
✅ Step 2: Ask them to add the code “Military Veteran” (1300561000000108) to your record.
✅ Step 3: Once added, systems like SystmOne display an ‘MV’ alert — flagging your veteran status to NHS staff.

💡 Why it matters;

🎖️ Priority access to NHS treatment for service-related conditions.
🧠 Easier referrals to veteran mental health services like Op COURAGE.
🏥 Helps clinicians understand how service life impacts your health.
🤝 Links you with veteran-specific care pathways and support.

💬 Have you checked if your GP record includes it?

📣 Share this post to help amplify the message to other veterans who may not be aware of it.

, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership

05/06/2024

A baby’s brain is making one million neural connections every second! 🤯 Pregnancy and the first two years are crucial for their healthy development. Every interaction between you and your baby lays the foundation for their physical and emotional wellbeing, now and in the future. Secure relationships with parents and carers positively impact child development outcomes and reduce the likelihood of mental health difficulties. 🌟

Discover more about bonding with your baby and making the most of these precious moments: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/baby-basics/bonding-with-your-baby/ 💕

03/06/2024

🏳️‍🌈 During Pride Month and beyond, it's crucial to recognise and celebrate the diversity of gender identities within our community. The NHS is committed to providing inclusive and supportive healthcare services for trans and gender-diverse individuals.

If you or someone you know is experiencing gender dysphoria, the NHS offers a range of healthcare options tailored to meet individual needs. From counselling and psychological support to hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, our goal is to ensure everyone has access to the care they need to live authentically and comfortably. 🏳️‍⚧️

We understand that navigating gender transition can be challenging, and that's why we provide resources and support every step of the way. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are here to listen, offer guidance, and provide compassionate care.

To learn more about gender dysphoria and the healthcare services available through the NHS, visit our website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/. Let's continue to foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, not just during Pride Month, but every day of the year.

31/05/2024

🌍🚭 Why to***co is harmful for you and the environment? 🚭🌍

Today is World No To***co Day, a perfect time to reflect on the impact of to***co on our health and our planet. Here’s why it’s crucial to kick the habit and how the NHS can help you quit smoking or chewing to***co.

👎 Why To***co is Bad for You:
- Health risks: Smoking and chewing to***co can cause serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory problems.
- Addiction: Ni****ne in to***co is highly addictive, making it hard to quit once you start.
- Quality of life: To***co use can affect your physical fitness, cause premature aging, and lead to various chronic illnesses.

🌿 Why To***co is Bad for the Environment:
- Pollution: Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, polluting our streets, beaches, and waterways.
- Deforestation: To***co farming contributes to deforestation, which harms biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Chemical waste: The production and disposal of to***co products release harmful chemicals into the environment.

💡 Advice on Quitting:
The NHS offers a range of services to help you quit smoking or chewing to***co:
- NHS Smokefree: Access free resources, tools, and support at https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree
- Stop Smoking Services: Find local stop smoking services for one-on-one or group support.
- Quit Smoking Aids: Learn about ni****ne replacement therapies (NRT), prescription medications, and other aids to help you quit.

Taking the step to quit is a powerful move for your health and the planet. Reach out today and start your journey to a to***co-free life!

***coDay

29/05/2024

Why learn child and baby first aid? 👶🩹 Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, especially when it comes to our little ones. Learning child and baby first aid equips you with life-saving skills to respond confidently in emergencies. From choking and CPR to burns and fevers, being prepared can make all the difference. Join us in prioritising safety and peace of mind.

Discover more at https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children.

🚑💙

27/05/2024

📢 Important Update: Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise

We want to inform you about a concerning trend in whooping cough cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In March alone, there were 1,319 confirmed cases, a significant increase from previous months. Sadly, this year has already seen five infant deaths due to whooping cough.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/whooping-cough-cases-continue-to-rise

But there's some good news too! The pertussis vaccine given during pregnancy is highly effective in protecting both mothers and babies. By getting vaccinated between 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, or even up to birth, you can pass on crucial antibodies to your baby, giving them early protection.

We understand there may be questions or concerns about vaccination. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk to your GP about getting vaccinated against whooping cough. Let's work together to keep our families healthy and safe. 🌟

25/05/2024

This film explains the range of health professionals who work together within your local General Practice, to help you get the right care when you need it: https://youtu.be/CT0aB-EORMU

In addition to GPs, General Practice teams can include nurses, physiotherapists, clinical pharmacists, mental health practitioners, paramedics, social prescribing link workers, and health and wellbeing coaches. The Reception Team is trained to discuss your medical concerns thoroughly and confidentially, so you can be seen by the right health professional for your situation.

If you need to see a GP you will always be offered an appointment, but there may be other health professionals who can provide the most appropriate support.

Your General Practice team is here to help you. To find out more about the support that is on offer at general practices, visit https://nhs.uk/GPservices

You can also watch the video in different languages here:
Hindi: https://youtu.be/WWZs6S3itbc
Gujarati: https://youtu.be/Cg9aW2kBQag
Bengali: https://youtu.be/OFTzFS2BY7w
Punjabi: https://youtu.be/rOjn6f05kj0
Polish: https://youtu.be/pbClDSEQ2gc
Romanian: https://youtu.be/nzlomWN4X5o
Somali: https://youtu.be/zts6GcyeQ_A

This film explains the range of health professionals who work together within your local General Practice, to help you get the right care when you need it.In...

24/05/2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection injures its tissues and organs.

Recognising the signs and acting quickly is crucial. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek medical help immediately by calling 999.

Early detection and prompt treatment can make all the difference. For more information, go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

🩺🚨

22/05/2024

Choosing the right care: first time, every time! 🩺✨ Did you know? You don't always need to see a GP for your healthcare needs. At our practice, we have a diverse team of skilled professionals who play vital roles in patient care. For example, this could be a Health and Wellbeing Coach, a Podiatrist or a Physiotherapist! They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of common health issues, providing timely and effective care. From minor ailments to long-term conditions, our team is here to ensure you receive the right care, the first time around.

Learn more about roles and services at https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/expanding-our-workforce/

🌟👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️💊

20/05/2024

COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

You or your child may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine if you:

are 75 years or over (you need to be 75 years old by 30 June 2024)
are 6 months to 74 years old and have a weakened immune system
live in a care home for older adults
If you’re eligible, you can get a spring COVID-19 vaccine by:

booking online
going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
booking on the NHS App
talking to a local NHS service, such as a
For more information, go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine/

17/05/2024

Unlocking Access: Celebrate International Accessibility Awareness Day on May 18th! 🌍💻 It's a day to raise awareness and advocate for digital inclusion, ensuring everyone has equal access to online resources and opportunities. From accessible websites to assistive technologies, let's work together to break down barriers and create a more inclusive digital landscape. Join us in promoting awareness, understanding, and action.

Explore resources, tutorials, and tools for digital empowerment at https://www.learnmyway.com/explore-the-subjects. Together, we can make a difference!

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