Barn Surgery Ferring PPG - Patient Participation Group

27/01/2026

02/01/2026

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.

You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.

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

14/12/2025

🏥 There are currently around 50 people in hospital across Sussex unwell with Flu.

Flu is not 'just a cold' or the sniffles, it can be very serious.

The best way to keep yourself from becoming severely ill is by getting vaccinated, but it's also important to stay home if you have Flu like symptoms and practice good hand hygiene.

This helpful graphic can help you tell the difference between a Covd, Flu or a cold - you may need to tap/click the image to view it in full!

05/12/2025

Most pharmacies can now offer the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill) for free, without you needing to see a GP or visit a sexual health clinic.

They can also discuss long-term contraception options with you at the same time.

Think Pharmacy First!

04/12/2025

25/11/2025

For some people, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can feel more noticeable or harder to manage during the winter.

But small things can help:

🔵 try some physical activity – anything that gets you moving
🔵 make the most of natural light – getting outside or sitting near windows
🔵 plan for tougher days – shifting stressful tasks or building in more rest

There’s also treatment available if you’re finding things really tough – such as light therapy, talking therapies or medication.

Find out more ➡️ www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

03/11/2025

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions - without you seeing a GP.

Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.

29/10/2025

If you need the emergency contraceptive pill, you can now get it free from pharmacies across England — without needing an appointment with your GP or at a sexual health clinic.

Pharmacists can provide advice and support. Find your nearest participating pharmacy: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-emergency-contraception/

20/10/2025

The Barn Surgery are holding drop in flu clinics every Wednesday and Friday between 12:30-1:00pm for everyone over 65 and anyone that is under 65 who is clinically vulnerable. No appointment is needed…just walk in!

06/10/2025

It’s World Meningitis Day.

Meningitis can be life-threatening and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Several vaccinations offer protection against it – find out more ➡️ https://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/vaccination