Springhead Health

24/07/2025

Samaritans Awareness Day (24th July)

Samaritans Awareness Day is on 24th July (24/7), so we’re raising awareness throughout July, to let people know that they can talk to us, day or night, 24/7. https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/samaritans-awareness-day/


On Samaritans Awareness Day, remember you are never alone. Whether you’re struggling or supporting someone who is, help is always just a call away. Let’s break the stigma around mental health and start real conversations.

23/07/2025

**Advance Notice**
The surgery will be closing at 1pm today for staff training. This is across all of the Kent & Medway area.
Please note, appointment availability may be reduced.
If you require medical assistance or advice during this closure, please call 111, attend the Urgent Treatment Centre in Gravesend or visit your local pharmacy.
For emergencies, please visit A&E or call 999.
The surgery will re-open as normal tomorrow at 8am

22/07/2025

Prescriptions

Going away this summer? Please remember to order enough of your medication, at least five days in advance of your holiday. Running out of regular medication where you’re unable to source more could cause serious side effects. Enjoy your holiday; request your medication early!
(Add prescription details here.)

21/07/2025

Hot weather and transdermal patches

In this hot weather, if you use any form of prescription transdermal patch (e.g., pain relief or contraceptive, or HRT), it’s important to keep the area cool.

Elevated temperatures can cause the patch to release too much medication over a quicker period of time, so it’s important to keep it out of direct heat, and watch for any side effects.

If you’re concerned, please seek medical advice.

21/07/2025

**Advance Notice**
The surgery will be closing at 1pm on Wednesday 23rd July for staff training. This is across all of the Kent & Medway area.
Please note, appointment availability may be reduced.
If you require medical assistance or advice during this closure, please call 111, attend the Urgent Treatment Centre in Gravesend or visit your local pharmacy.
For emergencies, please visit A&E or call 999.
The surgery will re-open as normal on Thursday 24th July at 8am.

18/07/2025

School holidays

A healthy diet is essential for growing children! During the summer holidays, if your children are entitled to free school meals, you’ll be able to access free meals over the break.
https://www.theeducationpeople.org/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-kent-haf/haf-information-for-families/

It can be challenging to think about healthy snack ideas on a daily basis through the summer. The NHS has some easy suggestions whether you’re at home or on the move! https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/healthier-snacks/

Discover loads of simple ideas for home-made snacks, as well as tips to help you snack smarter and pick up healthier snacks in the shops.

16/07/2025

General weight loss

Losing weight can feel challenging, but there are two ways that we can better manage our weight.
A healthy, calorie-controlled diet can be part of the answer for weight management or weight loss.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/healthy-eating-when-trying-to-lose-weight/

Increasing your levels of activity is a brilliant way to improve overall health and increase the number of calories that you burn.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/ -active

14/07/2025

Weight loss drugs

We understand the media is reporting that Mounjaro is now available under the NHS; however, not all areas are able to offer this service at this time. As we’re in an area where this service is not yet available, unfortunately we can’t help with queries or requests for this at the present time.

Once this service does become available, it will be for only:

Patients over 18, with a BMI of 40+, or 37.5+ if you’re from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background and have four or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

We understand the media is reporting that Mounjaro is now available under the NHS, but it’s really important to note that this is ONLY for a limited group of patients.

You must be over 18, with a BMI of 40+, or 37.5+ if you’re from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background and have four or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

We cannot offer any weight loss drug for cosmetic or general weight loss.

Weight loss support is available (add any local offerings): https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Thank you for keeping our lines clear for those who need urgent medical help.

11/07/2025

World Population Day

World Population Day reminds us that global population trends impact everything – from jobs and poverty to access to healthcare, education and resources. Smart policies start with understanding who we are, where we live and what lies ahead.

10/07/2025

Childhood immunisation

The UK childhood immunisation schedule is changing from July 2025.

Your baby will no longer receive the Hib/MenC vaccine at their one-year appointment

The second dose of MenB will be brought forward to 12 weeks

The first dose of PCV13 will be moved to 16 weeks

Find the full schedule here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/routine-childhood-immunisation-schedule

If you’d like more information, please speak to the Practice Nurse or your Health Visitor.

09/07/2025

https://www.springheadhealth.co.uk/news/prostate-cancer

Prostate Cancer

09/07/2025

Dehydration

When the weather is very warm, you may be at risk of dehydration if you don’t adequately replace the fluid you lose through sweating and p*eing. Babies, children and older adults are most at risk. You can help to minimise the risk of dehydration by ensuring you drink enough to keep your p*e a pale-yellow colour. You can increase your fluid intake by eating foods that are high in liquids, such as jelly, ice cream, melon, cucumber or soup. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/