Guildhall Surgery Folkestone

25/11/2025

Think you need urgent dental care? Urgent dental appointments are now available.

Find out how to get the help you need. Go to nhs.uk/urgentdentalcare

25/11/2025

Important Notice

Due to staff training our eConsult will close at 1100 hours on Thursday 27 November. Full facilities will be available again from 0700 hours on Friday 28 November.

Patients needing health support once we have closed will still have access to health services via their pharmacies or the walk-in centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Further, there is always the option of calling 111.

19/11/2025

It’s World COPD Day.

Colder weather can cause breathing problems if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Make sure you know how to look after yourself or someone else living with COPD.

➡️ https://nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/

19/11/2025

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/

23/10/2025

Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.

Symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on everyday life – but there are ways to alleviate and manage them.

Find out more: https://nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/…

23/10/2025

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.

23/10/2025

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for people most at risk, including older adults, care home residents and those with weakened immune systems.

If you’re eligible, book your vaccine today. ⬇️

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/

07/10/2025

Important Notice - Due to staff training our eConsult will close at 1100 hours on Thursday 9 October. Full facilities will be available again from 0700 hours on Friday 10 October.

Patients needing support once we have closed will still have access to health services via their pharmacies or the walk-in centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Further, there is always the option of calling 111.

02/10/2025

eConsult

Good news - the system is now back up and running again.

Thank you for your patience.

eConsult

We have been made aware that the eConsult system is currently down and patients cannot complete eConsults.

We are advised that eConsult are dealing with this matter and the system should be restored shortly.

Thank you for your patience at this time.

24/09/2025

MEDICATION FOR FEAR OF FLYING

Many people feel anxious about flying. We understand this can be very distressing and some patients ask for medicines like diazepam to help.

After careful review of the medical evidence and national guidance, our doctors will no longer prescribe diazepam (or similar medicines) for fear of flying.

Why we won’t prescribe diazepam for flying?

• Safety on board: Diazepam makes you less alert and slows your reactions. This can be dangerous in an emergency. It can also make you too sleepy to move around, increasing the risk of blood clots (DVT).
• Breathing risks: Airplane cabins already have less oxygen than at ground level. Sedatives like diazepam can worsen breathing problems.
• Unexpected reactions: Some people become agitated or aggressive after taking diazepam (a 'paradoxical reaction'). This can be very unsafe on a plane.
• Mixing with alcohol: Alcohol is often consumed when travelling and can combine with diazepam to cause dangerous sedation.
• Addiction and misuse: Diazepam is addictive and often misused. In our area, the risk of tablets being lost, shared, or sold is high.

These reasons mean diazepam is not recommended in national guidelines (BNF, NICE, NHS) for treating phobias like fear of flying.

Safer and more effective alternatives

• Airline 'Fear of Flying' courses: British Airways – Flying with Confidence; easyJet – Fearless Flyer; Virgin
Atlantic – Flying Without Fear.
• Talking therapy (CBT / IAPT): If your fear is severe or stopping you from travelling, we can refer you for talking therapy.
• Self-help techniques: Breathing and relaxation exercises, listening to calming music or audiobooks,
informing cabin crew so they can support you.

23/09/2025

The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency confirm that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.

Read more in their latest update.

➡️ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-confirms-taking-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-remains-safe-and-there-is-no-evidence-it-causes-autism-in-children