Garstang Medical Practice

01/05/2026

Kepple Lane Pharmacy

01/05/2026

Knowing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives and reduce long-term disability. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, and urgent treatment is essential.

Remember the FAST signs:
• Face drooping on one side 😟
• Arm weakness or numbness 💪⚠️
• Speech difficulty or slurred speech 🗣️❗
• Time to call 999 immediately ⏱️🚑

Recovery doesn’t stop after hospital care. Ongoing support, rehabilitation and connecting with others can make a big difference to rebuilding confidence and independence after a stroke. Peer support groups and specialist organisations can provide advice, encouragement and a sense of community for both patients and carers. 💙🧠✨

Find support for stroke survivors: https://ow.ly/45Y350YOUqA
Learn about support and community at Different Strokes: https://ow.ly/7ENx50YOUqB
Join peer support groups: https://ow.ly/Y5eV50YOUqM

29/04/2026

Allergies are common and can range from mild to severe. They happen when the body reacts to something harmless like pollen, food, dust or animal fur. Symptoms can vary depending on the trigger and the person.

Common allergy symptoms include:
• Sneezing, runny or blocked nose 🤧✨
• Itchy eyes, skin or throat 👀💙
• Rashes, hives or swelling 🌿⚠️
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing 🫁💨

Most allergies can be managed, but some reactions can be serious. Call 999 immediately if someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, feeling faint or collapsing. 🚑⚠️

Understanding triggers, knowing the difference between allergies and intolerances, and taking early action can help keep you and your family safe. 💙✨

Read NHS advice on allergies: https://ow.ly/vxhs50YNVlw
Learn the difference between food allergy and intolerance: https://ow.ly/l17650YNVkX
Find advice on protecting babies against allergies: https://ow.ly/FNik50YNVlk

27/04/2026

Childhood vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections like measles, meningitis and whooping cough before they can cause harm. By keeping up to date with vaccinations, you are not only protecting your child but also helping protect vulnerable people in the wider community.

Without vaccination, children are at higher risk of serious illness, complications, hospitalisation and, in some cases, long-term health problems. Outbreaks of preventable diseases can spread more easily when vaccination rates drop.

Benefits of childhood vaccinations include:
• Protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases 💉🛡️
• Reduced spread of infections in schools and communities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
• Long-term protection and peace of mind 💙🌿
• Helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated ⚠️💛

Keeping vaccinations up to date is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference. 💙✨

Learn about NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

24/04/2026

RIGHT TO CHOOSE

AUTISM AND ADHD REFERRALS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

If you wish to be referred under NHS Right to Choose for an ADHD and/or autism assessment, the information on the various providers, criteria and wait times can be found on the ADHD UK website: https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

In the case of children/young people, please check the provider’s age criteria.

Please complete any necessary questionnaires your chosen provider is requesting, e.g. AQ10 or Self Reporting Scale.

Book a GP appointment to discuss your referral and bring in your completed form(s) and the name of your chosen provider. Please ensure we have your up-to-date email address as most providers will contact you via email initially.

We will then submit the referral on your behalf.

If you are struggling to navigate the website or need any help, please contact the secretaries here at the surgery.

Right to Choose - If you are based in England under the NHS you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team.

24/04/2026

MS Awareness Week is a chance to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with the condition.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, numbness, muscle stiffness and difficulties with balance or coordination. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, which is why understanding and awareness are so important.

There are still many myths about MS, which can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Learning the facts can help people feel more supported and informed, whether you are living with MS or supporting someone who is. 💙🧠✨

Learn more about MS and support available: https://mstrust.org.uk
Read about common myths and facts about MS: https://patient.info/features/brain-nerves/myths-about-multiple-sclerosis-you-need-to-stop-believing

22/04/2026

Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and helps protect your sight. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not detected early. Screening checks for early signs before you notice any changes, meaning treatment can start sooner and help prevent serious damage.

If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you will usually be invited for screening every 1–2 years. The test is quick and involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.

Attending your screening appointment can:
• Detect problems early before symptoms develop 👁️✨
• Help prevent or reduce sight loss 💙🩺
• Support long-term eye health as part of your diabetes care 🌿📊

Even if your vision feels fine, it’s important to attend when invited. 💙✨

Learn more about diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/diabetic-eye-screening/

20/04/2026

Triage system issues - Update
Normal services have been fully restored. We sincerely apologise for any disruption this has caused. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

20/04/2026

We are currently experiencing some technical issues with our triage system. We are working hard to resolve this as soon as possible. We apologise for any delay this may cause when you are contacting the surgery. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We will post an update when it has been resolved.

20/04/2026

Smoking affects nearly every part of your body, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It can also have a big impact on your finances, with the cost of smoking adding up over time. Understanding both the health and financial impact can be a powerful motivator to quit. 💷🚭💙✨

Reasons to quit smoking include:
• Improved heart and lung health ❤️🫁✨
• Reduced risk of cancer and serious illness 🎗️💙
• More energy and better overall wellbeing ⚡🌿
• Saving money every week and year 💷📊

Small steps can lead to big changes, and support is available to help you quit for good. 💙🚭✨

Use the smoking cost calculator: https://patient.info/healthy-living/smoking-cost-calculator
Learn about the true impact of smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/understanding-the-true-impact-of-smoking/

17/04/2026

Knowing your blood pressure reading is one of the simplest ways to protect your heart and overall health. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems if left untreated. Checking your reading regularly and understanding what it means can help you take control of your health.

You can help manage your blood pressure by:
• Eating a balanced diet with less salt 🥗🧂✨
• Staying active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Maintaining a healthy weight ⚖️💙
• Reducing alcohol and stopping smoking 🚭🍷
• Managing stress levels 🧠🌿

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. 💙🩺✨

Check your blood pressure reading: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/check-your-blood-pressure-reading
Read about foods that can help lower blood pressure: https://patient.info/features/heart-health/foods-to-lower-blood-pressure

15/04/2026

If you're waiting for treatment or surgery, the My Planned Care website can help you stay informed and supported while you wait. It provides average waiting times for local hospital trusts, helping you understand what to expect, as well as signposting to advice and support to help maintain your health and wellbeing during this time. Taking small steps to look after yourself while waiting can make a real difference. 💙🩺✨

Find waiting times and support on My Planned Care: www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk