Wigmore & Hempstead Medical Centres

20/03/2026

** Meningitis outbreak update 20th March 2026**

✅ Antibiotic & Vaccine Clinics – Important Update
The NHS is offering preventative antibiotics and MenB vaccines to eligible people as a precaution.
➡️ Designated HUB clinics are walk in.
❗ GP surgeries are not walk in for these — please contact your GP practice directly if you need advice or an appointment.
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✅ Who is eligible?
You may receive preventative antibiotics and/or vaccines if you:
• Attended Club Chemistry between 5–15 March
• Are a Year 12 or 13 pupil at one of the four notified schools
• Are a University of Kent student living on campus, or campus staff
• Are a close contact of a confirmed or suspected case
Full clinic details and opening times:
👉 https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information
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✅ Important information
• Walk in only at the designated HUB clinics
• Do not attend your GP surgery without contacting them first
• Bring your NHS number if you have it
• Bring a bottle of water
• Antibiotics cannot be collected on behalf of someone else

Updates and information on the meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area.

18/03/2026

📢Additional meningitis antibiotic clinic opening in Medway👇🏼

A clinic at James Williams Healthy Living Centre in Chatham will open from tomorrow, to provide free emergency antibiotic tablets to eligible people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

Precautionary antibiotics – who is eligible?
- Students and staff living on campus at the University of Kent, Canterbury
- Close contacts identified by UKHSA, or those who believe they have had contact with a confirmed case
- Club Chemistry staff
- Anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March

Location details:
📍James Williams Healthy Living Centre, The Pentagon Centre, Military Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4HY
Open: Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday, 21 March: 8.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday, 22 March: 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Other antibiotic clinic locations:
📍Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ: Thursday, 19 March, 8.30am to 7.30pm.
📍 University of Kent – Senate Building, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
Open daily: 9am to 5pm (last patient 4.30pm)
📍 The Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, CT1 3NG
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Thanet Community Health Hub, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT - Closing at 4pm on Thursday, 19 March.

Important information:
- No booking is needed, just turn up during the times above
- You do not need to bring ID
- Please bring your NHS number if you have it
- Bring a bottle of water if you can

📍 If you have already left Kent, please contact your GP for advice and access to treatment.

⚠️ Please continue to watch for symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell.

➡More information: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information

17/03/2026

Latest update

In response to the recent meningitis outbreak please refer to the latest official guidance for up to date information as the situation is evolving rapidly - we will continue to share updates as soon as they become available

https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187

There is also a patient helpline run by UKHSA available. Patients can call 0344 225 3861 Monday-Friday from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm if they have no symptoms but are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

17/03/2026

🚨 Meningitis outbreak – Canterbury area

We are aware of the current meningitis outbreak affecting the Canterbury area. Health partners are working closely together to support those affected and limit further spread.

Between 13–15 March, 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease were identified, and sadly two people have died. Urgent action is underway, including providing antibiotics to close contacts and raising awareness of symptoms. ()

⚠️ Know the symptoms:
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Rash that does not fade when pressed

If you or someone you know develops symptoms, seek urgent medical help via A&E or call 999.

🔗 Please read the latest guidance from the ICB:
https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187

Let’s stay informed, look out for one another, and act quickly if symptoms appear.

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

16/03/2026

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

16/03/2026

11/03/2026

We have had a very cute child's bag left in our waiting room this morning. If this belongs to your little one it's being kept safe in reception

11/03/2026

***NATIONAL NO SMOKING DAY***

If you live, work, or are registered to a GP in Medway, you can attend an Allen Carr’s Easyway to stop smoking seminar for free. You’re eligible if you currently smoke & are aged 18 or over.
Allen Carr’s Easyway has been helping people to stop smoking for over 40 years.
The seminars normally cost £379 but smokers who live, work, or are registered to a GP in Medway can attend for free.
Places are limited so BOOK NOW!!

https://www.allencarr.com/location/medway-council/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo

03/03/2026

Diabetes UK’s Coffee & Connect – Gillingham is the perfect chance to meet others living with or affected by diabetes in a relaxed, friendly setting.

📅 When: Last Monday of every month
🕑 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
📍 Where: Sunlight Centre, 105 Richmond Rd, Gillingham ME7 1LX
💰 Cost: Free to attend!

Whether you have diabetes, are at risk, or care for someone who does, you’re very welcome to join. Come along for support, information, and good company. 💬

03/03/2026

Have you used a dermatology service in Kent and Medway? 🤔

We’re collecting feedback on dermatology services across the area, and your input is vital in making sure these services meet your needs.

Your feedback will help improve care for local communities. The survey only takes a few minutes and closes at noon on Friday, 27 March 2026 👉 https://bit.ly/4aPACqd

Take part today! 💬