Friends of Parkwood Surgery

30/01/2026

We hope 2026 is going to be the year the Friends of Parkwood Surgery committee is able to get back to organising some health talks.

In the past, we’ve covered topics such as mental health, type 2 diabetes, eye health, support for carers, heart health and sleeping issues - but we want to know what Parkwood’s patients would like to hear about now.

Leave a comment with any suggestions you have to help us provide what it is you would like in any future health talks.

09/01/2026

Quite an incentive ?

New Year, New You! 🎉

Start 2026 by putting your health first. Whether your goal is to feel fitter, breathe easier, or simply take control of your wellbeing, we’re here to help.

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking? There’s no better time than now! Our Stop Smoking service offers free, friendly, and confidential support to help you succeed.

🔗 Visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/health-in-herts/smoking/stop-smoking-service.aspx to find out more.

06/01/2026

Worth knowing ?

🧡 Everyone deserves good food at a price that works for them. That’s why we and Community Help Hertfordshire are opening up access to community supermarkets, where everyday essentials cost under £1 and your first eight visits are free thanks to the Household Support Fund.

If you could use a little extra support right now, you can self‑refer and shop great‑quality food for less, with friendly guidance on other help available too.

Find out if you’re eligible and make a self‑referral today 👉 https://orlo.uk/2m90E

31/12/2025

A reminder that the surgery will be closed tomorrow, 1st January (New Year's Day): https://parkwoodsurgery.nhs.uk/surgery-closures-december-2025/

25/12/2025

Looking for help from a pharmacy today? You can find opening times on the link below.

Local pharmacies are:
Fernville Pharmacy (HP2 5BL) 8.00am-12.00pm
Grovehill Pharmacy (HP2 6BJ) 2.00pm-6.00pm
Jupiter Pharmacy (HP2 5NX) 1.00pm-5.00pm
Speedwell Pharmacy (HP3 9SQ) 10.00am-1.00pm
Woodhall Pharmacy (HP2 7QH) 9.00am-1.00pm

https://www.england.nhs.uk/east-of-england/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2025/12/Hertfordshire-West-Essex-Christmas-2025.pdf

You can use the NHS 'Find a pharmacy' tool for updates: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

24/12/2025

In light of the growing circulation of winter viruses, such as 'flu, COVID, RSV and stomach bugs, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to take some simple steps to protect themselves and their families.

One of these is to ensure, if you have a respiratory virus, that you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over the counter medicines if needed. Avoid close contact with vulnerable people, keep indoor spaces airy, and wear a mask when around others. Practice good hygiene such as coughing into your bent elbow or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin. Continue to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.

24/12/2025

Need any medical support over Christmas? Check out the information on our December newsletter: https://friendsofparkwoodsurgery.com/december-2025-newsletter

23/12/2025

In light of the growing circulation of winter viruses, such as 'flu, COVID, RSV and stomach bugs, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to take some simple steps to protect themselves and their families.

One of these is to get quick and easy health advice from your pharmacist. High street chemists give patients access to prescription-only medicines for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache.

National survey results show that more than four in ten (42%) people in the East of England have gone to A&E for a non-emergency issue because they thought it would be quicker to get medical support. 1 in 10 have visited A&E for a sore throat and a similar number have visited with symptoms of a cold (8%). These are minor conditions that can be diagnosed and treated by a community pharmacist.

23/12/2025

A reminder that the surgery will be closed on Christmas Day (Thursday) and Boxing Day (Friday) this week:

Practice Website for Parkwood Surgery

22/12/2025

In light of the growing circulation of winter viruses, such as 'flu, COVID, RSV and stomach bugs, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to take some simple steps to protect themselves and their families.

One of these is to ensure that, if you have sickness and diarrhoea, you stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Reduce the spread by washing your hands frequently with soap and water – hand gels won’t kill norovirus. Stay off school or work and stay away from care homes, hospitals and social occasions until you’ve been clear of symptoms for at least two days.

22/12/2025

In light of the growing circulation of winter viruses, such as 'flu, COVID, RSV and stomach bugs, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to take some simple steps to protect themselves and their families.

One of these is making sure you are up to date with flu, COVID, and RSV vaccinations, which are especially important for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Visit the Hertfordshire and west Essex vaccination hub (https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/your-health-and-care/vaccinations)for more information on who is eligible and how to get your vaccine. Get vaccinated now so that viruses don’t spoil your Christmas and New Year plans.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available to people most at risk of serious illness. If you are invited by the NHS to have a vaccine, please come forward