Hetton Group Practice

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

⚠️Building Works Notice ⚠️
Over the next three to four weeks, workmen will be on-site in the practice creating two new consulting/treatment rooms.

Please take care when visiting the practice.

There may be some noise or minor disruption during this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our facilities and services.

Thank you for your cooperation.

28/02/2026

🧠💡 Did You Know?
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in our bodies, and while we do need some, there are both good and bad types. Too much bad cholesterol can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

If you’re aged over 40 or haven’t had a check in the last 5 years, contact your GP surgery to book a quick and simple cholesterol test.

25/02/2026

💊 HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

MHRA Drug Safety Update – Mounjaro 15mg Kwik pens

Are you or someone you care for currently on this medication at this dose? MHRA have issued a drug safety alert in regard to this medication as a falsified version of this medication has been identified. The photos attached show the affected batches. If you have this 15mg pen with the batch number D873576 please stop using the pen immediately and inform your prescriber.

MHRA have requested patients with this batch report this to info@mhra.gov.uk, please include Mounjaro pens in the subject line.

Please follow the link before for more information

https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/falsified-mounjaro-kwikpen-15mg-pre-filled-pens

If you have any questions please contact your prescriber for more information.

25/02/2026

17/02/2026

💊 HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

Courtesy Message as the surgery do not provide travel vaccinations

MHRA Drug Safety Update: IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine – updates to restrictions of use following safety review

The patients indicated for this vaccine has recently changed please discuss further with your healthcare provider

Follow the link below for more details

https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/ixchiq-chikungunya-vaccine-updates-to-restrictions-of-use-following-safety-review

11/02/2026

💊 HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

Discontinuation of Freestyle Libre 3 sensors

Are you or someone you care for currently using the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor? After April 2026 this will no longer be available on an NHS prescription. Patients should contact their prescribers directly so your prescription can be changed to Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensors.


https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/freestyle-libre-3-sensors-will-be-phased-out-replaced-freestyle-libre-3-plus

10/02/2026

🚨HGP Medication Team Alert

Do you use non-sterile alcohol free wipes? The MHRA has issued an updated safety alert regarding some brands.

These brands have been withdrawn from sale however may still be in people's homes and first aid boxes.

If you have these wipes at home, please do not use and dispose of them in standard household waste.

Please follow the link below for more information

UKHSA are providing an update to previous advice regarding contaminated non-sterile alcohol-free wipes in response to continuing detection of cases and a recent death attributable to Burkholderia stabilis infection.

10/02/2026

💊HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

Are you currently taking or have been taking Semaglutide? Also known as brand names such as Ozempic and Rybelsus (prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (prescribed privately for weight loss)
The MHRA have issued a new safety alert for this medication, a rare potential side effect is NIAON (Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
If you notice a change in eyesight, such as sudden impairment to your vision, of if your eyesight gets worse very quick in one or both eyes, urgently attend eye casualty (if available) or A&E.
Please follow the link below for further information

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-updates-guidance-for-semaglutide-prescribers-and-patients

06/02/2026

💊 If you’re currently taking the contraceptive pill or looking to start, you can now pick it up directly from your local pharmacy — no GP appointment needed.

✔️ Fast, private consultations
✔️ Free
✔️ Fully confidential

📍 Find your nearest pharmacy by searching NHS Find a pharmacy

06/02/2026

🚨Courtesy Message from your GP Surgery

Are you taking or have a current supply ibuprofen at home in your medication box?

If so MHRA have released a medicine recall for Ibuprofen 200mg tablets, Ibucalm 200mg tablets (Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd)

Follow the link below for more information

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd is recalling specific batches distributed in Aspar, Almus and Numark livery. The batches are being recalled as a precautionary measure following findings of foil perforations in some blisters.

04/02/2026

This is a little overview of the practice workload throughout January. Thank you to our team for their continued hard work! ⭐️