Burbage surgery

06/05/2026

COVID BOOSTER APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE TODAY AT THE BURBAGE SURGERY SITE. The practice is holding a Covid Booster clinic this afternoon. We still have available appointments if any registered patient (OVER 75) would like to pop along and get your vaccination. Spaces are between 3.00pm - 4.00pm - NO NEED TO BOOK - WALK INS WELCOME.

30/04/2026

Remember these simple steps ahead of World Asthma Day

Ahead of World Asthma Day (Tuesday 5 May) the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) is reminding people of our four key steps to help to prevent your child’s asthma becoming worse and being triggered by summer health conditions like hay fever.

There are four key steps to manage asthma effectively, by following these steps and proactively reviewing individual needs, these could prevent serious asthma attacks that require hospital treatment. The four key steps are:

Get an asthma action plan in place.
Use the correct inhaler technique.
Schedule an asthma review – every year and after every attack.
Consider air quality and its impact on lung health.
To find out more about asthma and how you can help your child to better manage their condition at home, school and in the community visit our website where we have a range of videos, information and guides about proper inhaler technique and much more. Click here for more information:

30/04/2026

Work begins on new Urgent Treatment Centre

Groundwork is underway on the new £12.8 million Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The site has been set up, hoardings are in place, and excavation has begun to prepare the foundation area for the new facility.

This marks a significant milestone in improving urgent care services for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

The new UTC was announced in December 2025 and is expected to open in 2027. It will replace the existing Minor Injuries and Minor Illnesses (MIaMI) unit and will provide a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of patients requiring same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.

The new development forms part of the future hospitals programme, which is focused on modernising hospital facilities and ensuring services are fit for the future.

Click here to read more about the development.

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk/news/future-hospitals-take-shape-as-groundwork-begins-on-new-12-8m-urgent-treatment-centre-at-leicester-royal-infirmary/

30/04/2026

Bank holiday healthcare advice

Ahead of the two bank holidays in May, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is reminding everyone how to access healthcare, if they need help urgently, over the two long weekends.

GP practices will be closed on Monday 4 and Monday 25 May. There are other services available throughout each weekend, including pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, and a range of same-day appointment options through NHS 111 if you do need to be seen.

The NHS recommends following its established two-step “Need Help Fast” process to make sure everyone receives the most appropriate care:

Step 1: Manage minor illnesses at home where possible, or seek help from a local pharmacy, NHS 111 online, or the NHS App.
Step 2: If the problem persists or is more serious, use NHS 111 when your practice is closed, who will help book you into the right service.

Some pharmacies will be open on the bank holidays for advice and treatment for common illnesses and full details will available on the LLR ICB website.

Find out more about accessing the NHS during the bank holidays, including urgent mental health support, walk-in services and what to do if you need help while you are on holiday in the UK, at:

Ahead of the two bank holidays in May, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is reminding everyone how to access healthcare, if they need help urgently, over the two […]

24/04/2026

REMINDER: Don’t get caught short this May bank holiday

Residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being reminded to make sure they order their repeat prescriptions ahead of the early May bank holiday on Monday 4 May.

GP practices and many community pharmacies will be closed on the two bank holidays, and people on regular medication are advised to avoid being caught short and running out of supplies.

Anyone taking regular prescription medication, should make sure they have enough to last and, if they need more, they should request a repeat prescription immediately. People can order their medication using the NHS App, or through their GP practice, which will also have an online service.

Last minute orders put a strain on pharmacy resources, with the risk that people may not be able to get hold of their medication in time. Ordering early will save time and will help ensure people can collect their medicine from their nearest pharmacy and not have to travel further.

24/04/2026

Researchers at UHL develop breakthrough test for womb cancer

A pioneering new blood test to detect endometrial cancer has been developed by Gynaecological cancer experts at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester.

The ECctDNA test looks for fragments of cancer in patients’ blood. It makes it easier and far less invasive to detect whether cancer has recurred. It also removes the need for patients to have to undergo physical examinations, scans and potentially uncomfortable biopsies.

Endometrial cancer is also known as womb cancer. It starts in the lining of the uterus (womb) and it is the fourth most common cancer in women.

The test was trialled as part of a study which recruited more than 85 women with endometrial cancer. You can read more about the research, and some of the women who took part in the study, here:

Researchers have developed a breakthrough test to detect womb cancer at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

24/04/2026

Screen time guidance for under-fives

The government has issued guidance to help families navigate screen time for children under the age of five.

Following engagement with parents, who called for clear support on how much screen time is too much and how to build healthy habits, the government has provided practical advice.

The guidance gives key tips which include:

Under-twos: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
Two to five-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.
Content: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
Co-viewing: Watching or using screens together - talking, asking questions and engaging with the content - is better for children’s development than solo screen use.
The new guidance is available for free on the Best Start in Life website.

24/04/2026

World Immunisation Week highlights importance of vaccines

During World Immunisation Week (24-30 April) The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is reminding everyone about the huge benefits vaccinations have brought to society and the risks of becoming complacent.

Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or are now very rarely seen.

However, if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

This is why everyone should ensure they, and their loved ones, are up to date with their routine vaccinations to give them the best protection.

Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) are highly infectious illnesses that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. The complications from these diseases can be life changing.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a common group of viruses that can cause various conditions such as ge***al warts or cancer.
Whooping cough rates have risen sharply recently and babies who are too young to start their vaccines are at greatest risk. It is essential to protect babies before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves through vaccinating women in pregnancy.
RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly dangerous for infants. The virus can lead to pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation and intensive care in severe cases.
COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. This spring, the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus, including those aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and those with a weakened immune system.
Find out more about vaccines at: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/vaccinations/

24/04/2026

Service for patients with kidney disease wins award

An initiative to improve care for local people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a regional winner in the first NHS Excellence Awards.

The Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Delivery Project (LUCID) is a novel, population-based approach to ensure equitable care for adults with CKD. The service, which is the Midlands regional champion in the Delivering Value category of the awards, ensures that patients receive the most appropriate medicines and other support from their local GP practice, without having to visit a hospital clinic.

Dr Rupert Major, Clinical Lead for LUCID, LLR ICB, said: "Kidney disease is a major public health challenge, and LUCID, a collaboration between the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care System and University Hospitals of Leicester, has shown how integrated care for people living with kidney disease can deliver better, more efficient care. Earlier intervention is crucial to reduce the risk of progression to dialysis or kidney transplantation, as well as heart attacks and strokes, which are more common in people with kidney disease.

"This award recognises the many colleagues across the system who have worked incredibly hard to co-design and deliver LUCID over the past few years. We are delighted that a similar LUCID programme has recently launched in Northamptonshire, bringing the cluster closer together in developing new approaches to managing long-term conditions.”

Co‑designed with patients and built on evidence‑based CKD pathways, the service has achieved better health outcomes for patients and led to savings of approximately £450,000 per year, driven by reduced waste, more consistent prescribing, and avoiding unnecessary hospital care.

The NHS Excellence Awards shine a light on local teams, projects and individuals who are driving improvements, with the aim of sharing learning and inspiring others to adopt successful approaches in their own areas. Regional champions from across England will now form the shortlist from which national winners will be selected. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026.

21/04/2026

This spring, the NHS is offering a free COVID‑19 vaccination to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID‑19. Even if you’ve been vaccinated before, protection can fade over time. A spring vaccination helps to top up immunity and offers extra protection when it matters most.

Who is eligible for a COVID‑19 vaccine this spring?

You can have a spring COVID‑19 vaccination this spring up to 30 June, if you are in one of the following groups:

Adults aged 75 and over (or turning 75 by 30 June 2026)
Residents of a care home for older adults
People aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
This eligibility is the same across England and is based on national expert advice.



Why have the vaccine

COVID‑19 is still circulating and can be very serious illness, particularly in older people and those with weakened immune systems. A spring vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and hospital admission, even if you have had a COVID-19 before or were vaccinated last year.



You do not need to wait for an invite

The NHS may contact you if your records show that you are eligible — but you don’t need to wait to book or attend a walk‑in clinic. If you are eligible, you can come forward as soon as appointments become available.



How to get your COVID‑19 vaccination in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR)

There are several easy ways to get vaccinated locally:



Book online or by phone

Book using the NHS App
Book online using National Booking Service
Visit our Walk in Vaccination Finder for clinics that do not require an appointment
Call 119 (free)
Only some GP practices and community pharmacies are offering COVID‑19 vaccinations this spring, so check locally or ask your practice team.


If you are housebound

If you are eligible and unable to leave your home, speak to your GP practice about vaccination options. Home visits may be available where clinically appropriate.



Getting more than one vaccine

It may be possible to have your COVID‑19 vaccine at the same time as other recommended vaccines, such as RSV. Your vaccination provider will advise what’s available locally.



Need help or advice?

If you need support with booking or accessing a vaccination in LLR:

Visit the LLR Vaccine Hub
Or call: 0116 497 5700


Help spread the message

If you know someone who is 75 or over, or younger with a weakened immune system, or living in a care home for older adults, please encourage them to get vaccinated before 30 June.

Getting vaccinated helps protect you and those around you



Kind regards,



Engagement and Insights team

NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board

16/04/2026

PATIENT NOTICE.....We will be closed for Protected Learning Time training this afternoon - Thursday 16th April 2026 from 1.00pm.
This is an opportunity for practice staff (both clinical and non clinical) to address their own learning and professional development needs by undertaking any mandatory training that is needed.
If you require medical attention during this time, please ring the practice for more information.

10/04/2026

Helping children feel prepared with the Little Journey app

The local NHS is encouraging young patients to download a free smartphone app that helps children feel more confident and prepared for their appointments.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has partnered with Little Journey to offer an app, developed by healthcare professionals, researchers, and families, to provide support before, during, and after a hospital visit.

The app helps children and parents understand what to expect from their hospital journey using age-appropriate information, interactive activities, and calming techniques. Features of the app include:

virtual hospital tours, allowing children to explore areas they will visit such as waiting rooms and treatment areas before they arrive
animations and simple explanations about procedures and treatments
relaxation exercises and distraction activities to help manage anxiety
helpful information and checklists for parents and carers to support preparation at home
By helping families understand what will happen during their visit, the app aims to reduce uncertainty and make hospital experiences less stressful.

Little Journey is free to download on Apple and Android devices and can be used at home before attending hospital.

To find out more, visit:

Hospital staff in Leicester are encouraging young patients to download a free smartphone app that helps children feel more confident and prepared for their appointments. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has partnered with Little Journey to offer an app, developed by healthcare professiona...