Horndean Surgery

09/09/2025

At just 26, Anna thought high blood pressure wouldn’t be something she would have to think about until much later in life. When she joined a local gym, her free health check flagged a blood pressure reading so high that the staff thought their machine was broken. After checking on three separate machines, it became very clear that the result was real. Anna was advised to see her GP immediately and was not allowed to use the gym in the meantime.

The next morning, her GP confirmed she had a dangerous reading of high blood pressure and prescribed beta blockers. Over the following weeks she underwent blood tests, kidney checks and an MRI scan, but no underlying cause was found.

Now aged 32, Anna manages her health with daily medication and monitoring her blood pressure weekly at home.

“Finding out so young was such a shock. I never thought this would happen, especially while being young, fit, and healthy. Knowing my numbers has helped me take control and save my life. I’d encourage anyone, no matter your age, to check your blood pressure” - Anna

Dr Zaid Hirmiz, local GP and our Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. You can feel perfectly well but still be at risk of life-threatening conditions like strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. That’s why it is so important to regularly check your blood pressure. Anna’s story shows that it’s not just something that affects older adults. Knowing your numbers really can save your life.”

We are encouraging residents to check their blood pressure as part of this year’s ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ campaign, led by Blood Pressure UK. By supporting people to check and manage their blood pressure, the campaign supports the NHS 10-year plan’s commitment to focus on prevention and keeping people well in their communities.

The theme for this year is ‘looking for the missing millions’. Right now, 5 million UK adults ages 18 – 64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure. It is one of the biggest risk factors for strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.

You can check your blood pressure in most pharmacies. GP waiting rooms also often have a machine available for you to use.

21/08/2025

31/07/2025

👁️ Sore or dry eyes? Your pharmacist can help!

No need for a GP visit - get advice and buy eye drops over the counter. 💧

28/07/2025

14/07/2025

Have you downloaded the NHS App? More than 62 per cent of residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now using the NHS App to order prescriptions, make appointments, view their test results and more.

The App allows patients to view their GP health record, and makes it easier for people to better manage their condition without having to phone their GP surgery.

To make sure you receive these reminders and messages, it is encouraged that you switch on your notifications for the app.

Start using the NHS App today by downloading it on your smartphone or tablet via the Google play or App store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

14/07/2025

09/07/2025

06/07/2025

Cervical screening tests are currently offered to 25-to-49-year-olds every three years, however that is now being extended to five-year intervals. The move follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee, and is the approach already used for women aged 50 to 64 in England.

Last week Dr Charlotte Hutchings, local GP and clinical director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, was interviewed by BBC South Today to explain the changes that came into effect on 1 July 2025.

You can read more at the link in the comments.

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is supporting the Love Your Cervix campaign to increase uptake in cervical screening among women who are aged 25 to 29. Cervical screening saves lives – so make sure you come forward for your screening when you’re invited, even if it was weeks, months or years ago. If you think you are due but have not yet had an invitation, speak to your GP practice.

06/07/2025

28/06/2025

We're in for another scorcher this weekend and into early next week 🌞

An amber heat health alert is in place across the South East from 12noon today until 6pm on Tuesday 1 July.

It's really important to look out for people who might struggle to keep cool. Older people, people with long term conditions and young children may need extra help.

Here are a few simple tips to help you stay well:

😎 Try and avoid the midday sun, and don't forget your hat and sunglasses at events.
💧 Stay hydrated and carry plenty of water around with you to drink.
🧴 Re-apply your sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating to avoid sunburn.

Do you know the signs of heat stroke?

Heatstroke can be extremely serious, even deadly, and with temperatures rising it’s really important to know the signs and what to do.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headaches, feeling sick or being sick, cramps, fast breathing or heartbeat, a high temperature, being very thirsty, and weakness. In young children it can also include being very lethargic or floppy.
This kind of heat exhaustion is not usually serious and the person should return to their usual self within 30 minutes of cooling down. Move them to a cool place, remove all unnecessary clothing, like socks and jackets, get them to drink cool water and sponge them down with cold water or ice packs – especially around the neck and under the armpits.

If heat exhaustion becomes heatstroke however, you will need to call 999 for immediate assistance. Signs of heatstroke include:

- Still feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking cool fluids.
- A very high temperature (40C and above)
- Hot skin that’s not sweating
- A fast heartbeat, breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Seizures or fits
- Losing consciousness

Put the person in the recovery position and keep them cool if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.

For more advice on how to cope in hot weather visit the NHS website (link in the comments 👇 )

28/06/2025

25/06/2025