Lockwood Surgery

06/05/2026

👣🌼 TAKE TO YOUR FEET THIS MAY! 🌼👣
(Yes… we’re talking to you. And your slippers.)
May has arrived, and with it comes our annual reminder that moving a little more can make a big difference,to your mood, your health, and even your ability to find your glasses (because somehow they’re always in the last room you walked to).

This month, we’re inviting all our patients to join us in adding a few extra steps into the day. Nothing dramatic... no marathons, no Lycra, no need to suddenly become the next Olympic hopeful. Just simple, everyday movement:
• A wander to the shop instead of driving
• A lap around the garden while you’re waiting for the kettle
• A stroll with a friend
• A gentle walk after dinner
• Or even pacing the hallway while deciding what to watch on TV (yes, that counts)
Every step helps your heart, your joints, your mind, and your overall wellbeing. And honestly, after the winter we’ve had, a bit of fresh air might do us all some good.
So throughout May, let’s get moving...at your pace, in your shoes, on your terms.
Whether you’re a power walker, a slow stroller, or someone who only moves quickly when the toast pops up, you’re welcome in this challenge.
Share your walks, your favourite routes, your step count victories, or even your “I tried but it rained” moments. We’d love to cheer you on.
Let’s take to our feet this May and feel better together.

16/04/2026

🌸Pregnant? Here’s your gentle nudge to get protected!🌸
Growing a tiny human is hard work, so let your vaccines do some of the protecting for you.
Throughout pregnancy, there are a few important vaccines that help keep you and your baby safe, and this handy timeline shows exactly when they’re offered.
💉 Whooping cough – usually around your 20 week scan
💉 RSV – from 28 weeks
🍂 Flu vaccine – offered in autumn/winter, at any stage of pregnancy
These vaccines help protect your baby from the moment they arrive, giving them the best possible start.

If you’re unsure what you’re due or want to chat it through, our team is always happy to help.
Let’s keep you and your little one safe and Strong 👶

14/04/2026

🌟 We’re building a Patient Participation Group, and we’d love you to be part of it! 🌟
We’re looking for patients who would like to work with us to help shape services, share ideas, and strengthen the link between the practice and our community.
If you’re interested in joining our new Patient Participation Group (PPG) or would simply like to find out more, please get in touch with our Reception Team at the surgery. They’ll be happy to provide further information.
Your voice matters, let’s make a difference together.

07/04/2026

🌼 April is Immunisation Month! 🌼
This month, we’re proudly supporting World Immunisation Week, a global reminder of the power of vaccines to protect people of all ages from preventable disease.
💉 Vaccines save lives.
From childhood jabs to adult boosters, staying up to date with your vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and our wider community.
✨ Why it matters:
• Vaccines help stop the spread of serious illnesses
• They protect our most vulnerable, babies, older adults, and those with long‑term conditions
• They keep our community healthier, stronger, and safer
If you’re unsure which vaccines you or your child may need, or you’d like to check your records, our team is here to help. Just give us a call or pop in to speak to one of our clinicians.
Let’s celebrate Immunisation Month by keeping each other protected.
A healthier community starts with all of us. 💙

18/03/2026

🩺 Meningitis B Update for Our Patients
We know many of you have questions following the recent meningitis cases linked to the Canterbury area, so here’s a simple overview to help keep everyone informed.
💉 Meningitis B Vaccination
The MenB vaccine has been part of the routine childhood schedule only for children born on or after 1 September 2015.
If your child was born before this date, they would not have received it as part of their routine vaccines.
There are no changes to the national vaccine schedule at this time. If this ever changes, eligible patients will be contacted directly.
💊 Who is currently being offered precautionary (prophylactic) antibiotics?
These are being arranged by UKHSA for:
• Students at the Canterbury campus
• Staff living in the affected halls of residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th or 7th March
• Close contacts of any of the above groups
If you believe you are a close contact and haven’t been treated, please contact UKHSA on the number below, or let us know so we can support you.
⚠️ Please stay alert to symptoms
Close contacts should be aware of symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia, which can include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Limb pain
• Cold hands/feet
• Drowsiness
• Rapid deterioration
If these symptoms appear, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
💉 MenB Vaccination Availability
We are not currently able to offer MenB vaccination outside of the routine NHS schedule.
📞 Need more advice?
For any questions, please contact UKHSA on 0344 225 2861, selecting option 5 for meningitis queries.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and informed.

17/03/2026

🌿 It’s Nutrition & Hydration Week! 💧
This week we’re shining a light on the small, everyday habits that help us stay well, energised, and thriving. Good nutrition and staying hydrated play a huge role in our overall health—supporting everything from concentration and mood to immunity and recovery.
Here are a few simple ways to look after yourself this week:
• Keep a refillable water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day
• Enjoy balanced meals with a mix of colours, flavours, and textures
• Take a moment to check in on loved ones who may need a reminder to drink or eat regularly
• Make mealtimes social where you can—connection is just as nourishing
We’d love to hear how you’re getting involved. Share your tips, photos, or ideas in the comments and let’s celebrate healthy habits together.
Here’s to feeling our best—one glass of water and one good meal at a time 🌟

16/03/2026

09/03/2026

NHS No Smoking Day is Wednesday 11 March 2026

"A smoke-free life starts with a smoke-free day"

05/03/2026

Important update: Measles cases are rising
Measles is spreading again in parts of the country, and children who aren’t vaccinated are most at risk. It’s a very infectious illness and can sometimes lead to serious complications.
What parents and carers need to know
• Measles spreads extremely easily among unvaccinated children.
• 9 out of 10 unvaccinated children can catch it from just one infected classmate.
• 1 in 5 children with measles will need hospital care.
• Children who aren’t fully vaccinated may need to stay off school or nursery for up to 21 days if they’re exposed.
How to protect your child
• Check your child’s vaccination record.
• Make sure they’ve had both doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine.
• Contact your GP practice if they’ve missed a dose — it’s never too late.
Did you know?
If you prefer your child not to have the porcine gelatine‑containing MMR/MMRV vaccine, your GP can offer an alternative.
Vaccination is the best way to keep your family safe and avoid disruption to school, work and home life. If you need advice or support, your GP practice is here to help.

02/03/2026

Weekend Vaccine Clinics Are Back!

If your child is due their routine vaccines, why not pop in?
We promise:
• No long waits
• Lovely nurses
• Stickers for the brave ones (and the grown‑ups if needed!)

A quick visit now = big protection for your little one. 💙

25/02/2026

🌟 Our New Practice Newsletter Is Here! 🌟
We’re excited to share that our very first practice newsletter is now live! This new monthly update is our way of keeping you connected with everything happening at the surgery, from staff news and community updates to health information, upcoming initiatives, and ways you can get involved.
We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together. Thank you for being part of our practice community, your support, feedback, and involvement make all the difference.
Keep an eye out for each edition, and let us know what you’d love to see featured in future issues!