Holbrook and Shotley Practice Noticeboard

15/04/2026

📢 Practice Closure Notice This Afternoon

The Practice is closed at both surgery sites this afternoon for a training afternoon taking place across Suffolk.

If you need medical help during this time, please call 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Thank you for your understanding.

13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

15/03/2026

Good sleep habits are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Struggling to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night can affect mood, concentration and overall health.

Simple changes like keeping a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, limiting caffeine and creating a calm sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.

Understanding the possible causes of sleep problems and accessing trusted advice can make a real difference. Better sleep supports better days. 😴🌙💙✨

Get NHS tips on falling asleep faster and sleeping better:
https://ow.ly/XLfg50YtjiV

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/qxUm50YtjiO

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/Jahx50YtjiP

08/03/2026

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 is a time to celebrate women’s strength and resilience, and also a reminder to prioritise your health. Attending cervical screening and breast screening when invited can help detect changes early, often before symptoms appear, improving outcomes and saving lives. 💐💗🩺✨

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 : https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺) : https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/

Looking after your mental health is just as important, especially if current media stories feel overwhelming or triggering.

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 : https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 : https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-on-social-media

With Mother’s Day approaching, this time of year can also bring up feelings of grief and bereavement for many people, and support is available if you need it. Taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing matters.

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 : https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/managing-grief/grieving-on-mothers-day/

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Can you help to shape how young people with Special Educational Needs and
Disabilities are supported into adulthood?

Healthwatch Suffolk are conducting a survey to understand how well Suffolk is
supporting young people with SEND to prepare for adulthood.

Healthwatch wants to hear from young people as well as their parents and carers about
what happens after you leave school or college, how you look after your health, your
community and preparing to live independently.

By taking part, you can shape the support young people with SEND get in Suffolk now,
and in the future.

Take part in the survey for young people aged 13 – 20 at:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PfAfeedback/
Or for parents, carers and guardians at:
http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PfAParentFeedback/

You can contact the Healthwatch Suffolk team for help to take part, for example if you
need an easy-read survey.
By phone: 0800 448 8234
By email: research@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk
Thank you – every voice counts.

Please take a few minutes to take our survey.

01/03/2026

Zero Discrimination Day is a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

The NHS is committed to being an inclusive employer and service provider, welcoming people from all backgrounds and communities. We recognise the importance of multi-language communication so we can work effectively with everyone and ensure care is accessible to all. We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and racism, and we stand firmly against discrimination in any form. Creating safe, supportive environments for staff and patients is everyone’s responsibility. 🤝🌍💙✨
Find support and advice about hate crime: https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/hate-crime/

23/02/2026

Children’s dental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and simple daily habits can help protect young teeth for life.

Drinks that are high in sugar and acidity can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay. Encouraging water or milk, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups can all support healthy smiles. Starting good oral health habits early can make a lasting difference. 🦷🪥💙✨

Read NHS advice on taking care of children’s teeth: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/

16/02/2026

Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of risk factors, symptoms and the importance of looking after your long-term health.

A family history of cancer, smoking, va**ng, poor diet and long-term acid reflux can all increase risk. Making positive lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking or va**ng, can help reduce the risk of many cancers and improve overall health.

Knowing the signs and understanding risk factors can support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. 🎗️🩺💙✨

Read about oesophageal cancer symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/IjjU50Yf8pq
Learn the truth about va**ng: https://ow.ly/5SJa50Yf8pj
Read about what smoking does to your heart and health: https://ow.ly/5Glx50Yf8pu

12/02/2026

Practice Closed from 1pm Today

A reminder that the practice is closed from 1pm today for staff training.

If you require urgent medical advice, please call NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

We thank you for your patience.

11/02/2026

Practice Closure Reminder

Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm tomorrow for staff training.

If you need medical assistance while we are closed, please contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.