Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership

28/04/2026

The government has released new evidence-based advice to help parents and carers support healthy screen habits for little ones.

The first 5 years of a child’s life are incredibly important, with 90% of brain development happening before age 5. During this time, children develop key social, emotional and learning skills through play, conversation, sleep and quality time with family.

🧠 Under 2 - avoid screen time where possible, except for shared activities like video calls with family or looking at photos together
🧠 Ages 2-5 - try to keep screen time to no more than 1 hour a day (less if possible)
🧠 Choose slow-paced, simple content rather than fast-paced, overstimulating videos
🧠 Keep meal times and bedrooms screen-free
🧠 Try to watch together rather than letting children use screens alone
🧠 Swap screens before bed for stories, play and conversation
🧠 Be mindful of your own screen use - little eyes are always watching!

Large amounts of screen time have been linked to negative effects on social, emotional and language development, as well as sleep, eyesight and healthy weight. However, the good news is that small, simple swaps can make a big difference.

For full advice and free resources, visit https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/

23/04/2026

Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership are looking for patients from all different walks of life to join our Patient Participation Group (PPG). Your voice can help shape the services we provide and ensure that we meet the needs of all our patients.

As a PPG member, you will:
💡 Share your experiences and ideas to improve the practice.
💡 Help us better understand the needs of our patients.
💡 Collaborate on projects that benefit the community.
💡 No special skills are needed - just your time and enthusiasm!

If you’re interested in joining our PPG or would like more information, please get in touch with us with your name and contact number, or leave your details with the receptionist, and someone will be in touch.

Please note: The PPG is not intended for addressing individual complaints or personal medical issues.

21/04/2026

🤝 Patients of Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership, you’re invited! 🤝
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) Annual General Meeting is taking place:
🗓 Tuesday 21st April at 2:00pm
📍 Aylmer Lodge Surgery, DY11 6SF
This is your chance to hear updates from the practice team, get involved in helping to shape the services we provide, and ensure that we meet the needs of all our patients. All registered patients of Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership are welcome - please come along and have your say! 👥

🔔 Please note: The PPG is not intended for addressing individual complaints or personal medical issues. 🔔

20/04/2026

Across the NHS, missed appointments are estimated to cost millions of pounds every year, and each missed appointment is time that could have been spent caring for another patient. 🩺

So far in April, we have had 191 missed appointments, with further appointments still to take place this month.

We understand that life gets busy and plans change, but if you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer it to someone else.

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment easily by:
📞 Calling the surgery
📱 Using the NHS App

Your cancellation could be another patient's opportunity for care. 💙

17/04/2026

Healthy Worcestershire has some upcoming sessions from 20th to 25th April to help you connect with others in the local community.

Each group offers gentle activity and friendly chat to help you build a support network. Sometimes the smallest conversations can make the biggest difference.

There is no cost and no booking required. You can find out more about the local sessions here: https://healthyworcestershire.org.uk/our_venues/

There’ll be a cuppa and a friendly face waiting! ☕

During the week beginning 20 April Healthy Worcestershire sessions will explore why it helps to have a strong support circle. Learn how friendships and community links make everyday life easier, happier and healthier.

Each group offers gentle activity, friendly chat and a warm cuppa. Everyone is welcome. There is no cost and no booking needed. Just come along and start building your support network.

Find your nearest session at https://healthyworcestershire.org.uk

10/04/2026

🌿🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️🌿
Rise, shine, and stretch with Park Yoga!
Join free outdoor yoga sessions at Brinton Park in Kidderminster, every Sunday from 3rd May - 13th September 2026, 9:30am - 10:30am. No booking is required; just turn up and stretch under the open sky!

Park Yoga is for everyone, so whether you're a beginner or a pro, come along and enjoy a peaceful start to your Sunday.
For more information, visit https://parkyoga.co/
🌿🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️🌿

30/03/2026

Not all local pharmacies will be open during the Easter Bank Holiday, so it’s important to know which ones are available if you need them! 📋

If you run out of medication while we’re closed, you can call NHS 111 for advice and to request an emergency supply. 💊

You can find a list of other local pharmacies open over the Bank Holiday here:
🔗 https://hw.communitypharmacy.org.uk/our-news/pharmacy-bank-holiday-opening-hours-for-easter-2026/

20/03/2026

Following the outbreak of Meningitis B (MenB) in Kent, we are understandably receiving numerous calls regarding vaccinations and risks.

The NHS offers the MenB vaccine at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. Babies can be offered missed vaccinations up to 2 years of age. The NHS does not routinely provide MenB vaccinations to those over the age of 2, except for children and adults with asplenia, splenic dysfunction or complement disorders.

Children in Year 9 at school are routinely offered the Men ACWY vaccination by the NHS, which provides protection against Meningitis A, Meningitis C, Meningitis W and Meningitis Y.

Some patients may choose to source a MenB vaccination privately, but we are unable to recommend any private providers.

The following warning signs, highlighted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), require immediate action:
🔴 A rash that does not fade under pressure
🤒 Sudden high fever
🤕 Severe headache
🥴 Stiff neck
🤮 Vomiting or diarrhoea
🥶 Cold hands/feet
💡 Sensitivity to light
🫩 Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or seizures
If you, or someone you are with, has symptoms of serious illness, seek urgent medical attention immediately, as meningococcal disease can progress very quickly.

Patients can call the National Helpline run by the UKHSA on 0344 225 3861, Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, if they have no symptoms but are concerned that they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry.

We continue to follow UKHSA guidance and will update patients if guidance changes.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership 🩺

For further information, please visit:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-children/
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

06/03/2026

💛 Endometriosis Awareness Month 💛

This month is also Endometriosis Awareness Month, helping to raise understanding of a condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the uterus. It can cause a range of symptoms, including:

🟡 Painful, heavy or irregular periods
🟡 Pelvic pain outside of periods
🟡 Pain during or after s*x
🟡 Pain when going to the toilet
🟡 Bloating (endo belly)
🟡 Fatigue
🟡 Difficulty getting pregnant

Many people live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Severe period pain is not something you should feel you have to “just put up with".

If pain or other symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, education or relationships, please speak with your GP.

For further information and support, you can visit https://www.endometriosis-uk.org

Today marks the beginning of Endometriosis Action Month. This year, our theme is ‘Endometriosis Doesn’t Wait’. Endometriosis doesn’t wait whilst you’re trying to get a diagnosis or access care. It doesn’t wait for your career. Your education. Your social life or your relationships.

We’ll be sharing more throughout the month, including how you can join us in taking action this March.

Learn more at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-action-month-2026



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Image description: A photo of a woman standing looking off to one side in front of plain grey background. White and yellow text across the centre of the image reads "Endometriosis Doesn't Wait and neither can I."

05/03/2026

🌸 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 🌸
This month is ovarian cancer awareness month, a condition that affects thousands of women every year. Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, but it is more common in those over 50 and in people with a family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers. 🎗️

Early diagnosis can make a significant difference, so knowing the symptoms is important. Common symptoms to look out for:
🔴 Persistent bloating
🟡 Needing to wee more urgently or more often
🟢 Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
🔵 Pelvic or abdominal pain

These symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for other conditions, but if they are new, persistent, and happen most days for 3 weeks or more, please get in touch with your GP. 🩺

04/03/2026

💭 Three Strikes and we Rethink 💭

Jess’s Rule encourages clinicians to reflect, review and rethink if a patient contacts their GP practice three times with the same or worsening symptoms, particularly if the cause remains unclear. This may involve reviewing previous consultations, arranging further assessment, seeking a second opinion, or considering additional tests or referral. 💬

Jess's Rule was introduced following the death of Jessica Brady, aged 27. Jess had many appointments at her GP surgery with ongoing symptoms before her cancer was diagnosed, and her family have since campaigned to raise awareness and help improve patient safety across the NHS.

You know your body best, so if something doesn’t feel right, ongoing concerns should always be reviewed. 🩵

You can read more about Jess’s Rule here: https://jessicabradycedartrust.org.uk/jesss-rule

02/03/2026

🎗️Prostate Cancer Awareness Month🎗️

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, yet many people are unsure what symptoms to look out for or when to seek advice. 🚽

If you or someone you care for has concerns about urinary symptoms, changes in toileting habits, or prostate health, please don’t ignore them. ♂