The Westgate Practice

12/12/2025

💊 Keeping on top of your medicine cabinet and daily medications is more important than you might realise. From having the right medicines at home to organising your routine and checking expiry dates - it all matters.

Check these helpful guides:
👉https://patient.info/treatment-medication/medicines-to-keep-at-home
👉https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/when-did-you-last-check-your-medicine-cabinet
👉https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/how-to-manage-your-medications-at-home

Staying organised means you're ready, safer and more in control of your health.

Please order your medication in plenty of time for the festive season ahead.

10/12/2025

CRITICAL INCIDENTS DECLARED
Many of our A&E departments and hospitals in the local area are reporting of high demand and declaring Critical Incidents.

Declaring a critical incident means a hospital can cancel or delay non-essential work. Many trusts are working with the NHS and local councils to ensure people can get treatment quickly, and to identify any additional support that allows the trust to discharge patients who do not need acute hospital care.

The public are being asked to help by only using A&E in a serious or life-threatening emergency. This is now impacting primary care services, and we ask all our patients to think about what service is appropriate for their needs.

08/12/2025

Stand Up to Cancer (8th-12th December)
Cancer screening programmes unite to boost uptake across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

More people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are to be screened for potential cancers thanks to a new collaborative between cancer screening programmes led by University Hospitals of North Midlands.

The partnership brings together lung cancer screening, breast screening, bowel screening, and cervical screening services and aims to increase the number of people benefiting from life-saving checks.

By working together, the programmes will share resources, expertise and best practice to make screening more accessible and convenient for patients.

Cancer screening remains one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early and reduce its impact. By joining forces locally and supporting the national Stand Up to Cancer campaign, we can break down barriers to screening and make it easier for people to take up these vital opportunities.

For more information about screening programmes and how to book an appointment, visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-screening/
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/
https://www.bscreen.org.uk/southstaffordshire
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/
https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/our-services/lung-cancer-screening-programme/
https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/nhs-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening-programme-central-england/N10876731

05/12/2025

Important Notice
The Westgate Practice currently has no computer access due to an outage beyond our control.
We are only able to deal with booked appointments for today.
All other enquiries will need to be dealt with next week when our access is hopefully restored.
We apologise for any inconvenience
The Westgate Team

05/12/2025

Please bear with us as we are having some issues with our computer system this morning.
Our phones will be busy please be patient.
We are working with our provider to try and resolve the problem asap
Thank you
The Westgate Team

04/12/2025

Important reminder for the treatment of children’s pain or high temperature.

Children often arrive at the GP surgery in acute and unnecessary pain or have a high temperature causing discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

MYTH: there needs to be pain or fever present in order to properly assess a patient

FACT: it makes it more difficult to examine a child and figure out what is going on when they are in pain or have a fever

FACT: less pain make diagnosis easier, not harder

The Westgate Practice does not keep supplies of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Therefore, we will be unable to administer pain relief (analgesia) to your child at their appointment. Please ensure that if your child is in pain or is unwell with a fever, that you have given pain relief PRIOR to their appointment.

Treating a fever (temperature) with medicine is not needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. Medicine should only be given when a fever causes a child discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

Here are some links to further guidance on high temperatures and medication for children:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/medicines-for-babies-and-children/

Read about which medicines to use when your baby or toddler is unwell and how to use them safely, including antibiotics, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

03/12/2025

National Grief Awareness Week 2nd-8th December

A time to recognise how any type of loss can affect our wellbeing. There is no right or wrong way to feel - grief affects everyone differently. If you're finding things difficult, there's support to help.

💛 This December, we're shining a light on universal signposting, so every bereaved person knows where to turn for help and understanding. Seasons like Christmas can reopen old wounds and feelings, making this month especially important.

➡️Find support here: https: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/
https://www.ataloss.org/national-grief-awareness-week
https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw/

01/12/2025

Key Practice Statistics for November 2025

26/11/2025

💊Antibiotics are powerful medicines - but they are not always the answer. Using them when they are not needed can cause harm and make future infections harder to treat.

Here's what you should know:
☑️They only work against bacterial infections, not viruses like colds or flu.
☑️Overuse is driving antibiotic resistance ('superbugs') - which means common infections can become untreatable
☑️Do things to protect their effectiveness such as only take when prescribed by a healthcare professional, complete the full course exactly as directed and never save for antibiotics for later or share them with others.

Learn more here:
👉https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antibiotics/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resistance/
👉https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/why-antibiotics-should-not-be-overused

25/11/2025

Not yet had your flu vaccination?

Whilst our Saturday clinics have now come to an end, we still have some vaccines available. If you are eligible for your flu vaccination but have not got around to booking, please get in touch with the practice and ask for an appointment with a Practice Nurse.

Stay Well This Winter

19/11/2025

⛄Look after your health this winter: Mental health

Stay active and connected
Move your body: Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood. Even a short walk can help, but you can also try stretching or other activities indoors.

Maximize natural light: Open your curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day. If it’s still dark, consider using a lamp that simulates natural sunlight.

Spend time outdoors: Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and depression, so make an effort to get outside when you can.

Stay social: Schedule regular contact with friends and family, even if it's through video calls or other digital means. Look for local groups or volunteer opportunities to meet new people.

Ask for and accept support
Talk to someone you trust: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues if you are struggling.

Utilize support services: If you need more support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional, or using support lines like the Samaritans or the 24/7 text service by texting "Shout" to 85258.

Support others: Check in with friends, family, and loved ones to see how they are doing.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-and-cope-as-we-head-into-winter/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/tips-for-coping-with-sad/

18/11/2025

❄️Look after your health this Winter: Physical health❄️

The first cold snap of the year has arrived so let's look after ourselves and others this winter.

Stay warm: Dress in layers, use blankets, and ensure your home is a comfortable temperature. Close windows at night, and use draft excluders.

Eat well: Have at least one hot meal a day and eat plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Stay hydrated with water or herbal tea, especially when drinking hot beverages.

Stay active: Gentle, regular exercise like walking or chair-based exercises can boost your mood and energy. Try to move for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it's just indoors.

Protect against illness: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to stop the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Get vaccinated: Check your eligibility for free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from the NHS.

Have medication ready: Keep basic medication on hand and ask your pharmacist what you should have at home.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-07/how-stay-well-winter
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/stay-healthy-in-winter/