The Arch Medical Practice

13/03/2026

Today is World Sleep Day.

Many of us struggle with sleep, and that can have a huge impact on our mental health. Similarly, mental health problems can have a huge impact on our sleeping. Here we look at the cycle of sleep and mental health, and provide tips on how to get a good night’s kip.

Poor sleep can affect your mental health in a number of ways. It may make you more likely to:

Experience anxiety and depression.

Be impacted by symptoms of existing mental health problems, such as mania, psychosis or paranoia.

Feel lonely or isolated – for example, if you don't have the energy to see people, or they don't seem to understand what you're going through.

Struggle to concentrate, or make plans and decisions.

Feel irritable or not have energy to do things.

Have problems with day to day life – for example, at work or with family and friends.

Be more affected by physical health problems.

If you experience sleep problems, here are some things you can try. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Try to establish a routine. For example, going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day.

Find ways to relax, such as breathing exercises and meditation.

Fill in a sleep diary. Keeping track of what time you go to bed and what time you wake up may be helpful.

Make your sleeping area more comfortable. Try different bedding, light and noise levels.

Think about how screens and device settings may be impacting your sleep. Maybe reduce the brightness and try to stop using near bedtime.

If you’d like more guidance, you can check out our sleep and mental health page.

And if you're finding that sleep problems are having a big impact on your life, you might want to speak to your GP. They may be able to offer treatments for your sleeping problems such as talking therapies, medication or referral to a sleep clinic.

13/03/2026

The MMRV is a vital vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and is a critical part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

If your child has missed any vaccines, or if you are new to the UK from another country, it’s never too late to catch up. The vaccine is completely free of charge and available to both children and adults.

If you are under if you or your child is eligible for the MMRV vaccine, please contact the surgery and our friendly team will be able to offer you the correct advice.

Find out about the MMRV vaccine: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/
Check the NHS vaccination schedule: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

A full list of the routine vaccinations offered on the NHS and when they should be given.

13/03/2026

Staff appreciation post! 🥇 👏🏻 👨🏾‍⚕️ 👩‍⚕️ 👨‍💼

Feedback from patients is vital as it allows us to learn from things that may have gone wrong, but it also allows us to celebrate our amazing team!

Below are just a few of the wonderful reviews that our patients have left for us on Google! If you would like to leave us a review then we would be very grateful - we share all of your wonderful comments with our entire team 👏🏻

12/03/2026

World Kidney Day 2026 is on 12th March and we’re challenging the myths about kidney disease and explaining why kidneys matter!

Our kidneys have an incredibly important role to play in our overall health and in removing toxins, so it’s vital to take care of them.

https://www.worldkidneyday.org/about-kidney-health/

Take a quick fun-quiz and test your kidney health knowledge! How Much Do You Know About Kidney Health? Take our quiz Your Amazing Kidneys The kidneys are complicated and amazing organs that do many essential tasks to keep us healthy. The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water....

12/03/2026

'Commit to Quit’ this No Smoking Day. If you’re looking for a sign to improve your health, breathe easily and minimise the risk of long-term conditions, here it is! Start today and you’ll feel the benefits so quickly!

Within days, you’ll find your taste and smell improve and you have more energy, and as time passes, your blood circulation will increase making physical activity easier. You’ll soon notice your lung function improves, while any wheezing and coughing reduces.

And you’ll see the benefits in your pockets! Why not start today?

Thinking about quitting smoking, ready to stop, or struggling to stay smoke-free? Find the tools, tips, and support you need for a healthier life.

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

Today the practice will be closed from 12:30pm for essential staff training.

If you have a medical issue which cannot wait until we re-open, please call NHS 111.

For any medical emergencies or accidents, please visit your local A&E or dial 999.

We will be open as usual at 8am tomorrow.

Thank you.

11/03/2026

Young carers face many challenges in their lives as a result of their caring role, and today, on Young Carers Day, we’re helping to raise awareness.

To achieve their future potential, it’s important that young carers are able to access the right support.
https://carers.org/young-carers-action-day-2026/young-carers-action-day-2026-resources

You can find some great resources here: https://carers.org/young-carers-action-day-2026/young-carers-action-day-2026-resources

If you are a young carer then please reach out to us so that we can make a note of this on your medical record, as there are lots of things w can do to support you.

Posters for professionals and young carers, plus a storytelling guide.

09/03/2026

It’s World Sleep Day! Did you know that without enough sleep, your health can suffer? The theme this year is to ‘Sleep Well, Live Better’, promoting the importance of getting in those zzzzs.

Sleep helps memory, promotes brain health, supports immune health and makes you feel better, but sometimes it can be a challenge to get enough.

Find some tips here, and share your tips with us!

https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/world-sleep-day-practical-sleep-tips/

09/03/2026

Take action on endometriosis this March and make a change for the 1 in 10 women, and those assigned female at birth, with endometriosis in the UK. By raising awareness, we can improve treatments and understanding.



Endometriosis can affect everyone differently; some people may have transient symptoms and some may struggle to cope day to day. If you suspect you have this condition or it’s interfering with your ability to live a normal life, please make an appointment with your GP.

Common symptoms include:
Pelvic pain
Disruptive, painful periods
Pain during/after s*x
Bloating around periods
Bowel difficulties
Fatigue combined with the above

You can find out more here:

Find out about endometriosis, including what the symptoms are, what tests you might need and treatments that can help.

09/03/2026

Did you know, over the past ten years there has been no improvement in ovarian cancer survival rates? This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to make a change. Often symptoms can be missed and diagnosis can be late. If you’re struggling with persistent bloating, pain around the tummy, difficulty eating or feeling full, or a change in urination habits, you may find this checker useful:

https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-symptoms/ovarian-cancer-symptoms-checker/

You can find some useful guides here:
https://ovarian.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/download-our-materials/

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to put this terrible disease in the spotlight and help raise its profile. Over 7,000 women are diagnosed every year, with two-thirds at a late stage when it’s harder to treat.

Let’s help to raise awareness of the symptoms and improve survival rates. If you have any concerns, or any symptoms, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your GP today.

Watch this video to discover more: https://youtu.be/bBQrgYiKvN0?si=_glGVP3Dd64lGXte

At the moment, only 3 per cent of women in the UK are very confident at spotting a symptom of ovarian cancer. Help us raise awareness of the symptoms of ovar...

09/03/2026

We heavily promote the NHS App at our practice, as it empowers you to take control of your own health needs.

Via the NHS App you can view your health records, manage appointments, view services and so much more.

Below is a useful link of some "how to" videos:

Video guidance showing how to use the NHS account on the NHS website step by step. These videos show you how to navigate the NHS account and use its services.