Whitley Road Medical Centre

26/01/2026

🩷 Breast Screening at Eastlands ASDA – what to expect 🩷

We know that many of our patients will soon be invited for breast screening at the mobile screening unit at Eastlands ASDA, and we wanted to share a little reassurance about the setting.

The unit is fully accessible and welcoming. Inside, there is a comfortable waiting area with seating, so you are welcome to bring someone along if that helps. There are two private changing areas, and soft background music playing to help keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed.

🚗 Getting there is easy
There is plenty of parking on site, and good public transport links for anyone travelling by bus or tram. The mobile unit is located at the very back of the car park, near Flip Out.

Breast screening saves lives, and we understand that attending can feel daunting for some people. If knowing what the space looks and feels like makes it even a little easier, then this post has done its job.

Please feel free to share this information with friends or family who may have an upcoming appointment 💕

25/01/2026

📅 Important update to childhood vaccinations – from January 2026

From January 2026, children under 6 years old will be offered MMRV instead of MMR as part of the routine NHS vaccination programme.

This means the same trusted vaccine appointment will now protect against:
✔️ Measles
✔️ Mumps
✔️ Rubella
✔️ Chickenpox (varicella)

No extra injections — just added protection for young children.

💬 If your child is due a routine vaccination, or you’re unsure what they’re eligible for, please contact the surgery and our team will be happy to advise.

Small changes. Big protection. 💙

19/01/2026

Struggling with bills, health worries, or just need a bit of support this winter? This one’s for you 👇

The Health and Cost-of-Living Community Event is coming to Newton Heath, led by Manchester Local Care Organisation with local partners.

📍 Newton Heath Library
📅 Wednesday 21st January 2026
⏰ 11am–2pm (drop-in)

What’s available on the day:
• Free health checks
• Flu & COVID vaccinations
• Advice on staying warm and reducing energy costs
• Support with money, housing, and local services
• Help setting up and using the NHS App
• And yes… free coffee and cake ☕🍰

Completely free, no booking required.
A small visit that could make a big difference.

16/01/2026

📢 Important update for patients about hospital appointments

Some routine NHS-funded appointments at independent hospitals across Greater Manchester may be delayed until 31 March 2026 due to high demand and financial pressures across the NHS.

🔹 This affects new routine (planned) referrals only
🔹 Urgent, cancer and emergency care are NOT affected
🔹 Ongoing treatment that has already started will continue

If you’re waiting for an appointment, the hospital will contact you if anything changes. Your GP isn’t able to speed this up, but please contact us if your symptoms worsen so we can review things.

📞 For urgent advice: NHS 111
🚑 In an emergency: call 999

Thank you for your patience and understanding — the NHS is working to ensure care remains fair, safe and clinically appropriate for everyone.

👉 More information:

Information for patients about potential delays to NHS funded routine care (also known as elective care) at independent hospitals.

14/01/2026

🩺 Extra protection for your child

The routine childhood MMR vaccine now also protects against chickenpox (varicella) — offering broader protection with the same trusted immunisation programme.

This means one vaccine helps protect children from:
✔️ Measles
✔️ Mumps
✔️ Rubella
✔️ Chickenpox

Vaccination not only protects your child, but also helps protect babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems in our community.

📅 If your child is due their routine vaccinations or you’re unsure if they’re up to date, please contact the surgery — we’re happy to help.

Prevention really is better than cure. 💙

10/01/2026

☕💙 Free coffee, free health checks, and free support – all in one place!

We’re delighted to support the Health and Cost-of-Living Community Event, delivered by Manchester Local Care Organisation and the NHS.

📍 Newton Heath Library
📅 Wednesday 21st January 2026
⏰ Drop in anytime between 11am–2pm

You can:
✔️ Enjoy FREE coffee and cake
✔️ Get FREE health checks
✔️ Have FREE flu and COVID vaccinations
✔️ Speak to local services about housing, money, and wellbeing
✔️ Get help using the NHS App

No appointment needed – just pop in. Friendly faces, practical support, and a warm brew waiting for you. ☕
Please share with anyone who might benefit 💙

09/01/2026

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking? Now’s a great time.

If you live in Manchester and want to stop smoking, you can access Swap to Stop – a free 12-week programme offering behavioural support and a va**ng starter kit to help you quit to***co for good.

✔ Free, confidential support
✔ Open to anyone aged 18+
✔ Self-referral – no GP appointment needed

📞 0161 399 2946
📧 swaptostopBSF@cgl.org.uk

Quitting isn’t about willpower alone – the right support genuinely makes a difference. If you’ve been thinking “maybe soon”, this could be your moment.

05/01/2026

✈️ Travelling abroad soon? Don’t forget Hepatitis A protection

If you or your child are travelling outside the UK – even to a country that feels familiar – Hepatitis A is more common in many parts of the world. You may not already be protected.

✅ The Hepatitis A vaccine is free on the NHS for those who need it for travel
✅ It helps protect against a virus that can cause liver infection and make you seriously unwell
✅ Protection before travel = one less thing to worry about

📞 What to do next:
• Speak to your practice nurse about travel vaccines
• If you’re unsure where to start, call NHS 111 for advice

🌍 Get vaccinated. Travel safely.

31/12/2025

🌙 Ramadan is approaching in February — let’s help you prepare safely.

If you’re living with diabetes and planning to fast, it’s important to check in with a clinician beforehand. Fasting can affect your blood sugars, medication timing, and overall health — and a quick review can make the month much safer and smoother.

💬 We can support you with:

Adjusting insulin or oral medication

Planning meals and suhoor/iftar safely

Recognising signs of low or high blood sugar

Deciding whether fasting is medically safe for you

📞 Get in touch with the surgery to book a diabetes Ramadan review.
We’re here to help you fast safely and confidently.

28/12/2025

Ramadan is expected to begin in February.

If you are observing the fast and would like advice about adjusting your medications safely, our clinical team is here to help.

Please contact the practice to book a review with one of our clinicians. We can discuss timing of medication, safe fasting guidance, and any individual health considerations to help you prepare confidently for the month ahead.

24/12/2025

👋 Just a quick update about the importance of cancelling your appointments when you can't make it. 😷
WE HAD 218 UNATTENDED APPOINTMENTS IN NOVEMBER 2025!
We all know how hectic life can get, and sometimes health issues can catch us off guard. When you find yourself unable to make your scheduled appointment, please remember to cancel in advance.
Not only does this free up valuable time for the healthcare professionals who can help others, but it also shows respect for their efforts and allows them to offer your appointment slot to someone else in need.
Let's be considerate and responsible when it comes to our health. Cancelling an appointment you can't attend can make a real difference in someone's life. 🩺💙
Thank you for your understanding.
Please note we may discuss this with you formally if this is a ongoing issue!

12/12/2025

📌 Parents & Carers — Feel More Confident When Your Little One Is Unwell! 👶💪

We’re really pleased to share the new NHS Greater Manchester guide designed especially for parents and carers of children under 5 years old: “Get to Know Where to Go”. It’s a practical, easy-to-use leaflet filled with straight-talking advice on what to do when your child feels poorly — and who to contact for help.
gmintegratedcare.org.uk

⭐ What’s in the guide:

🩺 Advice on common childhood illnesses like fever, coughs, earache, measles and more — including when you can manage at home, and when it’s time to seek further care.
gmintegratedcare.org.uk

📍 Clear guidance on which NHS services can help — from pharmacists and NHS 111 to GPs and urgent care.
gmintegratedcare.org.uk

📎 Handy tips and red flags so you can act quickly and confidently when you need to.
gmintegratedcare.org.uk

👉 Printed copies are available in places like GP practices, pharmacies, family hubs and libraries across Greater Manchester — or you can download it to your phone for quick reference anytime.
gmintegratedcare.org.uk

Being prepared helps reduce anxiety, supports quicker care where needed, and means more time enjoying being a family — not stressing about the how-tos. ❤️

📥 Get the guide and find out more:https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nhs-gm-get-to-know-where-to-go-for-parent-and-carers.pdf