Drayton Medical Practice

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

20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

19/03/2026

Updated: 19 March 2026

Local Advice for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

There is no current increase in meningitis cases in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and the overall risk to people locally remains very low. However, it is still important to stay protected and be aware of symptoms.

Ø Check your child or young person’s vaccinations

· MenACWY vaccine

o Routinely given in Years 9 and 10.

o If missed, young people can have it for free through their GP up to age 25.

o Contact your GP practice if you are unsure about vaccination status.

· MenB vaccine

o Given routinely to babies.

o There is no national catch-up programme, but the vaccine is available privately.

o Availability may be limited nationally as areas with active cases (e.g. Kent) are being prioritised. Local pharmacies should be able to advise.

Ø Know when to get help

· If you are worried about symptoms or someone becoming increasingly unwell: call NHS 111.

· If symptoms are severe or worsening quickly: call 999.

Ø Keep an eye out for symptoms

Although meningitis is uncommon and does not spread easily, symptoms can develop quickly. Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Symptoms can worsen quickly - keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Do not wait for a rash.

Ø Don’t panic – the risk in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is low

· Meningitis is not like COVID-19; it does not spread easily or widely in the community.

· Close contacts of any local case would be contacted directly by public health teams and provided with antibiotics or a vaccine if required.

Ø Local support and reassurance

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, NHS services, schools, and public health teams are working together to monitor any concerns and ensure rapid action if needed. At this time, no extra measures are required locally beyond staying informed, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and recognising symptoms early.

19/03/2026

Meningitis Outbreak and Vaccinations



Following the ongoing meningitis outbreak and reports of the very sad deaths in Kent.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

Please see the information below regarding vaccinations and what to look out for if you are worried about meningitis infection.

Many routine vaccinations protect against meningitis including MenB, DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB, PCV, MMRV and Men ACWY vaccines

Please see this information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/vaccination/

We encourage you to ensure children and school leavers are up to date with the UK vaccine schedule: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

The Kent outbreak is linked to MenB meningococcal disease. The Men B vaccine is offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. Babies can be offered missed vaccinations up to 2 years of age.

GP Practices are currently unable to offer the Men B vaccine to anyone over 2 yrs old, unless they met very specific health conditions.

The Men ACWY vaccine is given to children in school in School Year 9 (13 or 14 years of age). Those who missed immunisation can receive the vaccination up to 25 years of age from their GP Practice

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/

Read about the main symptoms of meningitis, including the meningitis rash, and find out when and where to get medical advice if you have any concerns.

19/03/2026

Easter Bank Holiday Closure

The Practice will be closed on Good Friday 3rd April and Easter Monday 6th April.

The practice will re-open on Tuesday 7th April.

For any Urgent medical need during the Easter weekend please call 111

For any life threatening medical emergency please call 999

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/mM4l50Yvoqu

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/IVqS50Yvoqt
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/Esyy50Yvoqv
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/QvHu50Yvoqx

17/03/2026

Wednesday 15th April at Festival Drayton Centre

17/03/2026

2nd Monday of each month starting Monday 13th April

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/bQbv50YtjoE

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/fmqE50YtjnT

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/8xTf50YtjnU

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/

04/03/2026

Ovarian Cancer Awareness is a reminder to know the symptoms and act early.

Symptoms can be vague and may include:

- persistent bloating
- tummy pain
- feeling full quickly
- needing to wee more often
- unexplained changes in appetite

If you notice ongoing symptoms that are unusual for you, it’s important to speak to your GP. When discussing symptoms, let your doctor know about any family history of cancer, not just ovarian cancer and not only in parents or siblings, as this can help assess your overall risk.

Keeping up to date with cervical screening when invited is also an important part of protecting your gynaecological health. Early action can make a real difference. 🎗️💙🩺✨

Learn more about ovarian cancer: https://ow.ly/5o7c50YlUy7

Read about spotting the signs and acting early: https://ow.ly/6F3G50YlUy9

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/