Drayton Medical Practice

05/02/2026

Mind’s Time to Talk Day is a reminder that talking really can change lives. Whether you’re feeling lonely around Valentine’s Day, coping with grief or bereavement, or struggling with your mental health, you deserve to be heard and supported.

If you’re waiting for therapy, there are ways to look after yourself, manage difficult feelings and find support in the meantime. Small conversations, with friends, family or professionals, can be a powerful first step towards feeling less alone. 💙🗣️🌱✨

Read Mind’s advice on coping while on a waiting list for therapy: https://ow.ly/AseQ50Y85VP

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day is a chance to raise awareness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis and the importance of national screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer. Screening can help find changes early, before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful. 💙✨

Many people diagnosed with cancer now live longer and better lives thanks to improvements in detection, treatment and support. Understanding risk factors, making healthy lifestyle choices and attending screening when invited can all help reduce risk and improve survival. Support is also available for anyone affected by cancer, from diagnosis through recovery and beyond. 🎗️

View cancer survival statistics: https://ow.ly/3GfR50Y82Jj
Learn about NHS screening and early diagnosis: https://ow.ly/lrXt50Y82JH
Read about causes and risk factors for cancer: https://ow.ly/NZHo50Y82Jr

02/02/2026

Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a time to highlight support for anyone affected by sexual assault or sexual violence, including women and men. 💜

Help is available if you have experienced abuse, are worried about someone else, or need advice on staying safe. Confidential support, medical care, forensic services and sexual health checks (including STI testing) can be accessed through specialist services.

You may also see emergency alert test notifications on your phone during national testing. Opting out can help some people keep phones hidden and safe, as these alerts override silent and do not disturb settings.

You are not alone, and support is there when you are ready. 🕊️🩺✨

🔗 Get personal safety & domestic abuse advice: https://ow.ly/3WyJ50Y5YB9

🔗 Read about sexual violence against men: https://ow.ly/ygQt50Y5YBa

🔗 NHS help after r**e and sexual assault (including SARC services): https://ow.ly/KUBc50Y5YB7

🔗 How to opt out of emergency phone alerts: https://ow.ly/51WO50Y5YBc

30/01/2026

Turning on NHS App notifications is a simple way to help the NHS save money while staying informed about your healthcare. 💙

Notifications can remind you about appointments, test results, prescriptions and important updates, helping reduce missed appointments and unnecessary letters or texts.

Using the NHS App makes it easier to manage your health in one place, saves time for NHS services and helps resources be used where they are needed most. Making this small change can have a big impact for you and the NHS. 📱

Learn how to manage NHS App notifications: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/nhs-app-account-and-settings/managing-nhs-app-notifications/

28/01/2026

Confirmed case of Measles

We have been informed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that there has been a confirmed case of measles in a patient registered at Market Drayton Medical Practice.

We are working closely with the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team, and following their protocols for infectious disease prevention.

Four days prior to their diagnosis, the patient was briefly treated at the Practice and we will be directly writing to any patients who may have been in the waiting area at the same time.

Measles is an infectious disease and can lead to serious illness, but we want to reassure those patients that their exposure would have been minimal. Due to the timing of the onset of the rash and the size of the waiting room, there is low risk of further infection.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all our patients that the best way to prevent the spread of measles, especially in the young, is vaccination. Please ensure your children attend for their immunisations when called.

Further information regarding measles and the vaccines can be found on the NHS website

www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

Find out about the MMRV vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, including who should have it, when it's given and possible side effects.

28/01/2026

NHS 111 is there to help when you need urgent medical advice but it’s not an emergency. You can use NHS 111 if you’re unsure what to do, where to go, or if you need help outside of GP opening hours. 🩺💙

Find out when to use NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/

Trained advisors and healthcare professionals can assess your symptoms, give advice, book appointments, or direct you to the right service quickly and safely. You can access NHS 111 online or by phone, and it’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 📞✨

Use NHS 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk
Contact NHS 111 by phone: Call 111

26/01/2026

Dr Richards is sadly leaving us (NOT retiring, just yet!) on Wednesday 28th January. On Friday 30th he will be available for a final goodbye if anyone wishes to pop in and wish him well. He will be available to see from 8.30am - 1pm.

Please note this is not for anything clinical.

He will be allocated through the main door and then immediately left, not through the second door into the main building. We will put up signage on the day.

Many thanks.

26/01/2026

Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health, and it does not have to mean spending hours in the gym. Being active can help reduce the risk of long-term conditions, improve mood and boost energy levels, while also supporting independence as we age.

Examples of regular exercise include:
🚴‍♂️ Brisk walking or cycling to improve heart health
💪 Strength exercises like carrying shopping or resistance training to build muscle
🧘‍♀️Balance and flexibility activities such as yoga or stretching to reduce falls and stiffness
💙 Low-impact activities like swimming or chair-based exercises, especially later in life

Staying active in ways you enjoy makes it easier to keep exercise as part of everyday life.

Learn about the health benefits of exercise: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Explore exercise ideas for weight loss without the gym: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/the-best-exercises-for-weight-loss-if-you-hate-the-gym

Read advice on exercising safely in later life: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-exercise-safely-in-later-life

23/01/2026

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for your physical health. The Better Health – Mind Plan Quiz helps you create a personalised plan with simple, practical actions to support how you’re feeling right now. From managing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting mood, trusted advice and resources can help you take positive steps for your mental health. 💙🧠✨

Take the Mind Plan Quiz: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/

Read the latest mental health features and advice: https://patient.info/features/mental-health?sort=recent

21/01/2026

The new bus route Link 340 between Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Princess Royal Hospital and Wellington

21/01/2026

21/01/2026

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a reminder of the importance of taking steps to protect your health. Cervical screening helps detect abnormal cells before they can turn into cancer, and attending when invited can save lives.

Understanding the facts, challenging common myths and knowing what to expect from screening can help reduce anxiety and encourage more people to attend. Reliable information and support are available to help you make informed choices about your cervical health. 💗🩺✨

Learn more from The Eve Appeal: https://eveappeal.org.uk/

Read NHS guidance on cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

Explore myths and facts about cervical screening: https://patient.info/features/cancer/what-are-the-common-myths-and-facts-about-cervical-screening