Whitehouse Surgery

18/03/2026

We would like to provide an update regarding the current meningococcal outbreak in Kent.

It has been confirmed that the strain involved is MenB.

The MenB vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is routinely offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year of age. Individuals over the age of 2 are not eligible for this vaccine unless they are in an at-risk group.

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to pupils in Years 9–10 and remains available up to the age of 25. Those over 25 are only eligible if they are considered at risk.

At present, the JCVI has not recommended any changes to the existing vaccination schedules.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update our patients should any guidance change.

17/03/2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease (MenB) have been confirmed in Kent. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is running a targeted MenB vaccination programme only for students living in halls at the University of Kent. This is not a wider public programme at this time.

UKHSA has said the programme may expand as they continue to assess the situation, but no broader rollout has yet been announced.

If you’ve been advised to check your vaccination history (e.g., by a university), you can view your past vaccines via the NHS App under your GP health record.

NOTICE: We are not currently able to offer MenB vaccinations unless national guidance changes - with exception to eligible children who are invited as part of the routine UK immunisation schedule'

It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from http://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

We’ll keep you updated as guidance develops.

10/03/2026

01/10/2025

🚀New and Improved website launching 7th October!

Our new website has been rebuilt using NHS guidelines to make it:
* ✅ Easier to navigate with a quick access menu
* 🌍 Instantly translatable
* 📚 Local & national resources
* 🗂️ New pages to support easier navigation

We gathered feedback from thousands of patients across the country to design a site that’s accessible, user-friendly, and focused on what matters most to you. 🖥️📱

PLEASE NOTE: The web address will remain the same, so nothing changes for you to access the website.

More information below ⬇️

14/07/2025

Important Patient Information: Use of Heidi Health at Our Practice

We’re writing to let you know that our practice will soon begin using a digital tool called Heidi Health to support the care we provide to you.

What is Heidi Health?
Heidi Health is designed to improve the quality, safety, and speed of care. Heidi Health does not replace your doctor or nurse. It simply supports them behind the scenes — similar to a digital scribe — helping with the technical side of recording and organising medical information.

What does this mean for you?
When you visit or speak with one of our clinical team members, they may use Heidi Health to help record and review relevant health information. This allows them to focus more on your care and less on admin tasks.

Consent and your choice
Your consent is important. Our clinical team will always ask for your permission before using Heidi Health during your consultation.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, our team will be happy to discuss them with you.

Data privacy and security
Heidi Health is fully compliant with NHS data protection standards. Your information remains secure, confidential, and is only accessed by authorised staff involved in your care.

We’re confident this will help us provide you with better, more efficient care.

Thank you for your continued trust in our practice.

27/06/2025

Update on Weight-Loss Medication: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Some patients may now be able to get a new weight-loss medicine called tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through the NHS. It will not be available to everyone. People who are at the highest risk of health problems and who meet certain medical rules will be given priority.

In Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK), people may be able to get this medicine through their GP if:

Their BMI is 40 or higher, or 37.5 or higher if they are from a minority ethnic background.

They have four or more of the following health conditions:

Type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Obstructive sleep apnoea

Abnormal blood fats (called dyslipidaemia)

Important things to know:

You must talk with your GP or healthcare team to decide if this treatment is right for you.

You cannot get the medicine directly from your GP right away. Your GP will need to refer you to a specialist weight management service.

BLMK ICB, will offer community-based programmes via their provider Xyla.

The medicine will only be given with support to help people eat healthier and become more active.

This medicine is being rolled out slowly across England, so NHS services can manage demand safely.

Over the next three years, around 220,000 people in England will be given access to tirzepatide, if they meet the right criteria.

To learn more, and to read answers to common questions, please visit:

On 23 December 2024 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published the Technology Appraisal in relation to tirzepatide (Mounjaro™) which is a new drug for managing obesity.This medication will not be available in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes for several months, as ...

17/04/2025

🚨 SCAM WARNING – PARKING FINES 🚨

We've been alerted that someone has been spotted in our car park taking down registration numbers and later sending fake parking fines to people, claiming they haven’t paid to park.

❗ Please note:

• We do NOT issue parking fines.
• You do NOT need to pay for parking here.
• If you receive any kind of fine or letter like this, it’s a scam.

Please don’t panic or pay anything – especially if you're an older patient or know someone vulnerable. Report any suspicious fines to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

We are looking into this and taking action to keep everyone safe. Please share this to help spread the word!

13/03/2025

Please note that the surgery will be closed for training on 19th March 2025 between 14:30 and 18:30. If you need urgent help, please call 111 or in an emergency, call 999.

12/03/2025

🚭 No Smoking Day is here! Ready to quit for good? Quitting smoking not only saves you money but improves your health almost immediately. Start your journey today with a free NHS Quit Smoking app.

Better help quit smoking website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Free NHS quit smoking app (App Store):
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/nhs-quit-smoking/id687298065

Free NHS quit smoking app (Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doh.smokefree&hl=en_GB&gl=US&pli=1

07/03/2025

How can we balance our mental health with the rigours of daily life?

Our Wellbeing Advisor, Andy Bone, speaks on differentiating between things in and out of our control.

If you are struggling with your mental health, we can offer wellbeing sessions and advice for our patients 💙

04/03/2025

What was the impact of the pandemic on our mental wellbeing?

Wellbeing Advisor, Andy Bone, speaks on the impact lockdowns and lack of human contact had on our social skills long-term.

If you are struggling with your mental health, we can offer wellbeing sessions and advice for our patients 💙