Dixton Surgery

16/03/2026

⚠️ Meningitis: Please Check Your Child’s Vaccinations 💉

Our Director of Public Health, Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, is urging parents and carers to make sure children and teenagers are protected against meningitis, following recent tragic cases in Kent 💔

Meningitis can develop very quickly and can be life threatening. Vaccination is the best way to prevent it.

🛡️ Key meningitis protection includes:
• MenB for babies and young children
• Pneumococcal vaccine (can also prevent meningitis)
• MenACWY for Year 9 pupils and young people under 25 starting university

Young children, teenagers and students in shared accommodation are at the highest risk.

👉 Check your child’s vaccination record by contacting your GP or our Vaccination Service: 0300 303 1373
👉 Book any missed doses
👉 Learn the symptoms and seek urgent help if concerned

“Vaccination saves lives,” says Professor Daszkiewicz- please take up your vaccinations.

🔗 More information: https://orlo.uk/bxI4P

10/03/2026

Did you know 111 has an option 2, specifically for Mental Health.

04/03/2026

03/03/2026

Dementia clinics

Dementia UK is offering free, confidential clinic appointments with a specialist dementia nurse, known as an Admiral Nurse – coming to your local branch soon at
Nationwide MONMOUTH branch on Thursday 26th April 2026. You don’t need to be a Nationwide customer. Everyone is welcome.
To book your appointment, please visit dementiauk.org/nationwide, scan the QR code or speak to a Nationwide colleague in your branch.
If you are unable to book online send a text message with the word: APPOINTMENT to 0747 872 4000, and we will call you to help make a booking.
If you have any questions about the clinics, please contact nationwide@dementiauk.org. For immediate support, contact Dementia UK’s Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or book a phone or video appointment at dementiauk.org/book

Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.

25/02/2026

FREE TO COLLECTOR- 14 plastic chairs, collection only from Dixton Surgery.

17/02/2026

The Dementia Hubs are welcoming community spaces offering support, advice, and guidance for people
living with dementia, those worried about their memory, and their carers.
Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, the hubs bring together information and resources from a wide range of
relevant organisations, ensuring visitors can access the help and advice that best suits their needs.
There is one Dementia Hub in each of the five local authorities across Gwent, making support easy to
find wherever you live. Each hub is staffed by a dedicated Dementia Adviser.
The Dementia Hubs aim to create a friendly, accessible environment where individuals and families can
talk openly, learn more about dementia, and connect with local services.

20/01/2026

From January 2026, the chickenpox vaccine is now part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. It's replacing the MMR vaccine and will be offered as a combined MMRV vaccine at 12 and 18 months, protecting your little one from measles,
mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Did you know? Every year in Wales, over 300 people are admitted to hospital with chickenpox. While most children recover quickly, some can become seriously ill. The MMRV vaccine helps protect your child from complications. Make sure your child
attends their vaccine appointment.
Speak to your GP, practice nurse, or health visitor if
you have any questions.

05/01/2026

Overdone it this festive season? Dry January means a chance to reset - not just physically, but mentally too - helping you feel clearer, calmer, and more in control.

Here are three ways going alcohol-free can boost your mind and your mood.

Better sleep, brighter outlook 💤💤💤
Alcohol can play havoc with sleep cycles, leaving you feeling groggy and irritable. Taking a break allows your body to restore natural sleep patterns, bringing deeper, more restorative rest. With better sleep, you’re more likely to launch into the day with a brighter mood, sharper focus, and the resilience to manage daily life’s ups and downs.

Reduced anxiety levels 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️
It might feel as though alcohol helps you unwind, but it often amplifies feelings of anxiety, especially the day after drinking. By going alcohol-free, you may notice a reduction in ‘hangxiety’ and next-day nerves, and instead gain a more consistent sense of calm throughout the month.

Improved Coping Skills 🤯🤯🤯
Without relying on alcohol as a go-to stress reliever, Dry January encourages you to delve into healthier coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, exercise, or talking things through with a friend. Building these habits can reduce stress and arm you with the tools to manage tough times long after January ends.

By giving Dry January a whirl, you’re not just giving your body a break, you’re giving your mental health the care it deserves, too.
If you’re still struggling, SilverCloud’s online courses can help, with practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, low mood and more.

Find out more about the service here: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/adult-and-older-peoples-mental-health-services/silvercloud-online-mental-health-support/
Get started here: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

02/12/2025

🎄✨ Attention all patients ✨🎄

As the festive season approaches, we encourage you to order your prescriptions early to avoid any delays during the busy Christmas period.

Ensuring you have your medications on time is our priority, so please ensure your prescription requests are with us by 15th December and enjoy a worry-free Christmas!

Thank you for your cooperation! 🌟💊

02/12/2025

All GP surgeries and the majority of community pharmacies will be
closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Please
see below which pharmacies will be open on each of these days.

27/11/2025

You can now self-refer for maternity care at Aneurin Bevan Hospitals; using a quick online form.

There is no need to visit your GP first.

http://www.badgernotes.net/selfreferral/AneurinBevan