Heaton Road Surgery

07/04/2026

❗️Help the NHS reduce the cost of text messages.❗️

Did you know that text messages cost the NHS?
For every 160 characters (1 fragment), it costs 2.64p. The average text is 2 fragments.

This means if we were to send 1 text that is 2 fragments to all 6,962 patients registered with our surgery, this would cost £362.02 a month. Failed text messages (where it has been sent to an inactive mobile number) are also chargeable to the NHS.

Downloading the NHS App and turning notifications on allows for the Surgery to send messages free of charge to patients. These messages need to be viewed within 24 hours or it will be automatically resent as a text and is therefore chargeable. Currently 50.43% of patients have the NHS app, however, only 32.41% of patients have notifications turned on.

The NHS app not only allows you to view messages but also allows you to view results, send an eConsult and order a repeat prescription.

If you have a smart phone, please download the NHS App and ensure your contact details with the surgery are up to date.

07/04/2026

⬇️See below appointment report for March.
✅ 1,785 patients received a GP appointment in March
✅ 906 patients received a Nurse or HCA appointment in March.
❗️33 Hours' worth of appointment time with our clinicians at the Surgery was wasted due to patients not attending their appointment.
If are no longer able to attend your appointment with any clinician at the Surgery, please call our reception team or text 'CANCEL' to the number on your reminder text. If you have changed your contact number, please inform the Surgery of your new details.

27/03/2026

Please be aware that on Friday 3rd April & Monday 6th April the Surgery will be closed for bank Holiday.

If you are due a prescription over the Bank Holiday then please request your prescription a minimum of 3 working days prior to the Surgery being closed.

If you need medical advice that is unable to wait until the Surgery reopens on 7th April, please contact 111. In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999

19/03/2026

The meningitis outbreak in Kent is a very local outbreak and there is no evidence that this outbreak has spread further in the UK.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can appear very suddenly and be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.

The UK routine immunisation schedule now protects against some types of meningitis and your children will be invited for these at the correct age. The NHS is not able to give vaccinations outside of this schedule.

You can read more about common signs and vaccines here - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/vaccination/

You can read about the common signs here - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/

Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.

05/03/2026

⬇️See below appointment report for February.
✅ 1,603 patients received a GP appointment in February
✅ 747 patients received a Nurse or HCA appointment inFebruary.
❗️28 Hours and 30 Minutes worth of appointment time with our clinicians at the Surgery was wasted due to patients not attending their appointment.
If are no longer able to attend your appointment with any clinician at the Surgery, please call our reception team or text 'CANCEL' to the number on your reminder text. If you have changed your contact number, please inform the Surgery of your new details.

23/02/2026

Cancer screening saves lives. If you're invited, please - don't ignore the letter 👇

19/02/2026

Lung cancer affects people of all ages. An early diagnosis can make all the difference. It is important to know the signs and symptoms, such as a persistent cough and breathlessness. Find out more from 👉 bit.ly/3zofCVx

Know the lung cancer symptoms to watch for, from a persistent cough to back pain. Spotting signs early could save your life—get checked today.

09/02/2026

Needing to p*e more often or difficulty starting, blood in your p*e or weak flow could be an indication of prostate cancer. Check the severity of your symptoms with symptom checker ➡️

Before you start, read our information page The symptom checker will not give you a diagnosis but points to the severity of your symptoms and what your next steps may be Let’s get started.

04/02/2026

Weekend checklist: did you receive a cervical screening invite? Please open it and book. Early action saves lives.

01/02/2026

One of the most common symptoms of oesophageal cancer is persistent heartburn, this is heartburn (or reflux) that happens most days for 3 weeks or more. Other symptoms include:

➡️ Difficulty swallowing
➡️ a sour taste in the back of your mouth
➡️ food coming back up into your mouth after eating (regurgitation)
➡️ a hoarse voice
➡️ a cough that does not go away

If you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more contact your GP.

Explore risks of oesophageal cancer, common esophageal cancer symptoms, and understand the importance of early detection and treatment for better outcomes.

13/01/2026

The fire alarm issue has been resolved. Thank you for your patience.