Old Forge Surgery, Annalong

25/11/2025

It’s national Self Care Week 🫶

Coughs, colds and sore throats are common viral illnesses at this time of year 🥶

Wrap up warm, drink plenty of fluids and ask your Pharmacist for advice 🧣

Find out more:

👉 nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/cough

👉 nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/common-cold

👉 online.hscni.net/our-work/pharmacy-and-medicines-management/community-pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

Community Pharmacy NI Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland Royal College of General Practitioners

25/11/2025

👏 The Health Minister has welcomed major progress in reducing endoscopy waiting lists

✅ Lists now at their lowest point since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

➡️ Read more: t.ly/nnRMk South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Western Health and Social Care Trust

22/11/2025

The latest respiratory report shows influenza activity has again increased across all surveillance indicators.

Flu is spreading, you can help stop the spread by:
• Washing your hands regularly
• Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue
• Minimising contact with others
• Getting vaccinated if you are eligible

For further information on the flu vaccine see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

The PHA surveillance reports are available at www.pha.site/Respiratory-surveillance-report / www.pha.site/Vaccine-uptake

20/11/2025

The PHA is highlighting the need for kids to get vaccinated against flu, with the agency’s latest surveillance data showing that influenza activity continues to increase, with the highest positivity rate in children aged 5 – 14 years.

📌Don’t underestimate the flu – give your child protection with the vaccine.
📌Children in P1 to Year 12 will be offered the flu vaccine free in school.
📌All pre-school children aged two years and over will be offered the free vaccine in their GP surgery.

Most children receive the vaccine via a quick and painless nasal spray - just two seconds to provide them with the maximum protection against flu this winter. 📍Remember, check school bags for consent forms, sign and return ASAP!

Read more http://pha.site/dont-underestimate-flu or see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

20/11/2025

Pancreatic cancer may not cause symptoms for a long time and some people may only have one symptom.

It is important to be aware of common symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Pain or discomfort
• Jaundice

If you experience any of these symptoms it is really important you contact your GP.

For more information visit www.BeCancerAwareNI.info

19/11/2025

'Traumatic wait' for women facing breast cancer diagnoses

Dr Jilly O'Hagan says she is "hugely concerned" after three patients in her surgery received a late cancer diagnosis.

18/11/2025

Stay well this winter

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) runs from 18 to 24 November.

Self-care is often the best choice to treat minor illnesses.

Pharmacists are qualified to give advice about different health matters, including minor illnesses, so consider speaking to a pharmacist before going to your GP.

Find out more at www.pha.site/staywell2025

17/11/2025

Do you have diabetes? Why not join the free diabetes sessions in Newry. The next session is on Wednesday 10th December at 10am-11am. 2026 dates will be available soon.

If you would like to know more about these sessions or for further information or support please email: communityteamni@diabetes.org.uk

17/11/2025

Join our free, friendly online session for parents of 5-11 year olds to learn about:
• Supporting your child's emotional/social development
• Managing emotions and normal anxiety
• Your child's developing brain
• Key developmental stages
• Supporting sleep

📅 Thursday 20 November
🕙 10–11.30am

To book your place contact:

07841 970 432
lisa.lenaghan@southerntrust.hscni.net

17/11/2025

Join our free online session for parents/carers of teenagers. Learning about teenage brain development will support you in understanding why:
• Teens feel emotions/anxiety so intensely.
• Teens have difficulty reading faces, gestures and emotions of others.
• Social acceptance and rejection by their peers matters.
• There is conflict with parents.
• Their sleep patterns change.

📅 Friday 21 November
🕙 10–11.30am

To book your place contact:
07452 509 055
lisa.lenaghan@southerntrust.hscni.net

17/11/2025

Respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be serious, even for some healthy people.

The PHA, is urging everyone in the eligible groups to get ready for winter by taking up the offer of free vaccination when invited.

For further information see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines