Wootton Medical Centre

23/03/2026

Dear patients
Meningitis Updates and Patient Information

“You may have read recent reports about an outbreak of meningitis in Kent. You can find the latest advice about the signs and symptoms to look out for, what to do if you suspect meningitis and information about vaccination on this UKHSA article.



You may be able to see any recent vaccinations you have received on the NHS App or your online GP record. You can also check your child’s Red Book.”

· The current outbreak in Kent has been linked to the MenB strain of meningitis.

· Preventative antibiotics and vaccination are only being offered to those who went to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March and to people who are close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningitis.

· The risk to the wider public remains low.

· Vaccination is only available to the wider public as per the standard NHS vaccination schedule:

- The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015.

- Anyone born before 1 May 2015, you will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule.

- The MenACWY vaccine, which is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10, provides good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease. However, it does not protect against MenB

- If you are not eligible for the MenB vaccine, you should still make sure you are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines, which help protect against other causes of meningitis.



· It is important for everyone - regardless of vaccination status - to be aware of the signs and symptoms and act quickly if they appear. Symptoms to look out for include:

- a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

- sudden onset of high fever

- severe and worsening headache

- stiff neck

- vomiting and diarrhoea

- joint and muscle pain

- dislike of bright lights

- very cold hands and feet

- seizures

- confusion or delirium

- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking



· If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek medical help urgently by going to your nearest A&E or calling 999. If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

· You can also contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned, but do not wait - call 999 in an emergency.

20/03/2026

Dear Patients
Please find below link for Pharmacy Opening Times for the Easter Bank Holiday 2026
Thanks
Lisa Marotta

PK ! ק. [Content_Types].xml̗Mo0]Xqum}]U"%~9-ذ-cR *gkVSVmTvY&W@V ,ln',bŚDslZ0K'x܋f%ϧK8K`iBϾB5_7$FV|-j&תILeLkU"ݓ~%1F.["=nP H׬M@>e:F(y'> A /t%Y|wFrfNR O5R*yy&p|Ȅc&p|ʄ*L8i. t*ZS\j^]@

16/03/2026

Gro Health
What it offers: Digital or in-person support, health coach guidance for up to 12 months, NHS resources, meal plans, recipes, and exercise plans.
Eligibility: Adults living in West Northamptonshire, typically with a BMI over 30 (or 27.5+ for ethnic minority groups), including support for those with specific health conditions or postnatal needs.
Lose weight and take control of your health

16/03/2026

Dear Patients
We are working at reduced capacity today due to 2 x clinical staff sickness. We are therefore unable to accept any new medical submissions from Anima today. If your concern is urgent, please visit your local walk-in centres at Milton Keynes or Corby, or call NHS 111, or go to A&E.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you for your understanding.
Lisa Marotta

03/03/2026

02/03/2026

27/02/2026

Carers At Wootton Medical Centre
What is a Carer?
The NHS defines a Carer as:
Anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid
Please let us know if you are currently an unpaid Carer as defined above, so that we can signpost you to the relevant support and ensure that your medical record reflects this.
Please see below various organisations that are able to help you. You can self refer, or we can refer on your behalf:
https://www.northamptonshire-carers.org/all-carer-referrals-2025-onwards
https//www.northamptonshire-carers.org/young-carers
Northamptonshire Carers support unpaid carers of all ages - from young children, through to teenagers, adults and the elderly. Often, these individuals are caring for their loved ones whilst trying to maintain an education or full time job.
With unpaid carers making up 10% of our population it is of more importance than ever that organisations exist that offer advice and help to those most in need.
Our Carer Champion is:
Alison Matthews, please contact: 01604 709922

Are you, or is someone you know, an unpaid Carer? "Anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give...

26/02/2026

Dear Patient,
You may notice that a Risk Stratification code has been added to your medical record. We understand this may raise questions, so we wanted to explain what this means and why it has been used.
What is Risk Stratification?
Risk stratification is a NHS approved process that helps healthcare teams identify patients who may need different levels of monitoring or support based on their current health needs.
It is not a diagnosis and does not change your care without discussion.
Instead, it simply allows clinicians to better understand who may benefit from more regular reviews or who may safely move to a lower risk category.
What does a RAG status mean?
RAG stands for Red, Amber, Green:
• Red – you may need closer monitoring or more frequent reviews
• Amber – your condition is stable but still requires routine oversight
• Green – your condition is stable and may require less frequent monitoring
These categories help clinical teams prioritise care appropriately and ensure timely follow up when needed.
Why has a code been added to my record?
A code has been added so your GP or healthcare team can:
• easily see your current RAG status
• decide if your status needs to change during future reviews
• make sure you receive the right level of care based on your health needs
Does this affect my treatment?
No changes are made to your treatment or care plan without a conversation with you.
The code is simply an internal tool to support safe and consistent clinical decision making.
Do I need to do anything?
No action is required from you.

23/02/2026

Dear Patients
We are working at reduced capacity today due to clinical staff sickness. We are therefore unable to accept any new medical submissions from Anima today. If your concern is urgent, please visit your local walk-in centres at Milton Keynes or Corby, or call NHS 111, or go to A&E.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you for your understanding.
Lisa Marotta

20/02/2026

Carers Survey 2026

09/02/2026

A reminder for the Ageing Well Team will be at the Wootton Community Centre tomorrow, 10.02.26 from 11.00-13.00 for anyone who wishes to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there!

09/02/2026

Diazepam Prescribing for short-term procedures
Dear Patient

Reasons We Do Not Prescribe Diazepam

Safety concerns

Diazepam makes you very drowsy and can slow your breathing. Some people have the opposite effect and become agitated.
Timing problems

Appointments often run late. If you take diazepam too early or too late, it may wear off at the wrong time or be too strong.
Your appointment may be cancelled at the last minute, meaning you would have taken unnecessary medication.

Specialist responsibility

If sedation is needed, it should be arranged by the hospital, dentist, or clinic. They can give the right medicine and monitor you safely.

Side effects and risks

Diazepam can leave you groggy, confused, or unsteady. It can affect memory, driving, and work. It can also cause dependence if used repeatedly.
Prescribing rules

National guidelines (BNF) say diazepam should not be used for phobias (such as claustrophobia) or mild short-term anxiety about procedures.

Page published: 4 February 2026
Last updated: 4 February 2026