Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre

01/05/2026

🔺EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY🔺

We will be closed on Monday 4th May for the Bank Holiday and reopen on Tuesday 5th May at 8am.

If you require medical assistance when the surgery is closed, please call 111 or 999 if you have a life-threatening emergency.
Many thanks

27/04/2026

Childhood vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections like measles, meningitis and whooping cough before they can cause harm. By keeping up to date with vaccinations, you are not only protecting your child but also helping protect vulnerable people in the wider community.

Without vaccination, children are at higher risk of serious illness, complications, hospitalisation and, in some cases, long-term health problems. Outbreaks of preventable diseases can spread more easily when vaccination rates drop.

Benefits of childhood vaccinations include:
• Protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases 💉🛡️
• Reduced spread of infections in schools and communities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
• Long-term protection and peace of mind 💙🌿
• Helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated ⚠️💛

Keeping vaccinations up to date is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference. 💙✨

Learn about NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

20/04/2026

Notice of retirement - A message from Dr David Loveday

As many of you will be aware, this is my last year at Plas Ffynnon and I will be retiring at the end of June.

It has been a huge privilege to be part of the lives of many of you since 1997.

For over 28 years General Practice has been rewarding, fascinating and challenging, in equal measure. I can honestly say I’ve not had a dull moment in my working life, in this tucked-away little corner of the borders – in an area and among a people that I have grown to love greatly.

I’ve worked with some truly inspirational colleagues and some wonderful staff; shared some good times and some bad. We’ve weathered the storms of the pandemic, recession, health scares and numerous political upheavals. The fundamentals of medicine may not have changed but the complexity of delivery has grown beyond recognition.

Plas Ffynnon has a truly excellent team, and I will be leaving you in good hands.

For me though, it’s time to move on and occupy myself in other ways. I don’t intend to go far, so we may meet again. However, if we do bump into each other in the street, at a concert or in a garden please don’t ask me look at the odd skin blemish on your cheek, tell me about a new medication side-effect, or ask how to sp*ed up your hospital treatment, but do say hello!

Best wishes and good health to you all.

20/04/2026

Smoking affects nearly every part of your body, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It can also have a big impact on your finances, with the cost of smoking adding up over time. Understanding both the health and financial impact can be a powerful motivator to quit. 💷🚭💙✨

Reasons to quit smoking include:
• Improved heart and lung health ❤️🫁✨
• Reduced risk of cancer and serious illness 🎗️💙
• More energy and better overall wellbeing ⚡🌿
• Saving money every week and year 💷📊

Small steps can lead to big changes, and support is available to help you quit for good. 💙🚭✨

Use the smoking cost calculator: https://patient.info/healthy-living/smoking-cost-calculator
Learn about the true impact of smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/understanding-the-true-impact-of-smoking/

13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

10/04/2026

Today we are sending out our first practice newsletter, which (if we have a working mobile number on file) you should receive via text or smart message today. If you'd rather look at it here, then please see below.

We're keen to let all patients know about changes in the surgery, rather than only patients who come into the building.

05/04/2026

Ahead of World Parkinsons Day (11.4.26) the Friends of Parkies will be at the practice on Tuesday 7th April 9.30-11.30
Pop in for a chat. All welcome

Do you or a family member live with Parkinsons?

Visit the practice to find out about the
'Friends of Parkies' and how they can support you.

🗓Tuesday 7th April
🕘 9.30- 11.30am

All welcome

03/04/2026

🔺 EASTER BANK HOLIDAYS 🔺

We are closed for the Easter bank holiday weekend and will reopen on Tuesday 7th April.

To support with increased demand following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, we will only be dealing with urgent medical matters when we reopen on Tuesday 7th April.

If you require medical assistance when the surgery is closed, please call 111, or 999 for any life‑threatening emergencies.

🐥We would like to wish all our patients a very happy Easter.🐥

02/04/2026

UPDATE : Normal service has resumed.
Thank you for your patience

We are currently experiencing power loss affecting our phones and computers.
If you need urgent care, please ring 111.

31/03/2026

The Wellbeing vehicle returns to the practice tomorrow (1.4.26), offering mental health support. No appointment needed, 10-12pm, all welcome.

24/03/2026

Funded by the Lingen Davies Wellbeing Programme, those living with cancer and beyond can access these FREE local workshops.

To book

☎️ call: 07565 713692

📧 or email: willowherbpark396@gmail.com

23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer