Oakside Surgery

29/07/2025

Cervical Screening Information Meeting (plus Q&A Session)

We are hosting a Cervical Screening (Smear) information meeting this Wednesday evening via Microsoft Teams.

The National Cervical Screening Programme aims to reduce the number of people developing cervical cancer by detecting pre-malignant changes in the uterine cervix.

Women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 years are eligible for inclusion in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, and are welcome to join the meeting (Oakside registered patients only)

Our Practice Nurses Beth & Jo will be presenting information around the Cervical Screening process, and there will be a Question & Answer section via the chat where patients can ask any questions they may have.

Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025
Time: 17.30pm-18.30pm
How to join: Click the link below to join the call at 17.30pm.

01/07/2025

Weight management: prescribing of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Tirzepatide, commonly known as Mounjaro, is a drug that up to now has only been prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. Recently published NHS guidance is now recommending this is also considered as an option for managing overweight and obesity, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Provision of Mounjaro for weight management is yet to be implemented across Devon.

NHS Devon is therefore advising GPs to not prescribe Mounjaro for weight management at this time.

Patients with queries may wish to read patient-facing information pages on the MyHealth website Weight Management - My Condition - MyHealth Devon

https://myhealth-devon.nhs.uk/my-condition/condition/weight-management/

Patients wishing to feedback to NHS Devon regarding its current position may do so at d-icb.patientexperience@nhs.net and NHS Devon Aperture House Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane Exeter, Devon EX2 5AZ.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health and wellbeing. It can help to lower the risk of developing illnesses and conditions such as heart attacks, dementia and stroke and it can increase confidence and happiness, improving overall quality of life. Making small changes to wh...

09/06/2025

09/05/2025

It’s Deaf Awareness Week – time to bust some myths! ❌👂Did you know? Not all deaf people use sign language & hearing aids don’t “fix” hearing loss! There are many misconceptions about deafness. Let's set the record straight. 💡💙

Learn more & get involved: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/

06/05/2025

It’s World Asthma Day! 🌍💙 Asthma affects millions, but with the right support, people can live full and active lives. Whether you need advice, treatment options, or tips on managing symptoms, help is available! 🫁💨

Visit https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/ for expert guidance and support.

05/05/2025

Happy International Day of the Midwife! 👶🌍

Midwives are the heart of maternal care, providing essential support to mothers and babies—even in the most challenging humanitarian settings. 💙 Today, we celebrate their dedication, expertise, and compassion.

Join the celebration & learn more: https://internationalmidwives.org/event/international-day-of-the-midwife-2025-midwives-in-humanitarian-settings-critical-in-every-crisis/

02/05/2025

Being a new parent can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. 💙 NHS Start for Life is here to support your maternal mental health and answer your questions. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or just someone to listen, help is available. 🍼💬

Find support today: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/

30/04/2025

Grief can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Whether you’ve lost a loved one recently or years ago, support is available. 💙 The Good Grief Trust connects you to the help you need. Visit: www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

28/04/2025

💙 The NHS gives you the freedom to choose your healthcare options, from choosing your GP or specialist to deciding where and when you receive treatment. Empowering you to make informed decisions about your health ensures you get the care that’s right for you.

Whether it's selecting a hospital or choosing the best treatment plan, your choice matters. The NHS is here to support you every step of the way!

Learn more about your rights and options here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

25/04/2025

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects around 1 in 10 people in the UK and can have a big impact on daily life.

🌀 Common symptoms include:
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Changes in bowel habits

💬 If you're struggling with ongoing gut issues, you're not alone — support and guidance are available.

🔗 Learn more and get trusted advice from the NHS:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

23/04/2025

🍎🥜 A food allergy can cause serious reactions, but knowing the symptoms and how to avoid triggers is essential for staying safe. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and dairy. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it’s important to recognise them early.

If you experience symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating, it’s essential to seek medical advice immediately. Prevention and awareness are key to managing food allergies. 🍞🍽️

Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of food allergies here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-allergy/

21/04/2025

The Pharmacy First scheme allows individuals to seek professional advice and treatment for a variety of common illnesses and conditions without needing a GP appointment. This is available to people aged over 1 year old in some areas, making healthcare support more accessible. 💊

Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms can be treated this way, your local pharmacist is the first point of contact. It’s quick, convenient, and effective for non-urgent health issues.

Find out more here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/