HFP - Harbourside Family Practice

29/10/2025

📢 AccuRx System Outage

We have been made aware of a national AccuRx outage this afternoon. This affects our ability to read patient eConsult submissions and also means clinicians are currently unable to send text messages to patients.

If you need urgent medical advice, please contact the surgery by telephone. Non-urgent matters may be delayed until the system is restored.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we will provide an update once the issue has been resolved.

29/10/2025

World Stroke Day, 29th October

Every day in the UK, 240 people have a stroke. You can reduce your risk by cutting out smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.

One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime; do you know the warning signs? Every second counts. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age – but quick action saves lives.

F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 999

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/causes/

24/10/2025

We currently have a power failure which is affecting our phone service. We apologise for this inconvenience.

20/10/2025

National Adoption Week, 20th - 26th October

During National Adoption Week, we’re celebrating every kind of adoption journey – because every family is different. We’re also celebrating the people who make those journeys possible, from birth families and social workers to adoptive parents and adopted individuals themselves. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/

19/10/2025

Infection Prevention Week , 19th - 25th October

Infection Prevention Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness about how simple actions can prevent the spread of infections and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

Infections can spread quickly, but many are preventable. Whether it’s through proper hand hygiene, vaccinations or knowing when to seek medical advice, we all play a role in keeping our community safe.

18/10/2025

World Menopause Day, 18th October

Menopause can be incredibly challenging, and it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Symptoms can include hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disruption and anxiety which can significantly impact on daily life, work and relationships. Support, a healthy lifestyle and options of medication can help, but for many there are still unpredictable impacts. If you’re concerned or need additional support, please do contact our reception team who can book you an appointment with a clinician.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/

16/10/2025

Stoptober

Commit to quitting for 28 days this Stoptober. If you can stop smoking for this period, it significantly increases your chances of quitting permanently.

Your long-term risks of many health conditions are reduced if you quit smoking and you’ll feel the benefits within a few short days, from improved sense of smell and taste to more energy and breathing more easily. Why not give it a try? https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Please do book an appointment with our Stop Smoking Nurse if you would like support to quit smoking.

15/10/2025

📲NHS App Messaging Changes📲

In a few weeks time, when we send individual messages to eligible patients, these will now go straight to your NHS App first.

If the message isn’t opened within 60 minutes, it will automatically be re-sent as a text message (SMS) instead, so you won’t miss important updates.

Using the NHS App helps keep your messages secure, all in one place, and linked directly to your health record.

📌Turn on Notifications📌

If you already have the NHS App installed on your phone, there is only one quick action you need to take – switch on notifications. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Open the NHS App on your smartphone
- Tap More in the top right
- Tap Account and settings
- Tap Manage notifications
- Toggle on Send me notifications about new messages

If you haven’t yet downloaded the NHS App, you can do so via the [App Store] or [Google Play Store]

10/10/2025

🌍💚 World Mental Health Day – 10 October 💚🌍

Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

This year’s theme is “Mental health is a universal human right” recognising that everyone, everywhere, should have access to the support and care they need.

If you’re struggling, please remember you don’t have to face things alone. Talking to someone, a friend, family member, or professional can make a real difference.

Local support is also available, including:
🗣️ Portishead Talk Club – a safe space for men aged 18+ to talk and listen in confidence.
💬 NHS Talking Therapies – self-referral available via www.nhs.uk/talk
🌐 Kooth – free, safe, and anonymous online mental health support for young people aged 11–25. Visit www.kooth.com
📞 Samaritans – call 116 123, free, 24/7.

Let’s all take a moment today to check in with ourselves and with someone else, because every conversation helps. 💚

10/10/2025

🗣️ Portishead Talk Club – A Safe Space for Men to Talk & Listen

Are you a man who sometimes finds it hard to open up? You’re not alone. Talk Club is a talking and listening group for men aged 18+, providing a safe, supportive, and confidential space to share how you’re feeling or simply to listen.

📍 Where: The Beacon Hub, Portishead Methodist Church, High Street, BS20 6EN
📅 When: Every Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
👥 Who: Men aged 18+

The Portishead group welcomes new faces each week. If you’re looking for a safe place to talk, connect,= and look after your mental fitness, this is a great place to start.

🔗 Find out more or get in touch: talkclub.org/clubs/portishead-talking-group

09/10/2025

📢 Have you heard about the Medical Examiner Service?

North Bristol NHS Trust has created a short video to help explain what the Medical Examiner Service is, how it supports families after a loved one dies, and what you can expect if you’re contacted by the team.

If you’d like to learn more, you can watch the video here:

Medical Examiners now review every death in England and Wales not being investigated by a Coroner.Hear from the Medical Examiner Service for Bristol, North S...

07/10/2025

COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Update 💉❤️

The NHS has recently updated who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter. This means some people who were invited in previous years may no longer be included under the new national criteria.

We know this change may feel frustrating or disappointing, especially if you’ve had the vaccine before. Unfortunately, the eligibility rules are decided nationally by the NHS and UK Health Security Agency, we don’t have any control over who can be offered it.

Eligible groups are:
• Patients aged 75 and over
• Patients who are immunosuppressed

Thank you for your understanding as we follow the national guidance and continue to support everyone’s health and wellbeing.