Briarwood Medical Centre

01/09/2025

01/09/2025

Covid and Flu Vaccines are available at the practice from the 1st of October for eligible patients only

We order vaccines specifically for our eligible patients

The practice will be in touch with those eligible for the vaccinations

PLEASE NOTE THE PRACTICE WILL CONTACT YOU IN DUE COURSE

21/08/2025

Let’s quit smoking together this Stoptober

Leading up to October we urge patients/readers to take part in StopTober
Thinking about quitting smoking? It is the best choice you can make for your health. From feeling healthier to saving money, there are so many reasons to quit.

Based on evidence that if a smoker makes it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

Studies show that smoking increases the risk of hearing loss and eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and vision damage as you age.

The UK Alzheimer’s Society says smoking increases the risk of dementia. It damages blood vessels, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Chemicals in smoke also harm cells and cause inflammation, making the risk even higher.

Smoking increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen joint pain and damage. It also increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, shoulder tears and osteoporosis.

Studies show that smoking can harm your digestive system, causing issues like heartburn, ulcers, liver problems, and a higher risk of Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, and gallstones.

The good news is your body will start to heal almost immediately after you quit. Within just 20 minutes, your pulse rate will return to normal.

After 8 hours, harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide in your blood will have halved, making room for more oxygen to flow through your body.

And after 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.

Tips for Quitting:

Set a quit date:
Choose a date and prepare for it with the help of your chosen support service.
Don't be afraid to try different methods:

Experiment with different NRT products or medications to find what works best for you.

Seek support from friends and family.

Important Considerations:

Second-hand smoke: Second-hand smoke can be harmful to others, especially babies and children.

Mental health: Smoking can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and quitting can improve your mental well-being.

Financial benefits: Quitting smoking can save you a significant amount of money.

08/08/2025

03/08/2025

Why it matters to attend appointments

All patients are sent 2 appointment reminders before their appointments.

Missed slots mean longer waits.
When people don’t turn up, those times are lost to others who need care.

If you can’t make it, let us know. A quick call frees up the appointment for someone else.

This policy ensures fair access to appointments and helps us manage demand for all patients.

If a patient does not attend a booked appointment without informing us, this is recorded as a DNA on your medical record.

Don’t ignore symptoms. Even small concerns are best checked early - it’s always better to be safe

Your attendance helps us to provide better care for everyone.

24/07/2025

PANDAS Foundation UK

This is a safe, non-judgmental, free space where attendees can share how they’re feeling and connect with others who truly understand. It’s run by a trained volunteer, Amalia, who has experience perinatal mental health difficulties, supported by the national charity PANDAS Foundation UK.

Perinatal mental health issues affect 1 in 5 parents.

Providing timely, community-based emotional support can help reduce the need for more intensive interventions later on. Peer support also plays a key role in assisting parents to stay engaged with their wider care plans and improves continuity between services.

It’s completely free to attend, and babies and young children are welcome. We’d love your support in helping local parents find us.

Address: The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol , Preston PR2 3YP

Dates group is held: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month

Website: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/groups/preston-pandas/

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/share/19M1JCA9zU/

21/07/2025

Physical activity is essential for growing bodies and minds. But over 53% of the UK children are not meeting their daily activity goal.

Get ready to Activate this summer! ☀️

Joe Wicks is launching a brand-new workout series, ‘Activate’, full of high-energy, fun 5-minute workout ‘Challenges’ to keep kids active.

The Challenges bring together new characters and bright animation from , with well-known upbeat tracks from exclusive music partner .

This summer, Joe Wicks has released a new animated physical activity series, Activate, which aims to get children moving and having fun.

Activate is backed by the Department of Health & Social Care, Department for Education and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

At a time when many parents are concerned about keeping their kids active over the holidays, Activate aims to turn screen time into active time and boost their physical and mental health over the summer holidays and beyond.

The first episode is out now on The Body Coach YouTube channel, with new episodes out weekly over the summer.

Instagram pages:

16/07/2025

Briarwood’s July 2025 Newsletter

16/07/2025

Briarwood Medical Centre’s new emblem

Follow our instagram to stay updated with the latest news at the Practice and events in the local area of Preston, Ashton-on-Ribble.

https://www.instagram.com/briarwoodmedicalcentre/profilecard/?igsh=

29/06/2025

In 2025, Deafblind Awareness Week is held from Monday 23rd June to Sunday 29th June.

Deafblindness is having both sight and hearing loss that affect your everyday life.

Being deafblind doesn’t necessarily mean you are totally deaf and/or totally blind. Most people who are deafblind have some sight and some hearing.

Some people are born deafblind. This is called congenital deafblindness. Others become deafblind later in life. This is known as acquired deafblindness.

Deafblind Awareness Week aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by people who are both deaf and blind, as well as the remarkable resilience of this community. The week serves as a platform to educate the public, break down misconceptions, and promote better access to resources, support, and opportunities.

Deafblindness affects an estimated 400,000 people in the UK alone. Many individuals with combined sight and hearing loss experience barriers to communication, mobility, and independence.

25/06/2025