The Dow Surgery

23/03/2026

✨ You’re Invited! ✨

Next Thursday
🕑 2:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Abbeydale Sports and Social Club
Redditch
B98 8JE

Feel free to bring a friend along the more the merrier! 😊 Hope to see you there!

Come and join us for a FREE Health and Well Being event on Thursday 26th March at Abbeydale Sports and Social Club starting from 2pm.

16/03/2026

🤟 Sign Language Week 2026 🤟
This week we celebrate Sign Language Week, raising awareness of the importance of sign languages and Deaf culture across the UK and beyond.

Sign languages are rich, expressive languages that allow millions of Deaf people to communicate, connect, and participate fully in society. Learning even a few signs can make a big difference in making our communities more inclusive.

If you're in Redditch or the wider Worcestershire area, here are some useful resources to learn more or get involved:

🔗 British Deaf Association – Learn about campaigns, resources and events
https://bda.org.uk/

🔗 SignHealth – Deaf health charity
https://signhealth.org.uk/

🔗 Redditch Library events and community info
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries

🔗 Signature (British Sign Language qualifications)
https://www.signature.org.uk/

12/03/2026

Come and join us for a FREE Health and Well Being event on Thursday 26th March at Abbeydale Sports and Social Club starting from 2pm.

11/03/2026

🚶‍♂️ Church Hill Walking Group is Back! 🚶‍♀️

We’re excited to announce that Church Hill Big Local Walking Group will be running again this year from April to September.

Their first walk will take place on Tuesday 7th April, starting just outside Maple View.

Whether you’re looking to get more active, enjoy some fresh air, or meet people in the community, everyone is welcome to join them! 🌿

📍 Meeting point: Just outside Maple View
📅 Start date: Tuesday 7th April

Feel free to come along and bring a friend. They look forward to seeing you there! 😊

11/03/2026

🚭 No Smoking Day Take the First Step Today 🚭

Today is No Smoking Day, a great reminder that it’s never too late to quit smoking and take control of your health. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your body improving your breathing, reducing the risk of serious diseases, and helping you live a longer, healthier life.

If you’re thinking about quitting, you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS Quit Smoking app can help you stay motivated, track your progress, and give you daily support while you work towards becoming smoke-free.

Every cigarette not smoked is a step in the right direction. Whether today is day one or day one hundred of your journey, keep going your future self will thank you. 💙

📲 Download the NHS Quit Smoking app and start your smoke-free journey today

10/03/2026

📢 Neighbourhood Support Drop-In Session

Join us at the Lower Ground Floor of Maple View Medical Practice for free help and guidance.

📍 Postcode: B98 9AA

🗓 Dates: 14th April | 12th May | 9th June
⏰ Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm

Everyone is welcome come along, have a chat, and see how we can support you. 👋

04/03/2026

🎗️ Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Know the Signs, Save Lives 🎗️

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent” disease because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday issues. Early detection can make a huge difference.

Key symptoms to watch for:

Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling

Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite

Pelvic or abdominal pain

Changes in urinary or bowel habits

If you notice these symptoms regularly, don’t ignore them – speak to your GP.

✅ Learn more and get support from the NHS:

Ovarian cancer symptoms and advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/

Ovarian cancer screening and treatment
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/treatment/

Let’s raise awareness and help catch ovarian cancer earlier. 💛

03/03/2026

🚨 Missed GP Appointments Matter 🚨

Every missed appointment at our GP surgery is time that could have been used to help another patient.

When appointments are not attended and not cancelled:
❌ Other patients wait longer to be seen
❌ Clinicians’ time is wasted
❌ NHS resources are stretched further

If you can’t attend your appointment, please let your GP surgery know as soon as possible. Even cancelling on the day can allow someone else to be seen.

Let’s work together to make sure appointments are available for those who need them most. 💙

23/02/2026

💜 Rare Diseases NHS Support 💜

This week we’re recognising Rare Diseases a time to raise awareness and show solidarity with the millions of people and families affected by rare conditions across the UK and beyond.

💬 If you want connection and peer support, check out the subreddit community /r/rare diseases on Reddit a space where people share experiences, support one another, and discuss the challenges of rare conditions. Many find it a great place to ask questions and feel understood.

For official NHS help and information, here are useful links on UK health services and rare disease support:

🔗 NHS Rare Disease Collaborative Networks (info from NHS England) how specialist centres work together to support rare condition care:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/spec-services/highly-spec-services/rare-disease-collaborative-networks/

🔗 Unique Rare Chromosome & Gene Disorder Support Group listing in the NHS service directory:
https://geneticalliance.org.uk/support-and-information/resources-for-individuals-and-organisations/seeking-a-rare-diagnosis/

🔗 Seeking a Rare Diagnosis resources (Genetic Alliance guides signposted via NHS sites):
https://geneticalliance.org.uk/support-and-information/resources-for-individuals-and-organisations/seeking-a-rare-diagnosis

Each rare disease is unique, and your journey matters whether you’re seeking a diagnosis, navigating care with the National Health Service (NHS), or finding community online.

Let’s make rare visible in Redditch. 💪💜

18/02/2026

🌸 Spring Newsletter – Now Live! 🌸

Spring is here, and so is the Kingfisher PCN Spring Newsletter! 🌼

We’ve packed this edition with:
✅ Updates on new and improved services for our patients
✅ Seasonal health tips to help you stay well
✅ Highlights of our community and wellbeing initiatives
✅ Awareness days for the coming months

Our PCN works closely across local GP practices to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs.

📲 It’s already out on our practice website! Check it out and see what’s new this spring: https://www.dowsurgery.co.uk/2026/02/02/kingfisher-pcn-spring-newsletter-%f0%9f%8c%b8/

Thank you for being part of the Kingfisher PCN community 💚