Thorndike Medical Centre

26/03/2026

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/QOkM50Yy0C8

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/OkyR50Yy0C7
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/z1T350Yy0BO
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/KBTe50Yy0BZ
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/CisH50Yy0Cf
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/slG650Yy0CL
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/6Ohi50Yy0C5
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/Ic7E50Yy0CX

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

20/03/2026

📢Antibiotics and vaccine clinics update⬇️

Find out if you are eligible and check clinic opening times on our website: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-antibiotic-and-vaccine-clinics

Important information:
- No booking is needed, just turn up during the times above
- Please bring your NHS number if you have it
- Bring a bottle of water if you can

📍 If you have already left Kent, please contact your GP for advice and access to treatment.

⚠️ Please continue to watch for symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell.

➡More information: www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information

20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

18/03/2026

📢Additional meningitis antibiotic clinic opening in Medway👇🏼

A clinic at James Williams Healthy Living Centre in Chatham will open from tomorrow, to provide free emergency antibiotic tablets to eligible people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

Precautionary antibiotics – who is eligible?
- Students and staff living on campus at the University of Kent, Canterbury
- Close contacts identified by UKHSA, or those who believe they have had contact with a confirmed case
- Club Chemistry staff
- Anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March

Location details:
📍James Williams Healthy Living Centre, The Pentagon Centre, Military Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4HY
Open: Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday, 21 March: 8.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday, 22 March: 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Other antibiotic clinic locations:
📍Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ: Thursday, 19 March, 8.30am to 7.30pm.
📍 University of Kent – Senate Building, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
Open daily: 9am to 5pm (last patient 4.30pm)
📍 The Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, CT1 3NG
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Thanet Community Health Hub, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT - Closing at 4pm on Thursday, 19 March.

Important information:
- No booking is needed, just turn up during the times above
- You do not need to bring ID
- Please bring your NHS number if you have it
- Bring a bottle of water if you can

📍 If you have already left Kent, please contact your GP for advice and access to treatment.

⚠️ Please continue to watch for symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell.

➡More information: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/L2Ae50YvnV6

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/rEi250YvnVb
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/l1R750YvnVf
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/vVpq50YvnVl

18/03/2026

Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.

18/03/2026

*** MENINGITIS OUTBREAK ***

You will all be aware of the Meningitis B outbreak in Canterbury.
We know that there may be some worried patients who require more information.

We are working to the current guidance and this is changing daily. Patients with any queries will be directed to the following places:

1. The following website provides the most up to date information, including contact numbers and is updated regularly.
https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187/

2. Further details regarding a vaccination programme will come out soon from the UK Health Security Agency.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.

16/03/2026

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

16/03/2026

⚠️ Important Patient Notice: Local Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease) Outbreak

We are aware of recent reports of a local outbreak of Meningitis and understand that many patients may feel concerned. Please read the information below carefully.

🔍 Symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia can include:
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
• Sudden high fever
• Severe or worsening headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Joint or muscle pain
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet
• Seizures
• Confusion or delirium
• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking

🏥 If you are experiencing ANY of these symptoms:
👉 Do NOT attend the surgery or Urgent Treatment Centre.
Please go immediately to an A&E department — preferably
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital Margate or
William Harvey Hospital Ashford, who are already managing cases.

❓ If you do NOT have symptoms but are worried:
Please do not contact the surgery or attend A&E.
Instead, contact UK Health Security Agency for advice:
📧 phe.sshpu@nhs.net

💉 Vaccination status:
If you are unsure whether you have received meningitis vaccinations, you can check your records using the NHS App.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping keep our community safe.

15/03/2026

Good sleep habits are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Struggling to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night can affect mood, concentration and overall health.

Simple changes like keeping a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, limiting caffeine and creating a calm sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.

Understanding the possible causes of sleep problems and accessing trusted advice can make a real difference. Better sleep supports better days. 😴🌙💙✨

Get NHS tips on falling asleep faster and sleeping better:
https://ow.ly/zmZ350Ytjah

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/TPvH50Ytjag

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/xmTf50Ytjal

12/03/2026

Symptoms such as ongoing tiredness, swelling, changes in urination or persistent kidney pain should never be ignored. Lifestyle choices, hydration and underlying health conditions all play a role in kidney health.

There is also growing concern about ketamine use in young people, as it can cause serious damage to the bladder and kidneys, sometimes leading to long-term complications. Knowing the risks and acting early can help protect kidney function and overall wellbeing. 🩺💧💙✨

Learn more about kidney health and support:
https://kidneycareuk.org

Take a kidney health check:
https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-health-information/kidneyhealthcheck/

Read about ketamine risks and organ damage:
https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/drug/ketamine/