Rudgwick Medical Centre

20/03/2026

The dispensary will be closing slightly earlier at 6pm next week (wb 23rd March) due to staff leave.
We apologise for any incovenience and thank you for your understanding.

19/03/2026

MENINGITIS B INFORMATION

To keep up to date with the latest and most accurate information on this outbreak, please use this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
If you are unsure if you or your child has had a Meningitis vaccination, we ask that you please read the below information before contacting the surgery, in order to keep our phone lines free for those who require urgent medical assistance. Thank you

Checking your child’s vaccination record
You can check vaccination records quickly without contacting the practice:
• NHS App – View your child’s vaccination history (if linked to your account)
• Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) – Your child’s vaccinations are usually recorded here
• GP Online Services – You may be able to view records if you are registered

About the MenB vaccination programme
The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a serious cause of meningitis and sepsis.

• The routine UK MenB vaccination programme was introduced in September 2015
• It is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule
• It is given at:
8 weeks
16 weeks
12 months

About the MenACWY vaccine
Offered to teenagers aged 13 to 14 years old (school years 9 to 10)
Up to age 25 starting university for first time
Protects against groups A, C, W and Y
No other groups are eligible under the NHS programme

Important information:

• The Men B vaccine is routinely offered only to children born on or after 1 May 2015
• Children outside the groups mentioned above group are not eligible for routine NHS vaccination
• There is currently no NHS catch-up programme for older children or adults
• It may be available privately via travel clinics or private providers

14/03/2026

First Aid Awareness – How to Use Your First Aid Kit & Its Contents

Do you know what’s inside your first aid kit and how to use it confidently in an emergency? Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the contents could make all the difference when someone needs help.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains the com
mon contents of a first aid kit and how to use them effectively when someone needs help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn6xt1ca8A0

A St John Ambulance trainer explains the essentials of a first aid kit. In an emergency situation, it’s important to be familiar with your first aid kit and ...

13/03/2026

First Aid Awareness – How to Treat Poisoning (Signs & Symptoms)

Poisoning can happen in many ways, through medications, cleaning products, plants, or contaminated food. Recognising the signs early and knowing what to do can help keep someone safe while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains common signs and symptoms of poisoning and the first aid steps you can take:

https://youtu.be/b2ieb8BZJuY?si=DdlV_xb6pQok7uHL

A St John Ambulance trainer demonstrates what to look for if someone has swallowed a poison and how to treat poisoning.Find out more about what to do if some...

12/03/2026

How to Treat a Burn or Scald

Burns and scalds can happen quickly often in the kitchen or around hot liquids and knowing how to respond appropriately can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to the skin.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains how to treat a burn or scald safely, including what to do (and what to avoid) in those first crucial minutes:

https://youtu.be/ej7joAEBiKM?si=1OamHJ1BRNKaZeNX

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

11/03/2026

Diabetic Emergencies

A diabetic emergency can happen suddenly and may be life threatening if not recognised and treated promptly. Knowing the signs, such as confusion, sweating, shakiness or loss of consciousness and how to respond calmly could make a real difference.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains what to do if someone is having a diabetic emergency, including how to help someone with low blood sugar and when to seek emergency medical assistance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L06DNMRcy98

Please take a few minutes to watch, refresh your first aid knowledge, and share with family, friends and colleagues. Understanding basic first aid empowers us all to support each other in moments that matter.

A St John Ambulance trainer demonstrates what to look for if someone is having a diabetic emergency and what to do to help if you suspect hypoglycaemia or hy...

10/03/2026

Nosebleeds are common and can happen at any age. Although they can look alarming, most can be managed safely at home with the correct first aid steps.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains what to do if someone has a nosebleed, including the correct position to sit in and how long to apply pressure.

Please take a few minutes to watch and share. Simple knowledge can make a big difference.

If someone is having a nose bleed, there are simple first aid steps you can take to treat them. This St John Ambulance video shows you how to safely position...

09/03/2026

Choking can happen suddenly and may quickly become a serious emergency. Knowing how to recognise the signs and what action to take could help save a life.

This short video from St John Ambulance explains what to do if an adult or child is choking, including when to call for emergency help.

Taking just a few minutes to refresh your knowledge today could make all the difference in an emergency.

Watch the video here:https://youtu.be/HGBBu4zr8sM?si=2_5sF9nBb3hJjEdA

For more information visit http://www.sja.org.ukSt John Ambulance on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/sjaSt John Ambulance on Twitter - http://www.twitter....

08/03/2026

This week, we’ll be sharing a selection of short, practical first aid videos from St John Ambulance, offering simple tips and guidance that could help you save a life.

Emergencies can happen at any time at home, at work, or out in the community. Having basic first aid knowledge can help you feel more confident and prepared to act calmly and safely if someone needs urgent help.

We encourage you to take a few minutes each day to watch, refresh your knowledge, and share with family and friends. Small pieces of knowledge can make a significant difference in an emergency.

You can also explore more first aid advice here: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/

First aid saves lives and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. Get online first aid advice on a range of common conditions and first aid techniques.

04/03/2026

Join the Fight Against Dementia

Dementia research needs people like you. Whether you’re living with dementia, caring for someone who has it, or a healthy volunteer, you can make a real difference by joining dementia research.

Participating in research helps scientists understand dementia better and develop new treatments, support and care and it doesn’t always mean taking part in clinical trials. There are many types of studies, and researchers need a wide range of volunteers.

✨ You can help change tomorrow, today.

https://youtu.be/GA1U4Ex8jrQ?si=03c8gvnPDrXHWYDO

Learn more and sign up here:
👉 https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk

Our animation, voiced by actor Edward Holcroft, explains how each volunteer plays a part in improving our understanding of dementia and helps researchers wor...

03/03/2026

⸻

Do you know how to recognise a stroke?

This short video shows the key signs and first-aid steps you need to know, because acting fast can save a life.

Watch the video and learn how to spot the signs and what to do: 🔗 https://youtu.be/yFFptA_IWS0

0:00 If you suspect that someone is having a stroke0:57 Step-by-step recapWatch this short British Red Cross first aid training video to learn what to do whe...