Woodseats Medical Centre

23/03/2026

🌈 Exciting News! 🌈

We’re honoured to have collaborated with several local community stakeholders, and we’re delighted to share that we will be taking part in the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Pride Of Yorkshire Trail!

More information about our involvement will be released over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our page for updates.

In the meantime, we’ll be holding a charity bake sale in the practice foyer on Wednesday 1st April between 10am and 1pm. All proceeds will go to supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

🍰🧁 We’d love for you to pop down, say hello, and support this fantastic cause.

Please note: we don’t have access to a card reader, so cash donations only, please!

Explore The Pride of Yorkshire, a free new sculpture trail from Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, coming to South Yorkshire in 2026.

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

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/

19/03/2026

Thank you to all our patients for your patience while we introduce and refine EMMA, our new telephone digital assistant. We know this is a change, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we continue to improve the system.

Due to the high volume of feedback and the level of demand on the practice, it isn’t always possible for us to respond directly to every individual comment. Please be assured that all feedback is read, collated, and shared with our team, and we are actively using this to make improvements wherever we can.

We know it can sometimes feel confusing knowing the best way to get in touch, so here’s a simple guide to help you reach the right team quickly and easily.

📞 Calling us

When you call us, EMMA will answer your call. Here’s what EMMA actually does:

• EMMA does not make any clinical decisions
• EMMA simply completes an online Accurx form on your behalf
• This is the same form our reception team would complete
• Your request is triaged by a clinician
• You’ll receive a response from a GP, nurse or receptionist, depending on urgency

EMMA helps reduce long waiting times on the phone, keeps lines free for urgent calls, and ensures your request reaches the right team promptly.

To help us respond as quickly as possible, it is very important that patients keep their contact details up to date, especially mobile numbers and email addresses. This ensures we can reach you without delay once your request has been triaged.

💻 Accurx Online Forms
If you can access the internet, Accurx online forms are always the fastest and most efficient way to:

• Request medical help
• Submit administrative queries
• Ask for fit notes or letters
• Get advice or updates
• Send questions to the practice

Website link: https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/c88041

📱 The NHS App is the quickest way to manage routine healthcare needs without calling the practice. You can use it to:

✔ Check test results
✔ View and cancel appointments
✔ Order repeat prescriptions
✔ See hospital letters (where available)
✔ Receive messages from the practice
Using the NHS App helps keep phone lines available for patients who need urgent assistance.

When using EMMA It helps if you can:
• Speak clearly
• Keep answers short
• Reduce background noise where possible
This helps EMMA complete your form accurately and ensures your request reaches the correct team quickly.

We know any change to how you contact us can take a little time to get used to, and we truly appreciate your patience.

We will continue to refine EMMA, Accurx and our digital systems so that accessing care at Woodseats Medical Centre is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Contact us about your request

19/03/2026

Meningitis B Outbreak – Information for Patients

We’re receiving questions about the recent Meningitis B outbreak in Kent. More information and regular updates can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

Here is the latest guidance available for our patients:

📞 If you are worried or have questions:
If you are concerned, have been in contact with a confirmed case, or need general advice, please contact:

UKHSA Helpline: 0344 225 3861
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

🏥 Important for Woodseats patients:
GP practices outside the affected area (including ours) are not currently authorised to provide outbreak‑specific treatment.

❗ What is meningitis and what symptoms should I look for?:
Meningitis is an infection of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

Symptoms can include:
•Fever
•Vomiting
•Headache
•Rash that does NOT fade under a glass (not always present)
•Stiff neck
•Sensitivity to light
•Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
•Seizures

🚑 If you suspect meningitis:
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Do not wait for all symptoms to appear.

💉 Vaccinations:
The current outbreak is linked to Meningitis B (MenB).
MenB vaccine (routine NHS schedule):
•8 weeks
•12 weeks
•1 year

GP practices cannot provide MenB vaccination on request or privately. We must follow strict national NHS guidance, and MenB vaccines can only be given as part of the routine childhood schedule or in very specific medical circumstances.

MenACWY vaccine:
•Offered to teens, sixth‑formers and first‑year university students
•GP practices can give this as a routine catch‑up for anyone under 25

If you have concerns about symptoms or exposure, please use the helpline above, NHS 111, or 999 for urgent symptoms.

Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.

19/03/2026

🌟 World Kidney Day 🌟Where can I get help?

KIDNEY CARE UK

Website: https://kidneycareuk.org/

Kidney Care UK supports patients and their loved ones with chronic kidney disease, and other kidney conditions.

What can they help me with?

Patient Support Line: 0808 801 00 00 – Open Mon Fri 9am - 5pm

Patient Grants

Benefits, Welfare and Money Advice

Healthy Diet Support

Counselling and Emotional Support

Support and Advocacy Services

And more!

Please visit the website and on their social media for more information.

Kidney Care UK is the UK's leading kidney patient support charity. We exist to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.

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/LkrN50YvoIZ

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/fBZY50YvoIT
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/mO6250YvoJh
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/baQ650YvoJ1

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/bQbv50YtjoE

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/fmqE50YtjnT

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/8xTf50YtjnU

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/

12/03/2026

🌟 World Kidney Day – 12th March 2026🌟

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should.

World Kidney Day is to remind you to if you are worried about symptoms relating to your kidney.

To find out more about chronic kidney disease, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/

If you’re at risk or have symptoms you’re worried about, please speak to your GP.

11/03/2026

We will be closed for staff training from 1pm today.

If you or your family need medical attention when we are closed, you can either:
Go to the NHS Walk in Centre on Broad Lane which is open 7 days a week from 08.00am to 10.00pm, telephone number 0114 2412700.
OR
Dial 111. This will give you access to medical assessment, advice and treatment if required.
We will reopen as usual on Thursday 12th March.

11/03/2026

Young Carers Action Day shines a light on the incredible young people who help care for family members, often balancing responsibilities at home with school and friendships.

The 2026 theme focuses on Action for Equality, calling for better recognition, improved support in schools, access to training and employment opportunities, and meaningful breaks so young carers can thrive just like their p*ers.

Some young carers may miss school activities or struggle with their mental health due to caring responsibilities, which is why awareness and understanding matter. Schools, organisations and communities can access resources and posters to help raise awareness and ensure young carers are not held back. 💙🌟✨

Learn more about Young Carers Action Day 2026:
https://carers.org/young-carers-action-day/young-carers-action-day

Access awareness resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/young-carers-awareness-day-2026