Benfleet Primary Care Network

25/11/2025

If you need urgent medical help but you're not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.​ Call, go online or use the NHS App.

➡️ https://111.nhs.uk/

21/11/2025

Understanding the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can help with an early diagnosis. This useful video helps to explain the two types of lung cancer, exploring symptoms, testing, stages and treatment options: https://youtu.be/n6TE-Nkws6Q

Did you know lung cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers? This month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease and to help save lives. If you find that any of the following symptoms are affecting you, and last more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Repeated chest infections

Early detection saves lives: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer...lung-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-lung-cancer

Welcome to the first episode of Cancer: Explained with guest host Dr Ranj! In this episode, Dr Ranj is joined by Dr David Gilligan to take an in-depth look a...

20/11/2025

is today! Get involved and help to make sure more carers are aware of their rights and feel empowered to use them.

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights that the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to – to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve. This year, the theme is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’. As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you and helps you to reach the support you so need, to reduce the pressure when you’re caring for others.

Being a carer is hard. There are no set hours and you’re often caring for someone close to you.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. They may not even view themselves as carers. But who looks after you when you’re looking after someone else? All carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish.

Find out more here 👉 https://go.carersuk.org/CRD

19/11/2025

Light up your life with purple on 20th November 2025 to commemorate World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

Whether you or someone close to you, or you simply show support for the cause, taking part in Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer helps to raise awareness of this devastating disease. https://purplelightsuk.org/

Pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they’re the same in men and women and often vague or intermittent. This can mean it’s sometimes missed. Understanding and knowing the symptoms to look out for can help with early diagnosis, which results in improved outcomes.

Look out for:
• Unexplained upper abdominal pain
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Indigestion, bloating or early fullness after small meals
• Nausea or vomiting, especially after fatty foods
• Fatigue or general weakness

If you’re worried, please make an appointment via the online request form:
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/signs-and-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer/

Tip: Find some great symptom-related resources here: https://shop.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/collections/symptoms-awareness

18/11/2025

Feeling the chill this winter? Keeping warm is essential for your well-being and health. Here are a few tips on warming up when it’s cold outside:

• Reduce draughts where you can
• Layer up – wear lots of layers of thinner clothing
• Cover extremities – hats, gloves, thick socks and scarves
• Eat healthily with plenty of hot drinks
• Avoid alcohol
• Keep moving

Keeping the cold at bay can help you to stay healthy over these wintry months. Why not visit a Warm Welcome space, where you'll find heat, activities and connection? Find your local Warm Welcome spaces here: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space?l=58352091

If you’re retired and struggling with costs this winter, check if you’re eligible for the winter fuel payment. If you were born before 22nd September 1959, you could get help to pay your heating bills for the winter of 2025 to 2026: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

14/11/2025

CAVS are hosting Community Services & Information at Runnymede Leisure Centre on Thursday 27th November 11.30am till 1pm

There will also be a winter slipper swap, bring your old slippers and swap them for a new pair for FREE! Help prevent slips and falls this winter.

See poster below for more details.

11/11/2025

Movember is here to change the face of men’s health. Too many men are dying before their time, and growing a moustache in November is a conversation starter for those difficult topics that could save lives. https://uk.movember.com/?home

*Trigger warning*

Did you know that in the UK, three out of four suicides are by men? This has to change. This month is a time to focus on men’s mental health, prevention and health promotion.

Have you noticed a friend’s change in mood? Maybe they’re not around as much, or they’re going through life changes? Reaching out can make all the difference. https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/spot-the-signs

10/11/2025

Calling all local Fibromyalgia Warriors! We'd love to invite you to our new support group. If interested, please call Em on 07762945928 or email her on emma.holmes41@nhs.net!

📍Thundersley Methodist Church
📅Fortnightly on Thursday's
⏰10AM to 12PM

07/11/2025

Coming up on 9th November is Social Media Kindness Day. It is the annual reminder of the need to post thoughtfully all year round.

We understand that it can be difficult to get an appointment sometimes, or you may have to wait for a callback, but we’re doing our best to help you while under huge pressure. Our team are people too, and online posts left in frustrated haste can be hurtful.

If you’ve got a concern about any aspect of any GP Surgery's service, please speak to your Practice Manager. They’re always happy to hear from you!

In a world where you can be anything, be kind!

04/11/2025

Autumn Benfleet PCN PPG Newsletter 🍂

31/10/2025

For the first time, you can now pop into your local pharmacy to get your 2 and 3 year old protected against flu 💙

Flu isn’t just a heavy cold – it can make kids really poorly. The flu vaccine is safe, effective and often just a quick spray up the nose.

🦠 Keep them safe this winter. Book now or find a walk-in.

➡️https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

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