West View Surgery

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

You Are Not Alone 💙

If you are struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or in crisis, support is available. Please don’t suffer in silence — reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

📞 Call your GP surgery, we can arrange an appointment with a Mental Health Practitioner in your local GP surgery.

* Local & National Support Services *

📞 NHS Mental Health Crisis Support (24/7)
Call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a mental health professional any time, day or night.

📞 Samaritans (24/7 confidential support)
Call 116 123 free from any phone

📞 Shout Crisis Text Service
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free confidential text support 24/7.

📞 Childline (for children & young people)
Call 0800 1111

📞 Together in a Crisis Sunderland and South Tyneside
Call 0300 131 0333

📱 Shout Crisis Text Service
Text SHOUT to 85258

🚨 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E.

Please remember:

* You do not have to cope alone
* Support is available
* Talking to someone can help

12/05/2026

Our telephone system has now been restored.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

11/05/2026

We would like to apologise to any patients who have tried to call us this evening. We have experienced issues with the call queue connecting. We are looking into this urgently and will update you as soon as possible.

29/04/2026

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in good time to avoid any delays in getting your medicines.

GP practices and pharmacies may have different opening hours, so it’s best to plan ahead and not leave it until the last minute.

Find out how to order your repeat prescription here, including via the NHS App: https://nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription/

25/04/2026

19/04/2026

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition like social anxiety, OCD or PTSD, treatment is available.

NHS Talking Therapies are effective, confidential, and free treatments delivered by trained professionals, and can take place in-person, on the phone, or as an online course.

You can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk

04/04/2026

NHS bowel cancer screening kits are offered to everyone aged between 50 and 74.

They can help find cancer early, before you even have any symptoms. And the earlier cancer is found, the easier it can be to treat.

When your kit arrives, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.

Let someone else know they should send their kit back – especially as April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month.

More info: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

03/04/2026

🏥WEST VIEW SURGERY EASTER OPENING TIMES 🐣

Please note our surgery will be closed over the Easter period:

We will reopen as usual on Tuesday 7th April 2026 AT 8:00am

🚨 Need medical help while we’re closed?
- Call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice
- Call 999 In an emergency

Thank you
Happy Easter! 🌷🐰

02/04/2026

Easter is a time when families and friends come together and celebrate, but the change in routines can be challenging for people living with dementia.

Here are six tips to support people living with dementia to be safe and included over the Easter period.

Keep things familiar: Keep meals as close to their usual time as possible. Make sure the person gets enough rest and sleep. Consider arranging visits so there are less people around together.

Try themed activities: Decorate Easter eggs, write Easter cards, or make Easter foods such as simnel cake. Consider adapting Easter egg hunts with brightly coloured eggs in slightly easier locations.

Find dementia-friendly services: Visit a church with a dementia-friendly service and share stories about past Easter services. Watch Easter celebrations on television or online, for example, or playing hymns they enjoy.

Have a quiet area or room: Try to designate one room or space in the home a ‘quiet area’ where your loved one can relax. Use headphones to listen to music and block out the noise. This will allow the person to enjoy the celebrations at their own pace.

Consider mealtimes: Be mindful of what the person usually eats – a full plate can be daunting for someone who has difficulties with eating. Consider smaller portions or finger foods instead.

Plan ahead: Think about minimising situations where the person with dementia is put on the spot to remember names. Consider giving a gentle reminder each time a new person arrives, or ask people to introduce themselves.

[Image description: An Easter egg-themed infographic titled 'Six tips to help support a person with dementia during Easter features six illustrations, including: a calendar with a moon and clock; two Easter eggs; a church; the silhouette of a person speaking crossed out; an alarm clock with cutlery either side; and a calendar containing ticks. In the same order, the tips read: Keep things familiar; Easter activities such as decorating eggs; Consider dementia-friendly services; Have a quiet area or room; Think about food and mealtimes and Plan ahead.]

04/01/2026

The vaccine is now part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK, adding protection against .

This guide will help you understand when your child should get their MMRV vaccine, if they are eligible to have it.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4aVYKZL