Lucie Wedgwood Surgery

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

International Brain Tumour Awareness Week 2025
October 26 - November 1

International Brain Tumour Awareness Week 2025 is a dedicated week-long observance that aims to raise awareness about brain tumours and their impact on individuals and their families. This important week provides an opportunity to educate the public about brain tumours, their early detection, treatment options, and the need for ongoing research and support services. It also serves as a time to show solidarity with those affected by brain tumours and to advocate for improved care and resources for patients and their caregivers.

Brain tumours can affect any of us…
Did you know?
Approximately 45 people each day in the UK face a brain tumour diagnosis
Over 100,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour
There are more than 130 different types of brain tumours making them notoriously difficult to diagnose
The cause of brain tumours is not known, they can affect anyone regardless of age, s*x, lifestyle or general health

24/10/2025

Wear it Pink 2025
Wear It Pink 2025 will take place on October the 24th, allowing individuals and organisations to wear pink and participate in related activities to support the cause.

Wear It Pink 2025 is an annual event that invites people to wear pink clothing or accessories to show their support for breast cancer awareness and research. This vibrant and positive campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection, and raise funds for breast cancer research and support services. Wear It Pink is an opportunity for individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to unite in a colorful display of solidarity and commitment to ending breast cancer.

23/10/2025

Menopause Awareness Month 2025
Menopause is not a disease, but it can bring symptoms and health risks that need personalised care. This year’s White Paper ( a government document that outlines a policy direction) shows strong evidence that lifestyle medicine – healthy eating, regular activity, good sleep, emotional wellbeing and supportive relationships – can make a real difference. Together with other evidence-based treatments when needed, these approaches give women the tools to make informed choices and feel strong and well through this stage of life.

Menopause affects anyone who has periods, including women, trans men and non-binary people who menstruate, when their periods stop and they are no longer able to become pregnant naturally. It happens when there is a change in the s*x hormones as women and other people who menstruate get older. The ovaries stop producing the hormone oestrogen and no longer produce an egg each month. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 but it can happen earlier.

The process of menopause is usually gradual. Although symptoms may go on for a number of years, menopause is said to have taken place when a person who menstruates has not had a period for 12 months. The transition phase before menopause – when periods become irregular – is often referred to as ‘perimenopause’.

Further information about menopause can be found on the NHS website.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

NHS England has also developed a self-care fact sheet that includes advice on managing menopause symptoms. (https://www.selfcareforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/17-Menopause-2024-v3.pdf )

21/10/2025

Do you follow Alzheimer's Society on Facebook? They have some amazing tips for the colder months, fireworks etc. We have shared their newsletter below. Please feel free to give their page a like and follow

October Newsletter:
Supporting someone with dementia in the colder months
Winter can be a particularly difficult time for somebody living with dementia. They may not always dress appropriately for the weather, there are less opportunities to get outside, and perception issues can make it difficult to see snow or icy patches.

If you’re supporting somebody living with dementia, here are 7 ways to help make sure they’re safe and comfortable during the colder, winter months:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-cold-weather?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1

Dementia Friend Grace shares her story -
"When I began working in a dementia care home, I lacked a thorough understanding of what dementia truly entailed and its profound impact on individuals lives. I started looking for ways to get more involved outside of work. That’s when I came across Dementia Friends."

Would you like to share your story? We'd love to hear from you at dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk

Read Grace's story: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBNewsStory?storyId=a0BVg000007XRrpMAG&dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZB,1

World Mental Health day
Earlier this month, it was World Mental Health day, so we wanted to take this important opportunity to highlight our Dementia Support Line.

Living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, can touch every part of your life. It brings challenges that aren’t always visible, and that’s why looking after your mental health and wellbeing is so important.

If you need someone to talk to, please call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
More Dementia Support services: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-services?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1

Will you join us for Elf Day?
This festive season, join Alzheimer’s Society in spreading joy and raising vital funds to help beat dementia. Host your Elf Day anytime, anywhere - at work, school, or in your community.

Sign up now for your free Fundraising Guide packed with festive fun and tips! We’re here to help every step of the way!
Sign up now: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/organise-your-own-fundraising/elf-day?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1

Making autumn events inclusive
The loud sounds, busy crowds, and unfamiliar settings that come with events such as Diwali, Halloween, and Bonfire Night, might leave those with dementia feeling overwhelmed or unsettled.

By making small adjustments, we can help ensure these moments are enjoyable for everyone. Read tips for enjoying fireworks, and our dementia-friendly environment checklist.
Read our tips:
1) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/dementia-fireworks-bonfire-night?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1
2) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-resources/organisations/dementia-friendly-environment-checklist?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1
3) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-resources/organisations/dementia-friendly-environment-checklist?dm_i=7O35,2AH0M,164YCA,4EAZC,1

Here's a quick reminder that as summer comes to an end and the nights become longer, it’s soon that time of year again when the clocks go back. Read our tips to help people with dementia cope with the clocks changing.

Running an event or meeting? We've produced this checklist to help you make your event as dementia-friendly and inclusive as possible.

21/10/2025

Cholesterol

We need cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, it's when it gets too high that it's a problem. High cholesterol can lead to health problems in the future, and the only way to know you have it is to get a cholesterol test.

Did you know that 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol? It’s more common than you think — but that doesn’t mean it has to be out of your control. Be the boss of your cholesterol. Take charge of your health with small, manageable changes that can make a big difference — from eating heart-friendly foods and staying active, to checking in with your GP. Knowing your numbers is the first step toward feeling your best.​

This National Cholesterol Month, take on one small diet change each week. Build them up step by step and see how small changes can make a big difference.

https://www.heartuk.org.uk/downloads/cholesterol-smart/12345-challenge-sept2025.pdf

20/10/2025

FLU CLINICS: Clinic dates available this week are, Thursday 23rd from 8:00am to 12:00 pm and Friday 24th 8:00am to 12:50pm.

17/10/2025

We are happy to announce we are running a Flu & Covid vaccination campaign this autumn
We will offer the Influenza vaccination and if you are eligible Covid, Pneumonia & Shingles vaccinations at the same appointment. – please see eligibility for vaccinations below.

We have been sending out appointment invitations to eligible patients, so you can book your appointment, please respond or come into the surgery from 8am onwards.

Eligibility for Flu Vaccination
From October 2025

those aged 65 years and over
those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19 )
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistant

Eligibility for Covid Vaccination –
Please note change in age eligibility for Covid vaccination over previous year 65 – 74 year olds no longer eligible
adults aged 75 years and over
residents in care homes for older adults
individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over