Brook Medical Centre

18/03/2026

🦠 MenB – Symptoms to Look Out For

Following the current outbreak in Kent, health officials are reminding everyone that meningococcal disease can become serious very quickly. Most confirmed cases in the current outbreak are group B meningococcal disease (MenB).

Common symptoms include:
• high temperature
• severe headache
• vomiting
• neck stiffness
• sensitivity to light
• cold hands and feet
• drowsiness or confusion
• a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

👶 In babies and young children, symptoms can also include:
• refusing feeds
• unusual crying
• floppy or difficult to wake
• a bulging soft spot on the head

⚠️ Symptoms can appear in any order, and a rash may appear late or not at all.

📞 If you are concerned, call NHS 111 urgently.

🚑 If someone is seriously unwell, difficult to wake, struggling to breathe, or rapidly worsening, call 999 immediately.

🔗 More information on symptoms and what to do: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

18/03/2026

🦠 Meningitis Vaccination Advice

We have received a high number of recent queries about meningitis vaccination following reports of the current outbreak, so we wanted to share some general advice for patients.

The recent outbreak has been linked to MenB meningococcal disease, which is covered by the MenB vaccine already used in the NHS childhood vaccination programme.

👶 The MenB vaccine is routinely given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age.

⚠️ It is only offered later for certain higher-risk patients, including those with:
• no spleen or a poorly functioning spleen
• certain immune system disorders
• treatment with complement inhibitor medicines

🎓 The MenACWY vaccine protects against other meningitis strains and is routinely offered in secondary school, with catch-up available up to age 25 if missed.

✅ Please ensure you and your children are up to date with routine vaccinations.

📞 For vaccine queries, you can contact UKHSA on 0344 225 3861.

🔗 For more information on the vaccine, eligibility and symptoms, please see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

18/03/2026

🦴 Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy – Self Referral Reminder

Did you know you can refer yourself directly to physiotherapy for muscle and joint problems without needing a GP appointment?

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust offers MSK physiotherapy services that can help with:
• Back or neck pain
• Sprains and strains
• Soft tissue injuries
• Joint or muscular pain

You can self-refer quickly and easily online using the link or QR code on the poster below.

🔗 https://self-referrals.mpft.nhs.uk

17/03/2026

🧠 Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This week is also Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the different ways people think, learn and experience the world.

Neurodiversity includes conditions such as Autism spectrum disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Dyslexia.

Everyone’s brain works differently, and understanding neurodiversity helps create a more supportive and inclusive community.

🧠💙

16/03/2026

🌸 Menopause & Lifestyle Advice 🌸

Menopause can affect everyone differently, and having the right information and support can make a big difference.

Support and advice are available to help you:
• Understand menopause symptoms
• Make healthy lifestyle choices
• Manage weight and energy levels
• Look after your emotional wellbeing and self-care

No referral is required and all women are welcome.

For more information and support, visit:
https://www.harleystathome.com/nhs-signup/whitfield/patient

🌸

16/03/2026

🥗💧 It’s Nutrition & Hydration Week! 💧🥗

Eating well and staying hydrated are key to keeping your body and mind healthy.

The NHS recommends:
✅ A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
✅ Choosing wholegrains and lean proteins
✅ Limiting foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fat
💦 Drinking 6–8 glasses of fluid a day — water is the healthiest choice, but lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks also count.

Small, simple changes can make a big difference to your energy, mood and long-term health.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

13/03/2026

💻 Contact the Practice Online via Our Website

It’s quick and easy to do using Anima.

How to access it:
1️⃣ Visit the Brook Medical Centre website
2️⃣ Click “Contact us online” on the banner at the top of the homepage
3️⃣ Follow the steps to submit your request

Using Anima helps us direct your request to the most appropriate member of the team and respond as quickly as possible.

Please see the image below showing where to find the “Contact us online” button on the website.

Start your request now 👉 https://www.brookmedicalcentre.nhs.uk

13/03/2026

🚌 Cancer Awareness Bus 🚌

The Cancer Awareness Bus will be at Guild Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme today!

Pop along to:
• Speak with NHS cancer specialists
• Learn about cancer signs and symptoms
• Get advice about NHS cancer screening programmes
• Pick up helpful information about early detection

The bus tour from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System is travelling across the area to help raise awareness and encourage people to check any new, unusual, or persistent symptoms.

No bookings needed!

📍 Guildhall, High Street, NuL, ST5 1PW
📅 Friday 13th March 2026
⏰ 9am – 4pm

See more dates/locations here 👉 https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/cancer-awareness-bus-tour/

🩺

12/03/2026

🎉 It’s been one week since we launched Anima!

Thank you to everyone who has already started using Anima to contact the practice. The system helps patients submit medical and administrative requests online, so we can direct them to the most appropriate care more quickly.

💬We’d love to hear about your experience so far.

Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well and where we can make things better for our patients.

Thank you for your support while we continue to improve how patients access our services.

12/03/2026

Not sure how to request your repeat prescription online?
This quick guide shows you how to do it easily using the NHS App.
Watch here ⬇️

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

11/03/2026

🚭 National No Smoking Day – 11 March 🚭

No Smoking Day is a great opportunity to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free life.

Quitting smoking has immediate benefits, including improved breathing, increased energy, and a reduced risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. 

09/03/2026

🩺 Jess’s Rule – “Three Strikes and Rethink”

NHS England introduced Jess’s Rule to help improve patient safety in GP practices.

It encourages healthcare professionals to pause, reflect and review when a patient returns with the same symptoms three times and they have not improved. This may include reassessing symptoms, arranging further tests, or seeking a second opinion if needed.

The rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady and aims to support earlier diagnosis and ensure patients feel listened to.

If your symptoms continue or worsen, please contact the practice. Your concerns are important to us. 💙