Plowright Medical Centre Swaffham

12/04/2026

Did you know that NIDAS has a specialist Disability Independent Domestic Violence Advisor?

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk, our experienced and dedicated team will listen to your story and ensure that you receive the best quality support that is tailored to your needs.

09/04/2026

What have we been doing at Plowright in March.

A behind the scenes snapshot of what goes on in the background to ensure we run as smooth as possible.

74 appointments not attended or cancelled, 2 of which were made on the actual day !! If you no longer require the appointment PLEASE let us know so we can release them for other patients.

Our longest telephone queue was 38 patients waiting 😢 we are trying to improve this and have extra staff handling the calls between 8.30 - 10.30 am and aim to get to you as quickly as we can. If you do not want to hang on the phone, please put your request through our website.

09/04/2026

If you are eligible for the vaccination Please contact our reception team on 01760 722797 to book your appointment.

08/04/2026

The dispensary is under extreme pressure due to the bank holiday.

Staff are already working extra shifts and evenings to try to catch up, however, we are getting increasing requests for medications to be issued quickly, adding to the pressure.

Please make sure you order your medication allowing 5 working days to process. (i.e when you have 7-10 days medication left)

Note - Requests received after 3pm will be actioned the following day.

Requests for prescriptions outside our normal processing protocol, significantly impacts our GP’s and dispensing team, as well as increasing the risk for medication prescribing errors.

Unless a medication is clinically urgent, all requests will be processed routinely.

If you ordered on Good Friday, or over the bank holiday weekend, your request will NOT be ready for collection until Monday 13th at the earliest.

Urgent requests are not for medications which have been ordered late, it is the patients responsibility to ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in time.

Thank you for your support

08/04/2026

The 4Ts are signs of type 1 diabetes in children (and adults).

They’re simple to remember and if you spot any of these signs, at any time, see a doctor for a diabetes test immediately:

Toilet (increased wees and wet nappies or unusual bed wetting) 🚽
Thirsty (drinking lots) 💧
Tired (more than usual) 😴
Thinner (the child may look or feel thinner or their clothes may be looser) ⚖️

While these symptoms don’t always mean diabetes, they should be checked immediately. As if type 1 diabetes is left undiagnosed, it can make you really ill, really quickly and lead to a potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Please hit share and help spread awareness of the 4Ts.

Together, we can save lives.

30/03/2026

The practice is shut for the Easter Break, Good Friday and Easter Monday. Please make sure you have all you need to see you through the period.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed. Please call: 111

Don’t forget… this Friday is Good Friday.
Before life throws a little surprise, like a scraped knee or that headache or cold that arrives at the worst possible time. Make sure to check your supplies, so you can be ready.

🔍 Check the cabinet. Is everything in date, or have some items been there a bit TOO long?
💊 Top up the essentials. Plasters, pain relief, antiseptic wipes.
🚑 First aid kit check! Is it ready to leap into action when needed?

A few minutes now and your future self will thank you!

30/03/2026

Need something for the kids to do this Easter break.

Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activities will continue to run during the school holidays over Easter, between 30 March and 13 April.

Children aged 5-16 (or 4 if in Reception) receiving benefits-related free school meals can enjoy free activities including a free, nutritious lunch.

The scheme is run in partnership with Norfolk County Council and is funded by the UK Government.

For more info and how to book:

Big Norfolk Holiday Fun is back for 2026! Find out more about the activities on offer during the school holidays.

28/03/2026

💛 Make a difference with just a phone call

We’re looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Befriending Assistant team.
Every week, thousands of older people experience loneliness and isolation—but a simple, friendly conversation can change that.

This role involves making regular phone calls to older people while they wait to be matched with a long-term befriender, offering connection, reassurance, and a listening ear.

✨ What you’ll do:
• Make weekly friendly phone calls
• Build rapport and brighten someone’s day
• Keep simple records of your calls
• Help connect people to further support

✨ Why volunteer?
• Flexible hours (around your schedule)
• Full training and ongoing support
• Gain valuable experience and confidence
• Be part of something truly meaningful

It may seem like a small act—but for someone who may not speak to anyone else that week, it means everything.

👉 If you’re a good listener, empathetic, and want to give back, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Get involved and help make later life more connected and supported 💬 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=yV5xTdB8HUCM-ZwsOwNqi9Puw4h7DZ1MrBtUhN1EDH1UOExMMjRaUjJUOEZVUE9ZN0ZDNDBXQ0NBQSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

19/03/2026

Healthy Child Drop in sessions the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Swaffham ECFS, White Cross Road, Swaffham, PE37 7RF

Our Under 5 Healthy Child Drop-ins are open to all families with children under five — no appointment needed! 🙌
Pop in and chat with our Health Visiting Team about anything from infant feeding and sleep to behaviour, development, toileting and more.
💬 Got a little one under five? We’re here for you!
🔗 Check the link for locations, times and updates: https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/our-services/under-5-healthy-child-drop-in/

19/03/2026

Meningitis outbreak
The overall risk of Meningitis B (MenB) to people outside the Kent area remains low.

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

18/03/2026

We are getting queries in regards to getting the Men B vaccine.

GPs can give MenB on the NHS only if the student meets specific clinical risk criteria, such as:
Functional or anatomical asplenia
Complement deficiency
Patients undergoing certain immunosuppressive treatments

For healthy students without a qualifying medical condition, MenB is not available on the NHS.

It can be sourced privately from pharmacies , private GP services or travel clinics.

There are NO CONFIRMED cases in the East of England.

If you are aged 14 - 25 and have not received your MenACWY at school, or a student aged 19 - 25 years and attending University for the first time, you can receive a dose from the practice.

You can check your vaccination records via the NHS app.

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from NHS.
🔗 nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

10/03/2026

⚠️⚠️MEDICINE ALERT ⚠️⚠️

If you have been supplied Ramipril 5mg by the practice, please check your batch numbers and contact the practice if you have the affected batch.

BATCH No: GR164099

For more details see below 👇

⚠️ Medicines recall: Ramipril 5 mg Capsules (Crescent Pharma Limited)

One batch of Ramipril 5 mg Capsules is being recalled as a precaution after a packaging error.

This follows reports from a pharmacy that a pack labelled Ramipril 5 mg Capsules (Batch GR164099) incorrectly contained blister strips of Amlodipine 5 mg Tablets inside the sealed carton.

If you take Ramipril, check the packaging of your medicine for batch number GR164099. If your pack contains blister strips labelled “Amlodipine”, return it to your pharmacist.

The risk to patients of the accidental substitution of one widely used blood pressure medication for another is low. The most likely side effect would be dizziness related to low blood pressure.

If you have concerns about your medication or experience any suspected side effects, speak to your pharmacist or another healthcare professional. Patients and healthcare professionals can also report suspected side effects via our Yellow Card scheme.

Further information: https://bit.ly/4ult3k7