Old Town Surgery

16/04/2026

👄 A 2-minute check that could save your life
Mouth cancer can be hard to spot — but checking yourself once a month can make a real difference 💙
It only takes 2 minutes to look for early signs like:
⚠️ Ulcers that don’t heal
⚠️ Red or white patches
⚠️ Lumps, swelling or persistent pain
All you need is a mirror, good lighting and clean hands 🔍
If something doesn’t feel right or hasn’t gone away after 3 weeks, don’t ignore it — get it checked. Early detection is key.
Find out more:
https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org

15/04/2026

If you're waiting for treatment or surgery, the My Planned Care website can help you stay informed and supported while you wait. It provides average waiting times for local hospital trusts, helping you understand what to expect, as well as signposting to advice and support to help maintain your health and wellbeing during this time. Taking small steps to look after yourself while waiting can make a real difference. 💙🩺✨

Find waiting times and support on My Planned Care: www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk

14/04/2026

📣 Get involved and learn more about your GP services
Join our Primary Care Network Patient Participation Group (PPG) to understand how General Practice and the network work, the challenges we face, and how we support community wellbeing.
👉 Simply complete the online form via our website to join.

14/04/2026

13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

10/04/2026

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of how important screening is, even if you feel well.

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme is designed to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

If you are aged 50 to 74, you will be sent a free home testing kit every 2 years. The test is simple to do and checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Taking part in screening can:
• Detect cancer early, before symptoms develop 🩺✨
• Help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps 💙🔍
• Improve survival rates and treatment outcomes 📊🌿

Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to complete your test when invited.

If you notice symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, ongoing tummy pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your GP. Early action can save lives. 💙🎗️✨

Learn more about bowel cancer screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

09/04/2026

💙 Wishing Dr David Heaton a very happy retirement! 💙

After 35 years of caring for patients, Dr Heaton is hanging up his stethoscope and starting a well‑earned retirement. He has looked after generations of families with kindness, dedication and reassurance, and he will be truly missed.

Thank you, Dr Heaton, for everything you’ve done for our patients and community. We wish you all the very best for the future!

09/04/2026

👄 Mouth cancer: a quick check could save your life
Did you know it only takes 2 minutes to check your mouth for signs of cancer?
Looking out for changes like ulcers that don’t heal, lumps, red or white patches, or persistent pain could make all the difference. Early detection is key 🔍
💡 Check once a month using a mirror, good lighting and clean hands
💡 If something doesn’t feel right or hasn’t healed after 3 weeks, get it checked
Don’t ignore the signs — early action can save lives 💙
Find out more and how to check yourself:
https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org

08/04/2026

Stress Awareness Month is a time to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to protect your mental wellbeing.

Burnout can build up over time and may leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, less motivated or struggling to concentrate. Recognising the early signs and taking action can help prevent things from getting worse.

Common signs of burnout include:
• Constant tiredness or lack of energy 😴💤
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope 😣💭
• Reduced motivation or productivity 📉💼
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 🧠⚠️
• Changes in sleep or mood 🌙💙

Taking regular breaks, setting boundaries, speaking to someone you trust and seeking support can all help you manage stress more effectively. You are not alone, and help is available. 💙🌿✨

Learn more about burnout: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
Read about the symptoms of burnout: https://patient.info/features/mental-health/what-are-the-symptoms-of-burnout

07/04/2026

World Health Day is a great time to highlight how digital access is making healthcare quicker and easier for patients. Our “Tap it, type it, we’ll take care of it” approach encourages patients to use online services like the NHS App, GP websites and online forms to get the help they need without waiting on the phone.

Using online access means you can:
• Contact your GP about a non urgent health problem quickly and easily 💻📱✨
• Submit requests between 8 AM and 6.30 PM weekdays⏰💙
• Get directed to the right care first time 🩺✅
• Help reduce phone lines for those who need them most ☎️💚

Online forms are simple to use and ensure your request is reviewed and prioritised appropriately by the practice team. Digital access helps improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and make care more accessible for everyone. 📲💙✨

Learn how to use an online form to contact your GP: https://ow.ly/x80X50YB3ZG

07/04/2026

Can’t make your appointment?
Please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the slot to someone else. Thank you! 🙏

07/04/2026