Old Town Surgery

09/01/2026

Starting the new year smoke free can make a huge difference to your health, finances and wellbeing. 🚭

Creating a personal quit smoking plan helps you understand your triggers, set clear goals and prepare for cravings so you can quit with confidence and support. Taking that first step today can lead to lasting change. 💪✨

Create your personal quit smoking plan: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

If you would like more support, you can contact your GP practice and they will be able to help you get started on your journey to quit smoking 🚭🌱✨

07/01/2026

Colds are very common in babies and toddlers, and while they can be worrying, most get better on their own with simple care.

Keeping your child comfortable with fluids, rest and age-appropriate remedies can help ease symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical advice is important for peace of mind. Trusted guidance can help you support your child safely at home. 👶🤧💙

NHS advice on colds and infections in young children: https://ow.ly/54oH50XKe3Y

Patient advice on coughs and colds in children: https://ow.ly/PrXr50XKe3X

06/01/2026

A busy end to the year at Old Town Surgery! 🩺✨

We are pleased to share our activity statistics for December 2025. It was a productive month for our team as we worked hard to support our community's health needs. 💙

A huge thank you to our staff for their dedication and to our patients for their continued cooperation.

📊 December at a Glance:

3,633 Total Appointments

1,414 GP Appointments

1,684 Nurse Appointments

465 Pharmacist Appointments

3,168 Connected Calls handled

3,296 Repeat Script Requests processed

📌 Help us improve: We had 224 missed appointments last month. If you are unable to attend your scheduled time, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer that slot to another patient who needs it.

05/01/2026

🗓️ Missed Appointments Update: December 2025

First, we want to say a huge thank you to all our patients who attended their appointments throughout December. Your cooperation helps our clinics run smoothly and ensures we can provide care to those who need it most.

However, we would like to share the number of missed appointments (DNAs) across our sites last month:

Lawn Surgery - 163
Old Town Surgery - 224
Priory Road Medical Centre - 209

05/01/2026

It’s back to school this week!
But if your child's feeling under the weather, it can sometimes be tricky to decide whether they should stay at home or not.
The NHS website has helpful advice on different conditions to help you.
➡️ https://nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school

It’s back to school this week!

But if your child's feeling under the weather, it can sometimes be tricky to decide whether they should stay at home or not.

The NHS website has helpful advice on different conditions to help you.

➡️ https://nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school

05/01/2026

Love Your Liver Month is a reminder to look after an organ that works hard for you every single day. Your liver fights infections, removes toxins, stores and produces energy and helps you heal.

Making small changes like reducing alcohol, eating well, staying active and knowing your risk factors can help protect your liver and support long-term health. There are simple tools and trusted advice available to help you take positive steps today. 💚🍎✨

Learn more about Love Your Liver Month: https://ow.ly/2Uzw50XJHZe

Check your risk with the liver screener: https://ow.ly/GSwG50XJHZm

Read advice on showing your liver some TLC: https://ow.ly/Qj4w50XJHZg

02/01/2026

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.
It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.
You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.
More advice ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.

You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.

More advice ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Dry January is a great reset, but healthier drinking habits can last all year with the right support and mindset. Small changes like planning alcohol-free days, understanding your triggers, and finding alternatives can make a big difference to your wellbeing over time.

Help and guidance are available if you want to cut back, take a break, or rethink your relationship with alcohol. 💪🍃✨

For advice on habits that last for Dry January and beyond, go to: https://ow.ly/rK9k50XJzYq

For support on managing your drinking in the new year, go to: https://ow.ly/3eso50XJzYu

Need support? Visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

31/12/2025

🍷⏸️ Thinking about drinking less? Taking regular breaks from alcohol and even stopping for a period can lead to real benefits.

👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/should-you-take-regular-breaks-from-drinking-alcohol-throughout-the-year
👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-stop-drinking
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/

Even a few drink-free days each week can make a difference — better sleep, more energy, improved mood and long-term health gains. Make a plan, choose your days, and notice how your body thanks you. 💪

29/12/2025

🛡️👶 Safeguarding children and adults is something we all need to be aware of. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, start with clear, trusted information:

👉 https://patient.info/features/mental-health/safeguarding-adults-leaflet/safeguarding-children
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/

For young people, support is just a phone call away: free and confidential via Childline at 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Together we can help keep everyone safe. 🤝

26/12/2025

📞💙 Not sure whether you need to see a doctor, visit A&E, or get advice at home? NHS 111 is here to help — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 🕒✨

If it’s not an emergency but you need medical help or advice, you can:
👉 Call 111 to speak with a trained adviser 🗣️
👉 Go online for quick guidance: https://111.nhs.uk/ 💻

They can tell you what to do next, whether that’s self-care at home, a pharmacist visit, or an urgent appointment. Stay informed and confident about your care. 💪🌿