Tavyside Health Centre

20/03/2026

Latest News & Updates: Meningitis (MenB) Vaccination Guidance

We are aware of the recent news reports regarding a meningitis (MenB) outbreak in parts of England, particularly linked to cases in Kent. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and responding with targeted public health measures.

Current information indicates that there has been a cluster of cases associated with educational settings, with vaccination and antibiotic programmes being offered to specific high-risk groups and close contacts.

Current NHS Guidance

At present, GP practices must follow national NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance when offering the MenB vaccine:

> The MenB vaccine is routinely offered as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme, primarily for babies.

> It is not currently offered to older children, teenagers, or adults on the NHS unless they meet specific clinical risk criteria or are identified as part of a targeted outbreak response.

> In response to the current outbreak, vaccination is being offered on a targeted basis to those identified as at higher risk (for example, close contacts or specific student groups).

What This Means for Our Patients

At this time:

> We are unable to offer the MenB vaccine to individuals over the age of 2 unless they meet the latest national eligibility criteria.

>GP practices are not permitted to provide the vaccine outside of current NHS guidance.

>There is no national rollout of the MenB vaccine for older age groups at present.

Ongoing Review

National guidance is under continuous review in light of the current situation. The government has asked expert committees to reassess vaccine eligibility, and further updates may follow.

If there are any changes, such as a wider rollout of the MenB vaccine beyond the routine childhood programme, we will update our patients as soon as we receive official guidance from NHS England.

Stay Informed

We encourage patients to stay informed using trusted sources:

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

GOV.UK – Meningitis Outbreak Updates

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Read about the different vaccines that can help prevent meningitis and when they're usually given.

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/NGX450YvnY8

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/eg0I50YvnYy
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/P0CO50YvnYr
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/uegx50YvnYm

17/03/2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent.

It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from

http://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

15/03/2026

Good sleep habits are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Struggling to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night can affect mood, concentration and overall health.

Simple changes like keeping a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, limiting caffeine and creating a calm sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.

Understanding the possible causes of sleep problems and accessing trusted advice can make a real difference. Better sleep supports better days. 😴🌙💙✨

Get NHS tips on falling asleep faster and sleeping better:
https://ow.ly/1zUy50Ytjga

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/UsgP50Ytjg9

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/7vVe50Ytjgg

12/03/2026

Symptoms such as ongoing tiredness, swelling, changes in urination or persistent kidney pain should never be ignored. Lifestyle choices, hydration and underlying health conditions all play a role in kidney health.

There is also growing concern about ketamine use in young people, as it can cause serious damage to the bladder and kidneys, sometimes leading to long-term complications. Knowing the risks and acting early can help protect kidney function and overall wellbeing. 🩺💧💙✨

Learn more about kidney health and support:
https://kidneycareuk.org

Take a kidney health check:
https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-health-information/kidneyhealthcheck/

Read about ketamine risks and organ damage:
https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/drug/ketamine/

11/03/2026

🌟 Devon Parent Carers – New Support Service Available! 🌟

A new service is now available for parents and carers in Devon who are supporting children or young people under 18 with special educational needs, disabilities, long-term illness, or other additional needs.

You do not need a formal diagnosis to access this support.

As the service develops, Devon Parent Carers will be offering:
✅ Parent Carer Skills Workshops
✅ A quarterly e-newsletter
✅ Self-help resources
✅ Referrals for discounted short breaks with Carefree

This is a great opportunity to access support, information and resources designed specifically for parent carers.

👉 Find out more and learn how to join here:

A service for Parent Carers of children and young people (under 18) who have special educational needs, a disability, long-term illness or additional needs.

11/03/2026

Young Carers Action Day shines a light on the incredible young people who help care for family members, often balancing responsibilities at home with school and friendships.

The 2026 theme focuses on Action for Equality, calling for better recognition, improved support in schools, access to training and employment opportunities, and meaningful breaks so young carers can thrive just like their peers.

Some young carers may miss school activities or struggle with their mental health due to caring responsibilities, which is why awareness and understanding matter. Schools, organisations and communities can access resources and posters to help raise awareness and ensure young carers are not held back. 💙🌟✨

Learn more about Young Carers Action Day 2026:
https://carers.org/young-carers-action-day/young-carers-action-day

Access awareness resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/young-carers-awareness-day-2026

10/03/2026

Tomorrow is No Smoking Day, a great opportunity to take the first step towards a smoke free future.

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Some people turn to va**ng to help them quit smoking, but it’s important to understand the facts, including concerns often raised about “popcorn lung” and other myths.

Getting the right information and support can help you make an informed decision and move towards better health. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your body. 🚭💙✨

Learn what you need to know about va**ng:
https://ash.org.uk/key-topics/va**ng-what-you-need-to-know

Read va**ng myths and the facts:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/va**ng-to-quit-smoking/va**ng-myths-and-the-facts/

Get free NHS quit smoking support:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

08/03/2026

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 is a time to celebrate women’s strength and resilience, and also a reminder to prioritise your health. Attending cervical screening and breast screening when invited can help detect changes early, often before symptoms appear, improving outcomes and saving lives. 💐💗🩺✨

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 : https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺) : https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/

Looking after your mental health is just as important, especially if current media stories feel overwhelming or triggering.

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 : https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 : https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-on-social-media

With Mother’s Day approaching, this time of year can also bring up feelings of grief and bereavement for many people, and support is available if you need it. Taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing matters.

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 : https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/managing-grief/grieving-on-mothers-day/

04/03/2026

Ovarian Cancer Awareness is a reminder to know the symptoms and act early.

Symptoms can be vague and may include:

- persistent bloating
- tummy pain
- feeling full quickly
- needing to wee more often
- unexplained changes in appetite

If you notice ongoing symptoms that are unusual for you, it’s important to speak to your GP. When discussing symptoms, let your doctor know about any family history of cancer, not just ovarian cancer and not only in parents or siblings, as this can help assess your overall risk.

Keeping up to date with cervical screening when invited is also an important part of protecting your gynaecological health. Early action can make a real difference. 🎗️💙🩺✨

Learn more about ovarian cancer: https://ow.ly/mn6R50YlUaC

Read about spotting the signs and acting early: https://ow.ly/R5lU50YlUaF

03/03/2026

📢 Practice Half Day Closure Notice

Please note that the surgery will be closed from 1:00pm today,(Tuesday 3rd March) for mandatory staff training.

Lifton Surgery, will be closing slightly earlier at 12:30pm.

We will re-open as usual on Wednesday 4th March.

If you need medical advice while we are closed, please call 📞 01392 301516.

For medical emergencies, please dial 🚑 999.

Thank you for your understanding 💙

01/03/2026

Zero Discrimination Day is a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

The NHS is committed to being an inclusive employer and service provider, welcoming people from all backgrounds and communities. We recognise the importance of multi-language communication so we can work effectively with everyone and ensure care is accessible to all. We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and racism, and we stand firmly against discrimination in any form. Creating safe, supportive environments for staff and patients is everyone’s responsibility. 🤝🌍💙✨
Find support and advice about hate crime: https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/hate-crime/