Abbey Surgery

18/03/2026

MENINGITIS B OUTBREAK

We understand that recent news reports about the meningitis outbreak in Kent may be concerning for parents and staff working with children and young people. Advice from UKHSA is that there is no baseline increased risk outside of the specific outbreak in Kent at this time and currently there is no need for any additional actions beyond routine good practice.

This includes reminding parents of the importance of keeping routine vaccinations up to date, including the MenACWY vaccine where applicable. The full UK routine schedule is available here: Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026 - GOV.UK

GP Practices are required to provide MenACWY vaccination to those aged 14 years up to their 25th birthday. This offer is opportunistic or if requested by the individual. This includes those who may have missed vaccination via the SAI programme, or those who are attending university for the first time (see NHS England » General practice vaccination and immunisation services: standards and core contractual requirements). Eligible patients must be under the age of 25 years at the time of vaccination. An item of service fee will only be applicable for those vaccinations administered by the GP practice.

The SAI Team will continue to offer any outstanding MenACWY doses up until the end of Year 11. GP Practices are responsible for delivering missed MenACWY to those who may have missed the school programme (14

16/03/2026

💛

Why do we offer men a safe, non judgmental and confidential space to connect and talk about their mental health issues and concerns ???

One of the many reasons is that it breaks down the stigma attached to men’s mental health 💪🏻

What is stigma ??

Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Stigma also gets in our way when we want to make a change.

Stigma is a deterrent to seeking treatment.

3 out of 4 people with a mental illness report feeling stigmatized.

Stigma can be a direct result of people having a false view about mental illness and that it is under the person’s control. BU****IT !!

Break the stigma. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

Let’s talk about it

💙

03/03/2026

Ahhh Tavistock… we had a blissful, traffic-light-free weekend. Birds were singing, engines weren’t idling, and getting through town didn’t require a packed lunch. 🕊️✨
Well… the traffic lights are back. 🚦
And so are the queues.
If you’re heading to the surgery today, please allow a little extra time for your journey — especially around the usual “why is it not moving?” spots. Deep breaths, good music on, maybe a podcast… this too shall pass (eventually 😅).
Thank you for your patience — with the roads and with us!
Love,
Your slightly stationary surgery team.
-Team Abbey

26/02/2026

📱 Update: Submitting Consultations Online 📱
We’re pleased to let you know that from March 4th, patients will be able to submit their consultations directly through the NHS App on their phones.
This will make accessing our Total Triage system even easier and more convenient.
👉 Until March 4th, please continue to submit your consultation requests via the Abbey Surgery website.
Thank you for your patience while we complete this final step in the transition. Our team is working hard behind the scenes to make everything run as smoothly as possible.
As always, we really appreciate your support and kindness during these changes 💙
- Team Abbey

25/02/2026

✨️ Its TT day!! ✨️

24/02/2026

✨ Tomorrow’s the Big Day! ✨
From tomorrow, we officially move to Total Triage — a new way of making sure every patient gets the right care, at the right time, with the right person.
💻 Please use our online consultation form via our website, wherever possible.
https://www.abbeysurgery.co.uk/
It’s quick, easy, and means our team can review your request efficiently.
📞 If you choose to call or come into the surgery for a routine appointment, you will still need to complete the same form — either over the phone or with a receptionist. Using the online form from home really helps keep our phone lines and front desk free for those who genuinely need support.
⏰ There is no need to call at 8:30am sharp.
There is no rush and no “first come, first served” scramble anymore. Every request submitted will be reviewed and dealt with appropriately.
Our team are here to support you through this change and truly appreciate your patience while we settle into the new system.
Let’s make this a smooth start together 💙
-Team Abbey

111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess…

24/02/2026

🚦 Traffic Update – Tavistock Tangles! 🚦
Morning all!
If you’re heading our way today, please allow a little extra time for your journey. Traffic in Tavistock is currently moving at “scenic countryside crawl” speed thanks to traffic lights by the tip road turn-off. 🚗🐢
It’s less Formula 1 and more “Sunday stroll with brake lights.”
If you’re booked in for an appointment, set off a bit earlier than usual and give yourself some wiggle room. We completely understand if you’re caught up in it — just travel safely and don’t panic. We’d much rather you arrive in one calm piece than attempt any audition for Fast & Furious: West Devon Drift.
Thank you for your patience (and clutch control). 💛
-Team Abbey

23/02/2026

✨ Just 2 days to go until our system switch! ✨
This week might come with a few little bumps in the road (potholes not included 😉), and we just wanted to say thank you in advance for bearing with us.
Unlike some services, we’re not able to close our doors for a “refurb” while we make this change. We’ll be switching systems while staying fully open, continuing to treat patients, and managing high demand — all at the same time.
Our team are working incredibly hard behind the scenes to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. Your patience, understanding and kindness towards staff during this transition really does mean the world to us 💙
As Socrates wisely said:
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
We’re building something better — thank you for building it with us.
-Team Abbey

19/02/2026

✨️Want to see how the new system will work?✨️
🤳Need to submit a consultation through our Website but not sure how? 💻✨
On February 25th, this is how the new Total Triage page will look.
Head to our website, contact us online and choose the right option for you.
Be that a Medical request, Admin or wanting general guidance, we can help.
We’ve created a few quick step-by-step videos to show you exactly how to do it — and just how fast it can be completed! ⏱️
In less than 4 minutes.
Submitting a request through Anima is simple, straightforward, and helps our clinical team make sure you’re directed to the right person as quickly as possible 🩺
If you’ve been unsure about using it, these videos will walk you through everything you need to know 👀📲
🎶 Please excuse the lift music 😅

As we transition to this new way of working, our staff are doing their very best to make the change as smooth as possible 🤝 We really appreciate your patience and understanding while we embed the new system 💙
Take a look and see how easy it really is 😊
If you can use Facebook, this is a doddle!
As always, our reception team are here to help if you need support ☎️✨
-Team Abbey

16/02/2026

📣 Total Triage Launching 25th February at Abbey Surgery📢
We’re now less than two weeks away from introducing Total Triage at Abbey Surgery.
From 25th February, the way you contact us and access appointments with GP's will change — and we want to keep you fully informed and reassured.
🔵 What’s changing?
Instead of booking appointments based purely on availability, every request will first be reviewed by a clinician. This means:
✔️ Your request will be captured through our online tool (or by our team if you call or walk in).
✔️ A clinician will review your request and direct you to the most appropriate care.
✔️ You may be offered self-care advice, signposted to a local service, or given an appointment with the right member of our team.
✔️ Many requests will be responded to on the same day.
🕒 The aim is to move away from the “call at 8:30am and hope we arnt full already” system and towards a fairer, safer way of working — ensuring patients are seen based on clinical need, not just how quickly they can get through on the phone.
We understand that change can feel worrying. Our team are working hard behind the scenes to make this transition as smooth as possible, and we truly appreciate your patience while we embed the new system.
✨️We’ll continue sharing information over the coming days to help you prepare.✨️
Thank you for your continued support,
-Team Abbey

10/02/2026

✨️Total Triage ✨️
We know there have been a lot of questions and concerns about our upcoming move to Total Triage, which will begin on Wednesday 25th February.
We completely understand how worrying and frustrating change can feel.
Please know that the team here at Abbey Surgery are also adjusting. This is a significant change to the way we’ve worked for a long time, and our staff are learning new systems while continuing to support our patients as best they can.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this transition. Our reception and clinical teams are doing everything they can to keep you informed and to make this change as smooth as possible.
Most importantly, please be mindful of how you speak to our staff. They are working hard, often under pressure, and kindness can make a huge difference.
💙 Thank you for your understanding and continued support 💙
-Team Abbey