Watton Medical Practice

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/

27/02/2026

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mainly affects children and can cause a sore throat, fever and a distinctive rash.

Early recognition and treatment are important to help reduce the risk of complications and limit spread. Community pharmacies can also offer advice on managing symptoms and when further medical care is needed, making them a helpful first point of contact for many minor illnesses. Knowing the signs and where to get help can support quicker recovery. 🌡️👶🩺✨

Read NHS guidance on scarlet fever: https://ow.ly/GIF050YhxI5
Read Patient Info advice on scarlet fever in children: https://ow.ly/SQnY50YhxIl
Learn how pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First): https://ow.ly/j1st50YhxIo

25/02/2026

Update 25/02

We would like to let everyone know that the system used by the laboratory for processing blood tests (called ICE) is currently experiencing technical difficulties.

This issue is being investigated as a matter of urgency by the team at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and is unfortunately affecting our ability to carry out blood tests at the present time. We are currently running at a reduced capacity while this issue is occurring. This is impacting across Norfolk and not only Watton Medical Practice.

We understand how important these appointments are and we are very sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Please be assured that this situation is completely outside of our control and we are awaiting further updates from the hospital.

As soon as we receive more information, we will share it here. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

25/02/2026

The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and is an important part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

If your child has missed any vaccines, or if you have recently moved to the UK from another country, it is never too late to catch up. The NHS offers free catch-up vaccinations to help ensure children and adults are protected and up to date. Checking your vaccination record and booking missing doses can help protect both your family and the wider community. 💉🛡️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

Find out about the MMRV vaccine: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/
Check the NHS vaccination schedule: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

23/02/2026

📢 Support Available if You Wish to Raise a Concern About NHS Care

At our GP practice, we want all our patients to feel heard. If you live in Norfolk or Waveney and would like support to raise a concern or complaint about NHS care, you can access free, independent and confidential help through the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service.

This service is delivered by POhWER, whose trained advocates can:

• Explain how the NHS complaints process works
• Help you understand your options
• Support you to put your concerns in writing
• Provide as much or as little support as you need

They will listen to your concerns and help you feel confident in raising them.

For patients who are Deaf, specialist Deaf Advocacy — including British Sign Language (BSL) support — is available through the Royal Association for Deaf People.

📞 How to Contact POhWER

📧 Email: nhscomplaints@pohwer.net

📞 Telephone: 0300 456 2370 (charged at local rate)

🗣 Speech to Text via Relay UK: www.relayuk.bt.com

📱 Text SMS: Send the word ‘pohwer’ with your name and number to 81025

23/02/2026

Children’s dental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and simple daily habits can help protect young teeth for life.

Drinks that are high in sugar and acidity can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay. Encouraging water or milk, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups can all support healthy smiles. Starting good oral health habits early can make a lasting difference. 🦷🪥💙✨

Read NHS advice on taking care of children’s teeth: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/

23/02/2026

📢Important Announcement 📢

Tuesday 24th February 2026 - 13:00-18:30 - Surgery Closed For Staff Training.

We're committed to providing the best care possible, and as part of that, our team will be undergoing important staff training on Tuesday 24th February from 13:00.

During this time, the surgery will be closed, but don’t worry – you’re still supported!

🩺If you need assistance, please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk
🩺 In a life-threatening emergency, call 999
🩺 If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, dial 111 and press option 2 for the Crisis Response Service

Whilst the surgery is closed, the pharmacy will remain open as usual.

We will reopen as usual from 08:00 on Wednesday 25th February 2026.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve the care we offer. Your health and well-being are always our top priority!

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21/02/2026

Get your test results faster, before they arrive in the post.

You can do more with the NHS App than you realise. Discover what else you can do today.

📱Tap the NHS App

20/02/2026

🧠 Your Health Matters — You’re Not Alone

We’re committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of our patients and our community.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or su***de, please reach out for support. Talking to someone can make a real difference.

PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to preventing your su***de and offers support and resources to all ages.

📞 HOPELINE247 — Confidential support for young people and anyone worried about them:
• Call 0800 068 4141
• Text 88247
• Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
• https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

💬 If you’re experiencing distress, contact us or another healthcare professional — we’re here to help.

20/02/2026

Using the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions is a quick and convenient way to manage your medicines without needing to contact your GP practice.

You can:
- Log in to the app
- Select your repeat prescription
- Choose your nominated pharmacy
- Track the status. all in one place.

The NHS App can also show when your prescription is ready to collect, helping save time and reduce unnecessary phone calls. You may also be eligible for free or reduced-cost prescriptions, depending on your circumstances, so it’s worth checking what support is available. 📱💊💙✨

Visit the NHS App homepage: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Step-by-step guide to prescriptions in the NHS App: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help/prescriptions-in-the-nhs-app/
Find out about free or reduced-cost prescriptions: https://patient.info/treatment-medication/nhs-and-other-care-options/free-or-reduced-cost-prescriptions

19/02/2026

Visit your local pharmacy to find out what help they can provide without the need for a GP appointment 💊

Find out more about the Pharmacy First service ➡️www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk

18/02/2026

🦷 Urgent Dental Treatment – Important Information for Patients

We understand that finding an NHS dentist at the moment can feel like winning the lottery but GP practices are not able to provide dental treatment. Access is extremely limited in many areas.

However, if you need urgent dental treatment, there are still services available to you.

🪥 If You Already Have a Dentist

Please contact your own dental practice first to request an urgent appointment.

🏥 Urgent Dental Care in Norfolk & Waveney

Additional urgent dental appointments are available across Norfolk and Waveney, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

By contacting NHS 111 (online or by calling 111), they can:

Assess your symptoms

Book you directly into an urgent dental appointment if clinically required

Direct you to the nearest available urgent provider

📞 Contact NHS 111 if you have:

Severe toothache that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers

A dental abscess (swelling, pain, possible fever)

A broken or knocked-out tooth

Ongoing bleeding after dental treatment or injury

Significant swelling of the mouth or face

Painful fractured, loose or displaced fillings

Severe gum bleeding or urgent soft tissue problems (cheeks, tongue)

If bleeding cannot be controlled at all, this may require emergency care.