School Lane Surgery

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/Su8J50YiFPk
Read Patient Info advice on scarlet fever in children: https://ow.ly/bgpo50YiFPb
Learn how pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First): https://ow.ly/VeE650YiFPf

25/02/2026

Weight Loss Medication

Over the past couple of days we have received queries from patients about weight loss injections. There has been some confusion following a recent BBC article referring to GPs receiving a “£3,000 bonus” for prescribing these medications, and we would like to clarify a few points.

Firstly, this is not a bonus payment. It would be payment for a commissioned NHS service that falls outside of the core general practice contract. This is the same model used when practices are paid to deliver seasonal flu vaccinations or other optional services that practices can choose whether to provide. The sum quoted in the article is described as an average amount available, with the actual payment dependent on the size of the practice. It is not a payment per injection. The figure has been calculated as an average to cover all patients who may be eligible under the service.

The headline also gives a misleading impression because it does not explain that strict eligibility criteria are in place under current NHS guidance. There has been no change to the clinical criteria for treatments that can be delivered in general practice.

It is disappointing that the tone of the article suggests GPs would prescribe based on income rather than clinical need and patient safety. Prescribing decisions are always based on national guidance and what is appropriate for the individual patient.

For clarity, we do not currently prescribe these medications for weight loss. Norfolk and Waveney ICB, working with Suffolk ICB, will commission a service to deliver these treatments in line with strict NHS guidance from April 2026. We are not offering these medications outside of that guidance.

For further information, please see the Norfolk and Waveney ICB page here:
https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/medicines/tirzepatide-frequently-asked-questions/

We hope that clears things up a little.

Find out about antibiotics and what they can be used to treat, and about the global risks of antimicrobial resistance

25/02/2026

A New Voice at School Lane Surgery!

Onassis...Collins....Chan.....and now our very own Jackie.

From Tuesday 3rd March, we are introducing Jackie, our new AI receptionist, designed to make contacting the surgery quicker and easier.

She has been dealing with MED3's over the past few months so now she is being promoted to help guide your call, gather the right information and ensure it reaches the appropriate team member. Every request is still carefully reviewed, and you can always ask to speak to a receptionist.

We are rolling this out gradually while Jackie settles into her new role. After all, we dont want to overwhelm her!

For full details and frequently asked questions, please visit our website via the link below.

Link: https://schoollanesurgery.co.uk/news/a-new-voice-at-school-lane-surgery-our-new-ai-receptionist/

25/02/2026

Blood Tests Update 25/02/26 @ 12:54

We would like to inform everyone that the ICE system is now back up and running...for the third time this week.

We are very sorry for this ongoing ad hoc issue.

We have asked the ICB to prioritise this and find out what the actual problem is with the lab system as this is unacceptable. I can assure you all that we are trying to get this resolved once and for all and we are very sorry for the inconvenience.

25/02/2026

Blood Tests Update 25/02/26 @ 09:30

We would like to inform everyone that the ICE system is currently down again.

Due to this ongoing issue, we are unable to generate blood forms at this time. Unfortunately, this means we cannot process these blood tests UNLESS you already have a printed blood form with you.

So:
If you have your blood form = Fine and we can do your bloods.
If you have no form = Apols we cannot do your bloods at this time.

We understand how disruptive and frustrating this continued problem is. We have been advised that the issue sits with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and is outside of our control.

I have asked the ICB to look into this issue as it keeps happening with the NNUH and it is not acceptable.

I am really, truly very sorry for this situation. I know you are frustrated and I am equally frustrated having to post the same details on FB every day.

As soon as we receive further updates, we will share them 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/

24/02/2026

Surgery Closed this Afternoon (13:00 to 18:30)

Please note that the surgery will be closed today, Tuesday 24 February 2026 from 13:00 to 18:30 for essential staff training. This includes the surgery at the Healthy Living Centre.

Both pharmacies at SLS and the Healthy Living Centre will remain open as usual during this time.

If you need medical advice while we are closed please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk

For life threatening emergencies please call 999. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please call 111 and select option 2 to reach the Crisis Response Service.

The surgery will reopen as normal tomorrow.

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23/02/2026

Reminder for Patients: Surgery closed tomorrow afternoon

Please note that the surgery will be closed tomorrow 24th February 2026 from 13:00 to 18:30 for essential staff training. This includes the surgery at the Healthy Living Centre.

Both pharmacies at SLS and the Healthy Living Centre will remain open as usual during this time.

If you need medical advice while we are closed please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk

For life threatening emergencies please call 999. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please call 111 and select option 2 to reach the Crisis Response Service.

The surgery will reopen as normal on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

This website only stores the cookies that are needed to make it work. Read more about how we use cookies (opens in a new tab).

23/02/2026

Blood Test Update 23/02/26 @ 09:48 - Back up and Running

It would appear that the ICE Lab system is now up and running. We will keep a close eye on this and hopefully this has now been fully resolved once and for all.

Thank you for your understanding.

23/02/2026

Blood Tests Update 23/02/26 @ 09:30

We are sorry to inform you that the laboratory system issue has unfortunately returned….again.

We have been advised by Norfolk and Norwich that the ICE system is again experiencing technical difficulties. As a result, we are currently unable to process blood tests unless you already have a printed blood form with you.

If you do not have a blood form, we will be unable to carry out your blood test at this time.

We understand how frustrating this is and sincerely apologise for the continued disruption. This situation remains outside of our control and we are awaiting further updates from the hospital team.

We have raised that this is not acceptable to the ICB and it needs to be resolved fully.

We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

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/