School Lane Surgery

13/09/2025

Turn on notifications for the NHS App to stay up to date with messages about your care.

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to receive messages from your trusted healthcare providers.

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

13/09/2025

🩸 Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection. Act fast if you notice:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing little or no urine
• Severe breathlessness
• Skin mottled, bluish, or very pale

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/uWeW50WVGrw
https://ow.ly/l4gp50WVGrx

10/09/2025

Exciting News….Rollers and Paint Brushes Ready!

We’re giving the surgery a fresh new look! Starting the week commencing 22nd September, we’ll be redecorating several areas including:

• Lobby
• Reception
• Waiting rooms (including the upstairs waiting area)
• Staff kitchen & meeting room

To minimise disruption, the work will begin in the staff areas first before moving down into patient spaces. While we’ll do our best to keep everything running smoothly, there may be a little unavoidable disruption during this time. Thank you in advance for your patience (or should that be ‘Patients’ 😊) and understanding.

We have now also relocated the Check in Screen from the pillar in the waiting room to the front wall, so it makes it easier to book yourself in as you walk in. Please ignore the state of the wall on the picture below, this is what we will be painting and improving...along with a new sign!

We’re really looking forward to unveiling a brighter, fresher, and more modern environment for both patients and staff.

10/09/2025

🕯 World Su***de Prevention Day – 10 September
Thoughts of self‑harm or su***de can be deeply distressing—and often, people don’t reach out for help. You are not alone and help is available.

This resource offers vital information and guidance:
https://ow.ly/Rz4f50WTO8P

UK Helplines — available to you now:

• Samaritans (24/7, free & confidential): Call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): For anyone in crisis, call 0800 58 58 58 (5 pm–midnight daily)
• National Su***de Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652 (6 pm–midnight daily)
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK (under‑35s or concerned loved ones): 0800 068 4141 (24/7), or text 07786 209 697
• Shout (24/7 text support): Text SHOUT to 85258

You do not need to face these feelings alone—support is available, free, and just a call or text away.

08/09/2025

⚕️ High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” usually has no obvious symptoms — yet it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

📊 Regularly checking your blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. Small lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing activity, and reducing salt can make a significant difference.

📽 Watch this evidence-based video to learn practical strategies to reduce blood pressure: https://ow.ly/EKW250WQqIE

ℹ️ Find more resources and advice here: https://ow.ly/rlM950WQqIL

06/09/2025

'WhatsAppening @ School Lane'? Use our new channel and find out!

Don't forget that we now have a new WhatsApp Channel, created to help our patients stay connected and informed more easily than ever.

Why join?
Many of our patients already use WhatsApp every day to stay in touch. With this channel, we can share important updates, news, and information straight to your phone in a quick and convenient way.

Unlike Facebook and our Website, with the notification turned on, you will receive through updates and be alerted to them, rather than having to actively go to our web or page. If you dont want to be notified, then not to worry, channel notifications and be easily switched off by clicking the bell icon on the top bar in the channel.

What you need to know:
• Your details stay private & no one else will see your number.
• It’s one-way only & you’ll get clear updates without the clutter.
• You’ll be the first to know about changes to opening hours, health advice, flu jab clinics, and practice news.

How to join:

• Click this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAycCv0rGiO51no8b2i
• Scan the QR code below
• Search for our channel: 'WhatsAppening @ School Lane'

We’ll continue updating Facebook and our website, but this new channel makes it even easier to stay up to date with what’s happening at the surgery.

We hope that you find it useful.

06/09/2025

Emergency Alerts Test – Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm

What to know:
The UK Government will be running a test of the Emergency Alerts system at 3 pm on Sunday 7 September.

Phones and tablets that are compatible will emit a loud siren-like sound and vibrate, even if on silent.

You do not need to take any action during the alert — it's just a test.

This system is designed to warn you of local dangers like severe weather or other emergencies.

Important advice for those at risk of coercive control or domestic abuse: If you’re caring for someone who has a concealed phone or you're in a situation where unexpected alerts could cause harm, it’s vital to be aware and prepared.

Want to opt out?
You can turn off the Emergency Alerts for your device via this official page: gov.uk/alerts/opting-out

Need support or guidance? Leeds Women’s Aid offers tailored information and help on this:
leedswomensaid.co.uk/emergency-alert-test-sunday-7-september-2025

Why it's important:
Regular testing keeps the system reliable in real emergencies, when lives may depend on it.

Stay informed, stay safe.

05/09/2025

NHS Cervical Screening Programme. Digital Results via NHSApp.

From September 2025, the NHS will begin sharing cervical screening results directly through the NHS App.

Here’s what this means for you:

• If your result is negative. You’ll receive a secure message in the NHS App, along with an app notification. If the message isn’t read within 72 hours, a paper letter will still be sent as a backup.

• If your result is abnormal. You will continue to receive a letter by post, the same as before, ensuring you have all the details you need.

This change follows the successful rollout of digital invitations and reminders in June 2025. Since then, around 9 out of 10 invitations have been sent digitally, helping the NHS reduce reliance on paper and speed up communication.

What do you need to do?
If you haven’t already, please download the NHS App. It’s becoming an increasingly important way for patients at School Lane Surgery to receive updates quickly and securely.

The results service is part of a national NHS programme (not managed by School Lane Surgery) and is being introduced across England. By using the NHS App where possible, patients help the NHS focus resources on those who may not have digital access, ensuring fair and improved services for everyone.

For more information about cervical screening, visit:

Find out about the NHS cervical screening programme, including when it's offered, how to book, what happens at your appointment, getting your results and how it can help protect you from cervical cancer.

05/09/2025

Reminder - Emergency Alerts Test on Sunday (7th) at 3pm

We wanted to just reminder everyone that the UK Government will be testing the National Emergency Alerts system this Sunday at 3pm.

What to expect:
• If you have a mobile phone or tablet, you may receive an alert.
• Your device will make a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate, even if it is on silent.
• A message will appear on your screen.
• The alert will stop automatically after around 10 seconds.

Please do not be concerned as this is only a test. You do not need to do anything in response, and you can continue using your phone as normal afterwards.

The Emergency Alerts system is designed to warn people if there is an immediate risk to life nearby, such as severe flooding, fires, or other dangers.

More information is available at: www.gov.uk/alerts

We simply want to make sure patients are aware and not alarmed if their phone suddenly makes a sound…even on silent!

Your mobile phone or tablet may get an emergency alert if there’s a danger to life nearby. Alerts tell you what to do to stay safe.

05/09/2025

Covid Winter Boosters 2025

The National Booking Service (NBS) is now open for eligible patients to book their Covid vaccine for this winter!

This year, the vaccine is being offered to:
• Anyone aged 75 or over (including those who will turn 75 by 31 January 2026)
• People aged 6 months to 74 years with a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment
• Residents of CQC-registered care homes for older adults

We will be sending an SMS reminder to all those who are eligible that contains details on how to book an appointment.

Previously, the vaccine was offered from age 65 and above. National guidance has now changed, and eligibility is from age 75 and above (unless you have a weakened immune system).

This update brings the winter programme in line with the spring rollout.
Even if you’ve had Covid or previous doses, immunity can fade over time. The winter booster is an important way to top up your protection and reduce the risk of serious illness or hospital admission.

How do I book?
Appointments at our HLC clinics are now available to book through the National Booking Service. You can:

• Book online: https://www.nhs.uk/book-a-coronavirus-vaccination/enter-name

Or

• Call 119 free of charge

When are the Covid clinics?
The clinic dates at the HLC: 2nd October, 3rd October, 14th October, 22nd October, and 24th October

If you are housebound or live in a care home, you do not need to book. Our team will contact you directly to arrange your vaccination!

05/09/2025

🤒 Is My Child Too Ill for School?

Sniffles or something more serious? It’s not always easy to tell when your child should stay home or head to class.

The NHS has clear guidance to help you decide – and to protect other children from spreading illness.

📌 Check the advice here:https://patient.info/news-and-features/when-is-your-child-too-sick-to-go-to-school?utm_source=MSMS

Let’s keep everyone healthy this term!

04/09/2025

AI at School Lane Surgery. Smarter Care, Same Confidentiality!

We are trialling Heidi AI, an advanced digital assistant designed to help our clinicians focus fully on you during your appointment.

What it does:
• Summarises your consultation accurately in real time between you and the clinician.
• Assists with generating referral letters, medical summaries, and forms quickly.
• Allows your clinician to spend more time listening and less time typing.

This system complies with all UK national data protection requirements and NHS guidelines. It is already in use in many GP surgeries across England. Any audio recordings are processed and deleted immediately, with the relevant details added to your medical notes in line with existing guidance. All data is stored securely in the UK.

During this trial, if you prefer not to use AI during your appointment, that is not a problem. Simply let reception or your clinician know, and the system will be switched off.

To find out more information, please click on the link here:

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