Outwood Park Medical Centre

02/09/2025

1 in 5 people in the UK are impacted by bladder problems. 1 in 3 women are living with bladder leakage. With an ageing population, we expect this figure to continue to rise in the coming decade.

From overactive bladder and urge incontinence, to stress incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence and many more; there are lots of people who experience bladder leakage. It can be for many reasons. Some females may experience bladder leakage during menopause or after child birth. Some people who have been treated for urology cancers including bladder cancer or prostate cancer may experience bladder leakage. For some people experiencing urinary tract infections, bladder leakage may occur. Lots of people in the UK need to use continence products including catheters and urostomy bags and may deal with leakage issues.

Bladder leakage can impact all aspects of a person’s life. There is also a significant impact on the health service.
For more information visit https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/

01/09/2025

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is held every September to raise the profile of blood cancer, which doesn't get the attention of other cancers. Every year, our blood cancer community comes together to raise awareness.

Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer, whether it's leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN or any other blood cancer.

Blood cancer symptoms include:
• Weight loss that is unexplained
• Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
• Lumps or swellings
• Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
• Drenching night sweats
• Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
• Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
• Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
• Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area)
• Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
• Paleness (pallor)
Some symptoms look different in different skin tones

27/08/2025

You can use PATCHS to contact your GP practice for health advice, condition monitoring, fit notes, appointment bookings, and more...
Make requests in your own time, avoid telephone queues and waiting rooms, and getting quick responses. Visit https://www.outwoodparkmedicalcentre.co.uk/ to access PATCHS.

20/08/2025

Bank Holiday Opening Times
The surgery will be closed on Monday the 25th of August. Back open Tuesday 26th of August.

19/08/2025

11/08/2025

How to stay safe in the sun
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise. At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year, and the disease kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK - that's seven people every day.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer. In fact, UV exposure is the main preventable cause of skin cancer.
Experiencing severe sunburn, particularly in childhood, increases the risk of developing skin cancer in later life, so it's very important to protect yourself and your family from the sun.
Here are the line of defence to protect against the sun. Use them all to stay safe...
Clothing and a hat
Clothing should always be your first line of defence against damage from the sun.
Cover as much of the skin as is possible, paying special attention to the shoulders which burn easily.
Consider t-shirts and hats even when in the water, especially for children and those who burn easily.
A 'legionnaire' style hat with a wide brim is best, as it will shade the head, face, ears and neck. Baseball caps do not shade the ears or neck, and so are not as effective.
Sunglasses
UV radiation can also damage the eyes, and so sunglasses with good quality lenses that filter out the UV are essential. Those with an EU CE Mark are proven to offer safe protection.
Styles that wrap around, and so do not allow sun in at the sides are better.
SPF 30+ Sunscreen
No sunscreen provides absolute protection, so it should be used with the other lines of defence, and not alone.
Generously apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more to all areas of skin exposed to the sun. A water resistant sunscreen is better, even if you are not swimming, as it protects you better if you sweat.
Apply the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside, and at least every 2 hours. If you swim or sweat a lot, use it more often. Remember using a towel or lying back on a fabric sunbed can rub the sunscreen off.
SPF stands for 'Sun Protection Factor' and refers to the level of protection against UVB radiation, linked to skin cancer. Look for a 4 or ideally 5 star UVA rating on the bottle which will help protect from UVA radiation, associated with skin ageing.
Check the expiry date of your sunscreen, as out of date sunscreen will not be as effective and you risk burning.
Don't forget to protect your lips - using a SPF30+ lip balm.
Shade
Keeping cool in the shade is a good way of protecting yourself from the sun, especially if you are very fair skinned. Just 10 minutes of strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin. Find some shade whenever possible, but especially in the middle of the day, between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
Always keep babies and toddlers in the shade if you can.
REMEMBER - IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!
Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. About once a month, check your skin for moles or marks that are changing or new. This is especially important if you are at increased risk of skin cancer. Tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or patch of skin, or a new mole or mark on adult skin.

While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
• drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

07/08/2025

Cycle to Work Day
Whether you’ve never cycled before, not ridden in a while or cycle every day, Cycle to Work Day is for you. It’s a day to get in the saddle and experience the brilliant benefits everyday cycling offers – mental, physical and financial – first-hand.

04/08/2025

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week
World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign to raise awareness and promote action on themes related to breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. However, according to World Health Organisation, fewer than half of infants under 6 months old are exclusively breastfed.
Learn more about breastfeeding in comments ⬇️⬇️⬇️

29/07/2025

View test results in the NHS App.

You can easily view recent test results that have been added to your online GP health record, when it's convenient for you and without having to wait in a phone queue.

28/07/2025

World Hepatitis Day
Every year, more than a million lives are lost to hepatitis.

24/07/2025

24/7 Samaritans Awareness Day
Today is 💚 We’re sharing campaign to remind people that Samaritans are always there 24/7 for anyone who’s struggling to cope.
Samaritans are there for everyone 💚
Call 116123.