Priory Medical Centre

03/01/2026

🏥 Missed Appointments in December 2025: The Hidden Cost to the NHS

At Priory Medical Centre, we are committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring that every patient gets timely access to the services they need. However, missed appointments — also known as DNAs (Did Not Attend) — continue to place unnecessary strain on the NHS.

📊 December 2025: By the Numbers
✅ 9,559 appointments were attended
❌ 2.00% (approx. 191) of appointments were missed (up from 1.59% in November 2025)
💷 Cost to the NHS: approx. £5,730

Each missed appointment represents lost time, a potential delay for another patient, and unnecessary financial strain. With each DNA costing the NHS around £30 on average, the impact quickly adds up.

🗓️ How You Can Help
If you’re unable to attend your appointment, please cancel as early as possible. This allows us to reallocate the slot to someone else who needs care.

You can cancel by:
📞 Calling 01926 293711
💻 Visiting: www.priorymed.nhs.uk/cancel-your-appointment
📱 Replying to your appointment reminder message
🚶 Speaking to us in person at reception
💙 Working Together for Better Care

We’re proud that 98.00% of our patients attended their appointments in December — thank you! With your continued support, we can reduce DNAs even further, protect vital NHS resources, and improve access for all.

Let’s work together to make every appointment count.

Practice Website for Priory Medical Centre

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Together with the Met Office, the UK Health Security Agency have issued an amber cold-health alert for the West Midlands until 10am on Tuesday 6th January.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is also in place from 12am to 12pm on Friday 2nd January.

Make sure you're keeping your home warm, you have stocked up on food and medicine and that you're looking out for vulnerable family and neighbours.

You can read more about staying safe in cold weather here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weather/top-tips-for-keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter

02/01/2026

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.

You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.

More advice ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

02/01/2026

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated today until further notice as the temperature is expected to fall to zero degrees or below.

If you are aware of anyone sleeping rough, please advise them of the predicted weather, and that provision is available to accommodate them.

Accommodation can be accessed through our Housing Advice team on 01926 456129 (option 2) or visiting our reception at The Royal Pump Rooms, which closes at 4.30pm daily. The office telephone lines are open until 4.45pm today. Outside the office hours, please contact the out of hours support service number on 0300 303 5573.

Our Housing Advice team should be made aware of rough sleepers whether SWEP is activated or not; we do not need to wait for SWEP to be activated to refer any rough sleeper to accommodation available.

02/01/2026

Temperatures are set to dip over the next few days so please make sure you stay warm and do look out for friends and neighbours to check they are OK and who might need a helping hand.

For more advice, visit: https://orlo.uk/ns3J0

02/01/2026

Loneliness affects many older people in Warwickshire, especially in winter. If you are a concerned family member, friend or neighbour why not knock on their door, or give them a call, to check they are ok.

There are lots of options for people who may feel disconnected, including:
Pick up the phone – A quick call to a friend or family member can brighten the day.
Join a local group – From coffee mornings to hobby clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Volunteer – Helping others is a great way to feel connected and valued.
Get online – Use video calls or social media to keep in touch with loved ones.
Take a walk – Fresh air and a friendly chat with a neighbour can make a big difference.

For help and support visit https://orlo.uk/CKGXk and https://orlo.uk/SS7MR

Don’t forget to listen out for our radio messages on Global Radio for tips and support.

29/12/2025

Not sure which NHS service to use?

For minor issues like coughs, colds, aches or skin problems, you can self-care or go to your local pharmacy, who can often help. Pharmacists offer expert advice without an appointment.

For urgent but not life-threatening needs, visit https://orlo.uk/emalv or call 111 any time. They can book appointments, direct you to the right place and connect you with a clinician.

If you need urgent care that can’t wait for a GP but isn’t an emergency, head to an Urgent Treatment Centre or Walk-in Centre.

29/12/2025

Gambling can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt.

If you're worried about your own or a loved one's gambling habits this Christmas, help and support is available.

For more information, visit http://nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/