Dicconson Group Practice

19/03/2026

🚨 Meningitis – Know the signs 🚨

Following recent reports, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and when to seek help.

Common symptoms include:
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling very sleepy or confused
• Seizures

Meningitis can become serious very quickly, so please don’t ignore symptoms.

⚠️ If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, seek urgent medical help
Call 999 or attend A&E immediately

At The Dicconson Group Practice, your safety is our priority – if you’re unsure, always reach out. 💙💚

18/03/2026

🚨🚨🚨 Meningitis outbreak - how it affects our patients 🚨🚨🚨

Understandably the news of the ongoing meningitis outbreak in Kent is causing concern for patients / parents of young children / adults.

The spread of meningitis is via close contact, so it is not like flu or COVID which are spread much easier by droplets in the air (ie coughs and sneezes ) or by droplets on contaminated surfaces. The meningitis outbreak seems to be linked to a nightclub (ie where people are in close proximity and were also sharing a v**e ). A case had also been identified in London - this person had been in Kent and then travelled back to London .

Reports suggest that the “strain” of Meningitis is Meningitis B.

Meningitis B is part of the routine childhood vaccination program (and has been since 2015), therefore children born from 1st may 2015 onwards are likely to have received a Meningitis B vaccine.

Older children receive a different strain of the meningitis vaccine when they are around 14 years old - this does not cover Meningitis B.

The health authorities in Kent are carrying out a small targeted vaccine program in the area. Currently there is NO CHANGE to the routine NHS vaccinations in the general population - i.e there is no need to get a Meningitis B vaccine at this time - therefore the practice will not be offering the Meningitis B vaccination to anyone that does not fall into the current routine vaccination schedule .

If you do have queries about vaccination status (ie have you/ your child ) had the recommended vaccines, then please contact the surgery (ideally via askMyGp).

We appreciate there may be some individualised queries (ie there are some groups of people such a as those people without a spleen ) who may benefit from vaccinations if not already given - again please contact the surgery if you feel this may apply .

We are aware that some people are choosing to access Meningitis B vaccines privately- this is , of course, a personal choice , but we need to stress that we can only offer vaccines in the practice to those who are eligible on the NHS.

Many of you will know that I am a parent of two young adults- one of whom is away at university. I have no plans to access private vaccinations for them (they have both received the routine vaccinations which cover other meningitis strains).

Finally it would be sensible to simply take this opportunity to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis - thankfully it is rare , but it is worth being aware of the common symptoms . We do acknowledge that these symptoms can occur in other conditions too - please see link below.

The surgery will communicate to patients / parents if there are any changes to the national approach or should there be any local developments.

Dr Liam Hosie

GP Partner

Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.

18/03/2026

📢 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗨𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀)

Each missed appointment at the practice results in lost clinical time that could have been used to care for another patient who needs to be seen.

Unfortunately, we are continuing to see a number of Did Not Attend (DNA) appointments. These missed slots mean:
• Longer waiting times for other patients
• Reduced availability of GP and nurse appointments
• Lost clinical time for our healthcare team

We kindly ask all patients to cancel their appointment as soon as possible if they can no longer attend. This allows us to offer the slot to someone else who may urgently need care.

📊 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 DNA appointments and how they impact access to services. Reducing missed appointments will help us improve availability for everyone.

📩 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 may receive a letter from the practice. This is to make patients aware of the number of missed appointments and to help reduce ongoing DNAs so that appointments remain available for those who need them.

Thank you for helping us make the best use of NHS resources and ensuring appointments are available for patients who need them most. 💚💙

18/03/2026

💙 Some days are easier than others… and that’s okay. 💚

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and many of us put pressure on ourselves to keep going, do everything, and always be “fine”.

But the truth is:
• It’s okay to put yourself first
• It’s okay to have bad days
• It’s okay to ask for help
• It’s okay not to be perfect

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Support is available - whether that’s talking to someone you trust, reaching out to local support groups, or speaking to your GP.

Take care of yourselves and each other. 💚

The Dicconson Group Practice Team 💙💚

17/03/2026

💊 Medical Exemption Certificates 💊

Did you know some long-term conditions mean you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions?

If you have certain medical conditions, you could qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate, which allows you to receive NHS prescriptions free of charge.

Examples include conditions such as:
• Diabetes (requiring medication)
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy requiring ongoing treatment
• Certain cancer treatments

Once approved, your certificate is valid for 5 years and covers all NHS prescriptions, not just those for your condition.

If you think you may be eligible, please speak to a member of our team or ask your clinician during your appointment and we can guide you through the process.

More information can also be found on the NHS website.

The Dicconson Group Practice Team 💙💚

17/03/2026

☕ A cup of tea solves everything…

While you might not be able to fix everything with a brew, we’re always here to help where we can.

Our team are working hard every day supporting patients, answering calls, reviewing requests and making sure you get the care you need.

And yes… the kettle definitely helps us keep going! 💙💚

16/03/2026

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

16/03/2026

She’s A Force Of Her Own

Armed Forces HQ, have started a free group for any female partners/carers/family members of serving and ex-serving persons and female veterans.

This is a free event and focuses on peer support, self care and personal growth.

Please see the picture below.

Booking is essential by phoning or emailing AFCHQ - details on the poster.

The group takes place on the second Monday of the month with the next group taking place on :

📆Monday 13th April
⏱️6pm-8pm
📍Armed Forces HQ, Molyneux House, School Lane, Wigan WN1 3SE

💙💚

16/03/2026

💚 A little reminder for today 💙

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and many of the patients we see are going through a lot behind the scenes.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is take things one step at a time - get through the day, take a breath, and remember you don’t have to have everything figured out.

And if you’re struggling, please remember you’re not alone. Support is always there.

💙💚

15/03/2026

🩷 This Mothers Day We Are Sending Love To …

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14/03/2026

🩷 Women Supporting Women 🩷

We are looking for facilitators and volunteers to help us help women! ♀️

If this is something you'd be interested in, email allie@thegirlsclub.life to receive a form and join our lovely volunteer team.

13/03/2026

☀️ There is no such thing as safe UV tanning ☀️

Whether it’s from the sun ☀️ or a sunbed, ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin.

A tan is not a sign of health – it’s a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from harm.

Over time, UV exposure can lead to:
▪️ Premature ageing
▪️ Sun spots & skin damage
▪️ Increased risk of skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK – but it’s also one of the most preventable.

🧴 Use SPF 30 or higher
🕶 Seek shade during peak hours (11am–3pm)
👕 Cover up with suitable clothing
🚫 Avoid sunbeds completely

If you notice any new or changing moles, lesions that don’t heal, or anything unusual on your skin – please contact us for advice💙💚