Marus Bridge Practice

19/03/2026

We are aware of recent cases of Meningitis B in Kent and understand this may be worrying.

The MenB vaccine has been part of the UK routine schedule since 2015 (given at 2 months, 3 months and 1 year). Teenagers receive the MenACWY vaccine at around 14, which does not cover MenB, so some older children may not be protected.

There is currently no catch-up programme, and GP practices cannot offer MenB vaccination outside the national schedule.

Risk to the general public is low, as infection usually requires close, prolonged contact. Close contacts will be identified and contacted by the UK Health Security Agency if needed.

Common Symptoms – Seek Medical Help Immediately if seen:

High temperature (fever)

Stiff neck

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Severe headache

The Glass Test: A rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.

Read about the main symptoms of meningitis, including the meningitis rash, and find out when and where to get medical advice if you have any concerns.

16/03/2026

🚲 Volunteer Opportunity – Clifton Street Bike Library🚲

Calling all local residents! We’re looking for a volunteer to help open and run the Clifton Street Bike Library, an already established community resource.

📍 Family Hubs, Clifton Street
🗓 1st Thursday of every month
⏰ 2pm – 4pm

The long-term goal has always been for this to become a community-led Bike Library, helping local people access bikes and stay active. There will always be support from Be Well and the Communities Team to ensure the library continues to grow and be successful.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to find out more, please get in touch with Richard on Richard.Smith1@wigan.gov.uk

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mums, grandmothers, and carers in our community! 🌸

We also know today can be a difficult day for many. Whether you are missing your own mum, grieving a loss, or finding today a challenge for any reason, we are thinking of you and sending our support. 🤍

13/03/2026

🌸 New Support Group at Armed Forces HQ🌸

A free monthly support group is available for female partners, carers, and family members of serving or ex-serving personnel, as well as female veterans.

The group focuses on peer support, self-care and personal growth, and takes place on the second Monday of each month.
🗓 Next session: Monday 13th April, 6pm–8pm.

Booking is essential – please see the poster for full details and contact information.

12/03/2026

Protecting our patients is at the heart of everything we do. ❤️

Today, our team including our Doctors, Nurses, and Admin staff took part in essential Safeguarding Education/Training, led by our Safeguarding Lead, Carly.

As a General Practice, we are often the first point of contact for our community. This puts us in a unique and vital position; we see and hear things that others might not. Whether it’s a subtle change in a patient's wellbeing or a piece of information shared in confidence, every detail helps us protect vulnerable children and adults in our care.

Education like this ensures that every single member of our team has the tools and confidence to act when it matters most.

A huge thank you to Carly for leading such an important session! 🩺📑

12/03/2026

Want to find out more about Lyndsey's Community Link Worker role?

On Thursday 19th March, there will be a 'Commmuni-tea' Coffee Afternoon over at Clifton Street so you get the chance to meet Lyndsey and the team.

Along with free Coffee & Cake of course!🍰☕️ No appointment needed⬇️

10/03/2026

🩸DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND 🩸

Blood Clinic Drop In Tomorrow Wednesday 11th March

Drop In Times

8am - 9am OR 11.30-1pm

Please report to our Reception Desk , dont worry if you have lost your form we can sort 🙂

Note available to Marus Bridge Practice patients only, who are due and/or been invited for bloods.

🩸 Extraordinary Turnout at Our Ad Hoc Drop-In Blood Clinic! 🩸

We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our ad-hoc drop-in blood clinic tonight! A huge thank you to the 40+ patients who attended.

We’ve listened to your feedback regarding the difficulties of attending community phlebotomy clinics. While GP surgeries are not officially commissioned to provide routine blood taking services, we believe it is vital to support our community and ensure you receive safe and timely care.

🌟 Team Shout Out: A massive well done to our incredible nursing and patient support teams for managing such a high volume of patients with a smile.

📸 In the Photo: Here is Charlotte with tonight’s samples, ready to personally transport them to the hospital lab to get your results back as quickly as possible.

We will keep you updated on whether we are able to do more clinics based on tonight's success!

It's really important to get your bloods done when invited and if for any reason you are having difficulties getting them done please let our Practice Manager know by either using askmygp or contacting us via phone.

09/03/2026

🌼We are truly humbled.

Today, our team was deeply moved. A lovely patient, who is going through an incredibly difficult time after losing her husband, took the time to bring in a card and flowers for our Nurse Charlotte.

We know that we may not always get things right, but please know that we genuinely care. We strive every day to improve the service our patients deserve. When any of our patients pass away, it affects us emotionally, we are human, and we care deeply about you and your loved ones.

Thank you for your kindness, which reminds us why we do what we do.🫂

06/03/2026

STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING! We have a very special announcement! 📢✨

Our lovely patient Mary is 100 years old today! 🎂💯

Birthday house calls are the best kind, and today is the biggest one yet. Dr Kelly and our Nurse Charlotte popped in today to celebrate a truly incredible milestone.

It’s not every day we get to celebrate a century of life, and Mary is doing it with such grace and style. Doesn’t she look absolutely amazing? 💖

Happy Birthday Mary from everyone at Marus Bridge Practice! We are so honoured to share in your big day. 🥂🎈

02/03/2026

🩸 Extraordinary Turnout at Our Ad Hoc Drop-In Blood Clinic! 🩸

We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our ad-hoc drop-in blood clinic tonight! A huge thank you to the 40+ patients who attended.

We’ve listened to your feedback regarding the difficulties of attending community phlebotomy clinics. While GP surgeries are not officially commissioned to provide routine blood taking services, we believe it is vital to support our community and ensure you receive safe and timely care.

🌟 Team Shout Out: A massive well done to our incredible nursing and patient support teams for managing such a high volume of patients with a smile.

📸 In the Photo: Here is Charlotte with tonight’s samples, ready to personally transport them to the hospital lab to get your results back as quickly as possible.

We will keep you updated on whether we are able to do more clinics based on tonight's success!

It's really important to get your bloods done when invited and if for any reason you are having difficulties getting them done please let our Practice Manager know by either using askmygp or contacting us via phone.

20/02/2026

🌸 A bittersweet farewell (for now!) 🌸

Today we are saying a huge "see you soon" to our wonderful Operational and Quality Manager, Mel, who is heading off to start her maternity leave! 👶🎀

While you might not always see Mel’s face at reception she has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes. From keeping our systems running smoothly to ensuring our trainee clinicians have the best possible placement experience with us, she is a huge part of the heart of this practice.
Mel, we are so excited for you to meet your baby girl! We wish you all the luck in the world and we can’t wait for a visit from the new arrival very soon. 💖
Best wishes,
Your friends and colleagues at Marus Bridge Practice

👏Thanks to Catherine for making this wonderful cake, Carly, Charlotte and Michelle for putting her gifts together beautifully 😍