The Friarsgate Practice

20/02/2026

📊 Missed Appointments – Please Help Us Reduce Wasted NHS Time

The latest figures for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight show the impact of missed GP appointments — and we see the effects here at Friarsgate too.

In December alone across our area:
• 48,875 GP appointments were missed
• 10,182 clinical hours were lost
• £2.2 million in NHS staff time was wasted

Across 2025:
• 571,821 appointments were missed
• £26.4 million of NHS resources were lost

At Friarsgate, every missed appointment means:
❌ Another patient waiting longer to be seen
❌ Less availability for urgent issues
❌ Wasted clinical time that could support our community

If you cannot attend your appointment, please cancel as soon as possible — even a few hours’ notice helps us offer it to someone else.

You can cancel:
💻 Online via the NHS App
📞 By calling us
📲 Through our reception team

Thank you for helping us make the best use of NHS time and appointments 💙

19/02/2026

🚨 KNOW WHEN TO CALL 999 vs 111 🚑
Choosing the right service helps everyone get care faster.
📞 Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies:
• Chest pain or suspected heart attack
• Signs of stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems)
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures that won’t stop
• Serious accidents or injuries
📞 Call 111 for urgent medical help that is NOT life-threatening:
• You need medical advice quickly
• You’re unsure where to go
• Your GP surgery is closed
• You need urgent medication advice
• A child has a high temperature and you’re worried
111 is available 24/7 and can book you into the right service.
Using the right service helps keep emergency lines free for those who need them most 💙

18/02/2026

🌙 Ramadan & Diabetes: Stay Healthy While Fasting

Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging if you have diabetes. Your health is important— check out the website for useful information:

ℹ️ https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/ramadan

18/02/2026

The Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. To find your local pharmacy, visit https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy

17/02/2026

It’s pancake day! Did you know you can make Pancake Day a little healthier with simple swaps? 🥞
✔️ Try wholemeal flour for extra fibre
✔️ Top with fresh fruit instead of syrup
✔️ Use low-fat yogurt instead of cream

Small changes can make a big difference 💜

16/02/2026

15/02/2026

💜 Don’t delay your smear test 💜
Cervical screening (smear test) helps prevent cervical cancer by detecting changes before they become serious.
If you’ve received an invitation — please book your appointment. It could save your life.
✔️ It only takes just a few minutes
✔️ It’s carried out by our experienced nurses
✔️ Everything is confidential

If you’re feeling nervous, let us know — we’re here to help and answer any questions.

To book your smear appointment, book on the NHS App or call our care navigation team.

14/02/2026

💘 Valentine’s Day at Friarsgate Practice 💘

❤️ This Valentine’s Day, we’d like to say a huge thank you to our patients for the lovely messages and positive feedback you share. Your words brighten our days and inspire our whole team to keep caring for our community with compassion and dedication.

If you’d like to leave any feedback, please see our website: https://www.friarsgatepractice.nhs.uk/about-us/have-your-say/

13/02/2026

👨‍⚕️ Considering a Vasectomy?

offers a safe, effective vasectomy service for patients who feel their family is complete and are looking for a permanent method of contraception.

For more information, or to self refer, see: https://www.midhampshirehealthcare.co.uk

12/02/2026

💙 Meet Our Nursing Team at The Friarsgate Practice 💙
Our Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistants play a vital role in caring for our patients every single day.
From urgent on-the-day appointments and mental health support, to specialist clinics in diabetes, respiratory care, women’s health, contraception, wound care and more — our nursing team brings a wealth of expertise, compassion and dedication to our community.
We’re proud to have such an experienced and diverse team supporting your health and wellbeing. Thank you to all our ANPs, Nurses and HCAs for the incredible work you do 👏
Find out more about our team here:
https://www.friarsgatepractice.nhs.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/nurses/

12/02/2026

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/healthy-choices-quiz/

🩺🍎 How healthy are your everyday choices?

The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz is a quick, interactive way to reflect on habits like food, activity, sleep and more. In just a few minutes, you’ll get personalised tips to support your health goals.

Whether you’re living with diabetes or supporting others in clinic, it’s a helpful prompt for small, sustainable changes that can make a real difference over time.

Why not have a go and see what comes up for you? It might even spark a useful conversation at your next appointment 👇

🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/healthy-choices-quiz/

11/02/2026

Please see our website for more information about our appointment system: https://www.friarsgatepractice.nhs.uk/appointments-with-the-doctors/