East Durham Medical Group

12/01/2026

💉 Protecting little ones from chickenpox 💉

Chickenpox is usually mild — but sometimes it can make children very unwell.

From this month protection against chickenpox is now part of the routine vaccines for babies and children.

That means extra protection to help keep your child safe.
The Practice will contact you when your child is due for their appointment.

12/01/2026

12/01/2026

The NHS is reminding everyone that confidential mental health support is available.

Here are eight free ways to get support 👇🏽

📞 NHS 111 – option 2: 24/7 urgent mental health help.
📱Text 'CALMER' to 85258: Free, confidential text support anytime.
💻 NHS Talking Therapies: Self‑refer online for help with anxiety, depression and stress.
💚 Safe Havens & Wellbeing Hubs: Walk‑in support across the region
📖 Self‑help guides & online courses: Free resources from CNTW and TEWV.
🧑‍⚕️ Your GP: Advice, treatment and referrals.
💙 Local charities: Support from Mind, Anxious Minds, Andy's Man Club, Age UK and others.
☎️ Helplines: Samaritans, SANEline, Careline and Mind are available to talk.

Find out more online 👉🏼 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

12/01/2026

When an injury or illness is not life threatening but still urgent, 111 can help you figure out where is best suited to support you.

Call 111 if:

• You think you might need to go to a hospital or urgent treatment centre but you're not sure
• You need urgent advice and your GP surgery is closed.

NHS 111 is here is to help 24 hours a day,7 days a week online or by phone.

Remember – in an emergency, always call 999.

𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? Find out at: www.nth.nhs.uk/patients/emergency

12/01/2026

🦠 Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. 🦠

You can usually treat yourself at home, but the most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids.

Visit ➡️ www.nhs.uk/norovirus

10/01/2026

THINK PHARMACY FIRST 👨‍⚕️

Did you know there are 7 common ailments which can be treated without the need to visit your GP surgery?

10/01/2026

Happy new year everyone!

The Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance is a group of organisations working together to support people in County Durham with their mental wellbeing.

One referral form: many different services.

Find out more: https://www.durhammentalwellbeingalliance.org/

10/01/2026

💊 Antibiotics aren’t always the answer! 💊

Most coughs, colds, fever and sore throats get better without antibiotics.

Not sure what to do when your child is unwell?

📱 Download the Healthier Together app! 📱

It helps you:
✅ Check your child’s symptoms
✅ See easy-to-follow advice with pictures
✅ Use a simple traffic light system (🔴🟠🟢) to know if you need to see a doctor – or if it’s safe to care for them at home.

💡 Learn when antibiotics do and don’t help➡️ https://ow.ly/vb9p50Xj7OZ

10/01/2026

💉Be wise – immunise! 💉

It's still not too late to get your flu vaccination to keep you and those around you safe during Winter.

If you're over 65, pregnant, in a clinical at-risk group, a carer, a health and social care worker, have a learning disability or live with someone who is immunosuppressed, flu vaccinations are available !

Please contact the surgery to book your appointment

10/01/2026

New Year. Fresh start.

Thinking about becoming healthier this year?

The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz takes just a few minutes and gives you personalised tips to help you get started - one small step at a time 🙌

Good news: it’s easy to get your Healthy Choices score and plan.

Take your first little step to healthy!

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

10/01/2026

There has been recent media and social media announcements by the Food Standards Agency and the manufacturer Nestlé, regarding a recall of some batches of SMA infant formula milks, including prescribed formulas such as SMA Alfamino, SMA Anti-Reflux and SMA LF.

Further information about affected products and batch numbers can be found here: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026

🚨 URGENT CONSUMER RECALL NOTICE – SMA INFANT FORMULA 🚨

As a precautionary measure, Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of SMA Infant Formula and SMA Follow-On Formula in the UK, Ireland, and Northern Ireland due to the potential presence of cereulide.

❗ Parents and caregivers should NOT feed these products to their baby.

🔎 What to do now:
• Check the batch code on the base of the tin or box (or on the side/top for ready-to-feed products)
• If your product matches the affected batch list, do not use it
• Contact Nestlé for a full refund by sharing a photo of the product and batch code

or call the careline:
📞 UK: 0800 0 81 81 80
📞 Ireland: 1800 931 832

🩺 If the product was prescribed, please destroy it and speak to your healthcare professional about an alternative.

Anyone concerned about their baby’s health should contact a healthcare professional immediately.

✅ All other Nestlé products and non-affected batches are safe to consume.

📄 A full list of affected products and batch numbers (UK, Ireland & Northern Ireland) is available in the link below or scan the QR code.

Please share this post to help reach anyone who may be affected. 💙

06/01/2026

** Happening Tomorrow**

This not a foodbank, it simply the distribution of food from a range of suppliers that would otherwise go to waste.

The food is available to anyone in the community who might need a bit of help. There is no eligibility criteria and if you could do with some help then please pop along.

The food is free although there will be a donation box.

The food will be available from Wingate Community Centre between 4 and 5pm on Wednesday 7th January.

We look forward to seeing everyone.......remember to bring a bag!! 🛍️