Windrush Medical Practice

20/03/2026

We understand that some patients may be concerned following recent reports of a meningitis (MenB) outbreak in Kent.

At present, our practice is not in the affected area, and we have not received any guidance to offer additional or emergency vaccination clinics locally.

However, we want to reassure you that:

• We review patient records to ensure anyone who is eligible or due for NHS vaccinations, including meningitis vaccines, is identified
• We will contact you directly if any action is required
• You may also be able to check your immunisation status via the NHS App

What should you be aware of?

Meningitis can develop quickly, so it’s important to know the symptoms. These may include:

• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Vomiting
• A rash that does not fade when pressed

If you or your child develop symptoms and are concerned, please seek urgent medical advice by calling NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

For further information, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

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

Thank you for your understanding and helping us keep our community safe.

10/03/2026

Walking Together, Making a Difference 💙

Our team are walking together In May 2026 to support three amazing colleagues taking on their own challenges, walks and marathons for causes close to their hearts.

✨ Cancer Research UK
✨ Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
✨ Penny Brohn UK

Each person taking part in our practice charity walk have their own story and personal motivation, but as a team we’re proud to stand alongside them and support their efforts to make a difference.

If you’re able to support us, every donation, big or small, truly helps and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support

💻 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/windrush-medical-practice-walk?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

📖 Read Nick Thomas’s story and support him directly: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/nicholas-thomas

❤️ BBC NEWS Nicks Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrzzejg42zo

10/03/2026

🌿 National Social Prescribing Day – Come and Meet Your Local Social Prescribers!

National Social Prescribing Day takes place on 26th March. To mark the occasion, the AGE UK Social Prescribing team will be here at the practice hosting an information drop-in session.

Social Prescribers help connect people with community activities, groups, and support services that can improve health and well being.

This informal drop-in session is a great opportunity to:

• 👋 Meet your local Social Prescribers
• 💬 Learn how social prescribing works
• 🌍 Discover community activities and support available locally

📅 Thursday 26th March 2-26
⏰ 10:00am–1:00pm
📍 Windrush Medical Practice - Level 1 waiting room

06/03/2026

After many years of dedicated service to our community, Dr Stephen Smith will be retiring from the practice on Friday 31st March 2026.

We would like to thank him for his commitment, care, and the difference he has made to so many of our patients over the years.

For more information about Dr Smith’s retirement, including important updates for patients, please visit our website:

https://www.windrushmedicalpractice.co.uk/news/a-message-from-dr-stephen-smith

Thank you for your continued support.

A message from Dr Stephen Smith

05/03/2026

🚰 Notice for Patients 🚰

We are currently experiencing a temporary water outage at the practice.

At this time, the surgery remains open and operating as normal. However, if there are any specific procedures or appointments that cannot go ahead due to the water supply, affected patients will be contacted directly by our team.

Please be reassured that we are continuing to maintain safe hand hygiene and infection control measures to ensure patient and staff safety.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while this issue is being resolved.

04/03/2026

📢 Notice – Windrush Medical Practice Closed This Afternoon Wednesday 4th March 2026

Windrush Medical Practice will be closed on Wednesday 4th March from 1:00pm to 6:30pm for mandatory staff training.

ℹ Why are we closing? All GP practices across Oxfordshire take part in essential training sessions throughout the year to ensure we continue to provide safe, high-quality care. These sessions don’t all fall on the same day for every practice.

➡ Appointments at the Windrush Health Centre will still continue as planned. Only the Medical Practice department will be closed.
⚠ Need urgent medical help while we’re closed?

• Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
• In an emergency, dial 999

Thank you for your understanding and support. 🙏

24/02/2026

📢 Notice – Windrush Medical Practice Closed Wednesday 4th March 2026

Windrush Medical Practice will be closed on Wednesday 4th March from 1:00pm to 6:30pm for mandatory staff training.

ℹ Why are we closing? All GP practices across Oxfordshire take part in essential training sessions throughout the year to ensure we continue to provide safe, high-quality care. These sessions don’t all fall on the same day for every practice.

➡ Appointments at the Windrush Health Centre will still continue as planned. Only the Medical Practice department will be closed.

⚠ Need urgent medical help while we’re closed?

• Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
• In an emergency, dial 999

Thank you for your understanding and support. 🙏

08/01/2026

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking?

Quitting smoking isn’t just good for your physical health, it can also boost your mood and support your mental wellbeing. Stopping smoking has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

With the right support, you’re far more likely to quit for good and you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Visit www.SmokeFreeOxon.co.uk

📞 Call 0800 772 3673
📱 Text QUITOXON to 66777

Take the first step today, support is free, friendly, and here to help 💚

08/01/2026

💻 Need help with online services?

We offer IT support for patients who may be struggling with online services. These free sessions take place at Witney Library, with our friendly PPG volunteers on hand to help you use your device.

📍 Where: Witney Library
📅 When: Tuesday 3rd February and Tuesday 3rd March
📞 How to book: Please call the library on 01865 815207
📱 What to bring: Your device (phone, tablet, or laptop)

Spaces are limited, so booking is essential.

12/12/2025

🦠 Stay Safe This Flu Season – Protect Yourself and Others

Flu spreads easily, especially in crowded places, and can be serious for vulnerable people. You can help stop the spread by following these simple steps:

1. Get vaccinated if you are eligible 💉

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you, especially older adults, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children.

2. Practice good hygiene 🧼

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues immediately.

3. Stay home if you’re unwell 🏠

If you have flu-like symptoms, avoid contact with others. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take care of yourself. If you need to attend the surgery while feeling unwell, please wear a mask.

Together, these steps reduce the spread of flu and help protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

11/12/2025

🎄 Windrush Practice – Christmas & New Year Opening 🎄

The Practice will close at 6:30pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on Monday 29th December. We will also be closed on New Year’s Day.

🩺 Need medical help?

Call 111 for non-urgent medical advice.
999 for emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke).

💊 Check your prescriptions & medication now to ensure you have enough for the festive period.

📦 Dispensary – Ordering & Deliveries

Christmas:

Last order for delivery: Mon 15th Dec → Delivered Tue 23rd Dec
Last order for collection: Wed 17th Dec

New Year:

Last order for delivery: Mon 22nd Dec → Delivered Tue 30th Dec
Last order for collection: Wed 24th Dec

Delivery Note: Only on Tuesdays (23rd Dec & 30th Dec), no Thursday deliveries.

🛒 Local Pharmacy Opening Times

Witney Pharmacy (next to Windrush)
Christmas Day: 2–5pm
Boxing Day: 2–5pm
New Year’s Day: 2–5pm

Boots, High Street
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 8am–4:30pm
New Year’s Day: 10am–4pm

Allied Pharmacy (next to Nuffield Health)
Closed all three days

Wishing all our patients a happy and healthy Christmas & New Year! ✨

04/12/2025

📢 Notice – Windrush Medical Practice Closed This Afternoon

Windrush Medical Practice will be closed today, Thursday 4th December from 1:00pm to 6:30pm for mandatory staff training.

ℹ Why are we closing? All GP practices across Oxfordshire take part in essential training sessions throughout the year to ensure we continue to provide safe, high-quality care. These sessions don’t all fall on the same day for every practice.

➡ Appointments at the Windrush Health Centre will still continue as planned. Only the Medical Practice department is closed.

⚠ Need urgent medical help while we’re closed?

• Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
• In an emergency, dial 999

⏰ Normal services will resume after 18:30 today.

Thank you for your understanding and support. 🙏