Penn Hill Surgery

27/01/2026

Today we're aiming to set the record straight on another myth. This time we're talking about how faecal immunochemical tests, known as FIT kits, are used by people with symptoms and by anyone taking part in the bowel screening programme.

Screening can spot bowel cancer at an early stage, when it’s most likely to treatable. Research shows that more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed at the earliest stage.

To learn more about the bowel cancer screening, go to https://bit.ly/2YYuVVv

27/01/2026

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer or feeling worried, it’s important to see your GP. We’re here to guide you through what your GP appointment might be like and help you understand when it's important to see your GP:

- If you have any symptoms of bowel cancer, or if you’re worried about a close family history of bowel cancer.
- Even if you have recently done a bowel screening test, you should still speak to your GP as soon as you can if you notice any symptoms or changes.

If you don't have a GP, you can find a list of surgeries on the NHS websites for England, Scotland and Wales and on the Health and Social Care website for Northern Ireland.

We know it can sometimes be difficult to get a GP appointment, but it’s important to keep trying. Your GP is there to help you and to make sure you get the right care at the right time.

For more information and guidance, please visit our website here: https://bit.ly/48zudgI

27/01/2026

If you are a man aged 65, you will be invited to take part in the AAA screening programme.

By attending your screening appointment, it is possible to detect, monitor and treat most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

For more info and advice about the AAA screening process, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/AAA remember to share this with a loved one who may be eligible!

If you have been invited to attend for screening and missed your appointment, please contact the AAA Screening Programme Office on 028 9615 1212 to arrange an appointment and receive information about AAA screening. Offices are open Monday – Friday 10am-4pm.

26/01/2026

26/01/2026

22/01/2026

22/01/2026

Worried about your cervical screening appointment? Here are some practical tips to help.

You may need support to attend your cervical screening. When you book, tell your GP surgery or s*xual health clinic if you need any reasonable adjustments, such as:
- a longer or double appointment
- information in other languages or formats or an interpreter
- a chaperone in the room with you (another trained member of staff)
- an appointment with a trusted doctor or nurse who you already have a good relationship with

You should:
- book your screening for when you’re not having a period – this includes the 2 days before or after you bleed
- wait until after any treatment for unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection
- let them know if you are or could be pregnant, as you may need to delay your screening

For more information on what to expect at your appointment, visit: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/2026/01/16/your-guide-to-cervical-screening/

19/01/2026

Due to network IT issues we, and many other practices, are experiencing problems which are causing a delay in our services. This may continue into tomorrow unfortunately. We are advised everything is being done to get us back to normal service but for now we are doing our best in difficult circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.

16/01/2026

We are currently having issues with our phone lines. We are working to get this sorted.

15/01/2026

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions - without you seeing a GP.

Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.

14/01/2026

January is .

Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after s*x, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during s*x
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

Cervical cancer leads to approximately 685 deaths in England each year. However, through cervical screening and the HPV vaccination programme, eliminating cervical cancer is more achievable than ever before.

Take up the offer if you are invited to receive a HPV vaccine or invited to attend your cervical screening and if you are worried about cervical cancer, speak with your GP.