IslandHealth Guernsey

24/03/2026

20/03/2026

Public Health is conscious that reports of new meningitis cases in the UK may be worrying for parents with children studying away, and so has issued some advice for islanders, particularly those at university, to consider.

For updated FAQs, symptoms to watch for, and reliable information, please visit gov.gg/Kentmeningitis

The UK Health Security Agency, leading the response, advises that the overall risk to the wider public remains low, and has confirmed that at present, all known cases are in Kent.

Guernsey students at the University of Kent who plan to return home early for Easter are asked to contact Public Health at publichealth@gov.gg for support. There’s sufficient stock of antibiotics and the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine for those eligible students returning to Guernsey.

18/03/2026

We are aware of understandable concern following reports of a recent meningitis outbreak in Kent.

We’d like to reassure patients locally and clarify current guidance around the MenB vaccine.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
In Guernsey, we follow UK national immunisation guidance.

The MenB vaccine is routinely offered to infants at:
• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 1 year

Children aged 2 years and under are the main group eligible for routine vaccination.

WHY NOT OLDER CHILDREN & ADULTS?
• The programme was introduced in 2015 for infants
• Older children, teenagers and adults are not routinely eligible
• The overall risk to the general population remains low

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN OUTBREAK?
Guidance supports a targeted approach:
• Vaccination is not offered to everyone
• High-risk groups (e.g. close contacts) may be offered vaccination and/or antibiotics

In Guernsey, Public Health will contact individuals directly where needed — including advising on any case-by-case adult booster doses if clinically indicated.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
Seek urgent medical attention if you or your child develop:
• Fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting
• A rash that does not fade when pressed

OUR ADVICE
• Ensure your child is up to date with routine vaccinations
• Be aware of symptoms and seek help early
• Follow any direct advice from Guernsey Public Health if contacted

If you have concerns or would like to check vaccination eligibility, please contact the practice — we’re happy to help.

01/03/2026

❤️ It’s Pulse Day! ❤️

Today we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to check your pulse.

An irregular pulse can be a sign of heart rhythm problems such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF). AF often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of stroke if left untreated. The good news? It’s easy to check, and treatment is very effective.

🖐️ To check your pulse:
• Sit down and relax
• Place two fingers on the inside of your wrist
• Count the beats for 30 seconds
• Is it regular? Or irregular and uneven?

If it feels irregular, don’t panic but do book an appointment with your GP to get it checked. If you're eligible you could also join our risk detection programme.

It only takes 30 seconds. It could make a lifetime of difference.

18/02/2026

Don't forget our Bailiwick Social Prescribing drop In is at Trinity Café Holy Trinity Church Guernsey this Friday (20th) from 0930 until 1130. We will also be there every 3rd Friday of the month going forward.

If you’re curious about Social Prescribing, on our waiting list, or simply want to find out how we can support your wellbeing, come along for a relaxed chat. It’s a great chance to meet the team, ask questions, and connect with others in a friendly, welcoming space, we would love to see you. Everyone is welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!

17/02/2026

🚹 New Men’s Health Clinic at IslandHealth

We’re excited to share that Dr Mitch has completed specialist training in Men’s Health, with a focus on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) — and we’re now offering dedicated appointments at IslandHealth.

Many men experience changes in energy, mood, sleep, libido or weight as they get older, but often put it down to “just ageing”. Support is available — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Dr Mitch can now help assess and manage:

✔ Low energy and fatigue
✔ Reduced libido
✔ Mood changes
✔ Erectile dysfunction
✔ Weight and metabolic concerns
✔ Sleep issues
✔ General men’s wellbeing

The clinic offers thorough assessments, blood testing where appropriate, safe treatment plans, and practical lifestyle support to help you feel more like yourself again.

🗓 First appointments are slightly longer so there’s time for a proper conversation and personalised plan.

📞 Contact Dr Mitch’s PA at our L’Aumone Medical Centre to book a Men’s Health consultation.

12/02/2026

We’re delighted to share that Dr Cassie & Associates will be coming to Guernsey from April 2026 and will be operating from IslandHealth’s L’Aumone Medical Centre.

Dr Cassie’s specialist team supports children, young people and families with compassionate, evidence-based care. Services will include ASD, ADHD and combined assessments, as well as new patient and medication consultations.

Families can now register their interest and find out more at:
🌐 www.drcassie.co.uk
📧 enquiries@drcassie.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming Dr Cassie & Associates and expanding specialist support for families in Guernsey.

10/02/2026

We will be hosting our 2nd Bailiwick Social Prescribing drop In at Shiloh Church tomorrow, Wednesday from 1030 until 1230. We will also be there every 2nd Wednesday of the month going forward.

If you’re curious about Social Prescribing and want to find out how we can support your wellbeing, come along for a relaxed chat and a cuppa at the wonderful Shiloh community café. It’s a great chance to meet the team, ask questions, and connect with others in a friendly, welcoming space.

Everyone is welcome and we would love to see you.

09/02/2026

05/02/2026

We are pleased to share that a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) has been installed at L’Aumone Medical Centre as part of our ongoing commitment to patient and community safety.

This lifesaving equipment was sponsored by IslandHealth through the Cardiac Action Group (CAG). The charity works to raise awareness of heart health and to reduce deaths from cardiac arrest in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Their mission is to build a comprehensive community network of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) that can help save lives when every second counts.

We are grateful to CAG for their support in helping strengthen emergency response within our community.

To learn more about the Cardiac Action Group and their important work, visit: https://cag.org.gg/

04/02/2026

You may have noticed a fresh new look around the practice — our Nursing Team and Phlebotomists introduced their new uniforms on 19th January.

The updated uniforms make it easier to recognise our Nursing staff while helping create a friendly and professional environment for everyone visiting the surgery. Although the uniforms are new, the familiar faces and the same caring support for our patients remain unchanged.

We’re proud of our wonderful nursing team!

03/02/2026

🌿 Lifestyle Medicine at IslandHealth 🌿

Did you know your health is shaped by more than prescriptions alone?

Dr Rachel Heath offers a dedicated Lifestyle Medicine service, focusing on practical, evidence-based ways to improve your wellbeing through:
✔️ Sleep
✔️ Nutrition
✔️ Movement
✔️ Stress management

Small, sustainable changes in these areas can have a powerful impact on blood pressure, energy levels, recovery, and long-term health.

We’re incredibly lucky to live in Guernsey — with fresh sea air, cliff paths, beaches, and commons right on our doorstep. Our island provides the perfect environment to support healthier routines, whether that’s a daily walk, mindful time outdoors, or reconnecting with rest and recovery.

Lifestyle medicine isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building habits that support a healthier life — guided by your GP, tailored to you.

If you’d like to learn more or book a lifestyle assessment, please contact the surgery.

Because medicine is more than medication. 💙