News

Cervical screening - getting notified about results!

From September, the NHS will start sending negative cervical screening results directly to your NHS App 📲.

Here’s how it will work:
- If your result is negative, you’ll get a message in your NHS App and a notification.
- If you don’t read the message within 72 hours, you’ll receive a letter in the post as a back-up.
- If your result is abnormal, you’ll still receive a letter by post.

Tip: Make sure your NHS App is downloaded and your notifications are turned on so you can see your results quickly and easily.

Download the NHS App here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

Practice Update - Patient led ordering.

The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. For most patients, this means that instead of their local pharmacy ordering their prescriptions for them, they will need to request medication directly from their GP practice. 
The NHS App is the safest and easiest way for patients to request their repeat prescription – giving them more control over their healthcare and taking away the hassle of unnecessary trips to the GP practice. 

The app is easy to use, with a ‘Help’ section within the app to guide patients if they hit a problem, and allows patients to choose where their prescription is sent. Patients can also order their prescriptions at any time that suits them. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP 
surgery opens.

Patients who are unable to order their own medication by any of the recommended routes, are vulnerable and/or housebound, will be supported by their 
GP and local pharmacy.

What do I do now?

• Download the NHS App. You can do this via the Apple Store or Google Play. You can set up an NHS account and log in via the NHS App webpage if you would prefer to use a PC. 
• Set up online prescription ordering. 
• Make sure your GP practice is aware, if you, or someone you care about, may struggle to order their prescriptions.

If you already order your repeat prescriptions online, via the NHS App or another online platform used by your GP practice, these changes will not affect 
you.
You can find out more on the NHS App webpage.

MMR Vaccine

If in Doubt, Check is Out

We’re pleased to be working with the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance to promote their “If in Doubt, Check it Out” campaign over the coming months. The campaign, featuring GPs (Our very own Dr McEwan) and other primary care staff from across Greater Manchester, seeks to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, which can make a crucial difference in how treatable cancer is.

Many people delay seeking medical help due to fear, uncertainty, or not wanting to “bother” their doctor—but this campaign wants to change that mindset. Others worry that it will be too hard to get a GP appointment – another myth the campaign seeks to debunk.

Dr Sarah Taylor, Early Diagnosis Lead at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We know that people sometimes put off seeing their GP when they’re worried. But doctors want to see patients who are worried about cancer as soon as possible. If you are you experiencing any unusual symptoms that could be cancer, don’t delay – contact your GP today.

“The chances are your symptoms aren’t cancer – but if they are – the sooner we find cancer, the easier it is to treat. If in doubt, you should always check it out.”

The NHS advise that it’s important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms. Although it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.

Some symptoms to look out for include: coughing, chest pain and breathlessness for three weeks of more, lumps, changes in bowel habits, bloating, bleeding, changes to moles, unexplained weight loss, tummy or back pain, indigestion and heartburn, itchy or yellow skin, feeling tired and unwell.

For more information about cancer symptoms and when to seek help, visit the NHS cancer information page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer.

MMR Vaccine - are you up to date?

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) & The Importance of Responsible Antibiotic Use

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses etc. evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them. This makes common infections harder to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, more severe illness, and even death. AMR is a global health threat, and one of the most important ways to combat it is through responsible antibiotic use.

Why Antibiotic Responsibility Matters

Antibiotics are powerful tools that have saved millions of lives, but their misuse contributes to the development of AMR. To protect their effectiveness for future generations, it's crucial to use antibiotics responsibly:

• Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
• Never share antibiotics with others or use leftover medications.
• Avoid using antibiotics for viral infections like colds or the flu, as they have no effect on viruses.

By following these simple practices, we can help ensure antibiotics remain effective in treating infections and prevent the rise of resistant bacteria.

Together, we can fight AMR and protect the power of antibiotics for everyone