Albyn Medical Practice

28/11/2025

Christmas party season is almost here...

This means that for many, the alcohol consumption increases, the quantity of food consumed increases but the quality of what enters our body decreases slightly.

Many of us enjoy a Christmas chocolate and a tipple, but we would encourage you to do so in a measured fashion. By continuing to eat a balanced diet (for most of the time) and staying hydrated, you reduce the risk of catching a common illness (or having a constant headache...!)

Enjoy yourself, but continue any good habits you have the rest of the year during the coming months. Future You will thank present You.

27/11/2025

Eligible for the flu vaccine?

If you've been invited by your local healthboard for the flu vaccine, you may wish to consider receiving this in a bid to reduce your risk.

Even if you're not eligible, you may be able to obtain the vaccine privately from a community pharmacy.

Benefits to the vaccine?

1) It reduces the chance of catching the flu, but if you do, it will lower the severity of the symptoms.
2) It can help protect vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, over 65s, people with long-term conditions or immuno-suppressed such as asthma/COPD and rheumatoid arthritis, and front-line carers and healthcare workers.
3) It can help reduce the number of people who may become seriously unwell and become hospitalised, therefore reducing the pressures on healthcare services.
4) Flu strains can change annually, and so does the vaccine - this ensures the best protection possible for the strain that is active.

Please note, primary care has no involvement with the flu vaccine programme anymore. If you are eligible, the healthboard will contact you directly with information on how to obtain the vaccine.

26/11/2025

Remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Why is staying warm important?

1) Cold weather can make aches and pains in your joints more prominent.
2) Breathing in cold air can trigger symptoms of asthma and worsen existing lung conditions. A simple scarf can sometimes help.
3) Your immune system will thank you - it operates better in a warm body!
4) Your general wellbeing will be improved by staying warm. You'll sleep better and your body will be under less stress.

Layering is the key; lots of thinner layers are more effective than one big layer, wear suitable footwear and try and keep your home at least 18 degrees celsius. If you don't need to, don't spend excessive amounts of time outdoors unless your suitably clothed.

25/11/2025

Got the sniffles?

It is extremely common for coughs and colds to do the rounds at this time of year. The following steps could help prevent you falling ill, or to self-manage at home should you need to.

1) Hand hygiene - wash your hands to prevent the passing of bugs.
2) Keep a handy pack of tissues with you - for those annoying runny noses, sneezes and coughs, and bin them immediately after use.
3) Consume immune-boosting food and drinks - citrus fruits, leafy green, oily fish, eggs... these are just some examples of food that contains all the nutrients to support a healthy immune system.
4) Minimise contact with vulnerable friends, family or strangers - full of the cold? Reduce risk to those around you who may struggle a little more with a winter bug. It'll help keep them safe and healthy.
5) Flu? - it's something we all hope to avoid, but if we do get the flu, this can and should be managed at home. Simple paracetamol will help with any fevers and pains you may experience, alongside plenty of water and rest.

24/11/2025

**Are you feeling the Winter Blues?**

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is very common at this time of year. We don't get much sunlight, the weather is usually miserable and it can be a real struggle for many of us.

There are however plenty of ways for you to self-manage this and improve how you feel on a day-to-day basis.

1) Try and get outside during daylight hours, even just for a quick stomp. If this is not an option for you, invest in a SAD light which mimics daylight hours and has been scientifically proven to be beneficial.
2) Stay active, exercise boosts serotonin and endorphins - natural "happy hormones"
3) Keep your diet balanced. It's easy to turn to the comfort food, but try to stick to a balanced diet with fibrous, filling foods as much as possible.
4) Enjoy the cosy - find a new indoor hobby, enjoy the hot chocolates, read a new book or two and light that candle. Small routines can make winter more inviting.
5) Stay connected with others - even if online. Socialising is important and helps to combat that feeling of isolation.
6) Vitamin D supplements - many of us are deficient in vitamin D, and even more so during winter. If you can, consider supplementing with vitamin D to keep your levels within a more normal range.

If you are really struggling, please reach out to your GP or a mental health charity such as Mind, Mental Health UK or Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA).

21/11/2025

Between 24th November and 28th November, we are going to be hosting a virtual Winter Wellness Week on our Facebook. We will share tips for you all to stay healthier and manage minor illnesses that are unfortunately common during this season, such as coughs and colds.

21/11/2025

** TRAVEL SAFETY **

We urge all patients who are due to come in to please travel with caution. If you are unsure whether you'll manage in and have a face-to-face appointment, you can consider changing this to a telephone one instead - please just phone us to discuss. Please note, this is not suitable for patients expecting an examination of some kind.

Our priority is your safety.

14/11/2025

**CHANGE TO PRACTICE BOUNDARY**

We have a minor change to our boundary with immediate effect, which only affects those living in the area of Cults (AB15 9). We no longer cover this area, meaning any NEW patients who ask to register with us who reside in that area will be refused. This does not affect patients who are already registered with us - your registration remains with us.

If you have any queries, you are welcome to phone the Practice to discuss.

13/11/2025

Albyn stand in full support of this message from New Dyce. General Practice is a rewarding, interesting and skilled job - no matter what role the staff have.

Kindness costs nothing. We are all here to help you as best as we can, in the most appropriate way.

12/11/2025

**PRACTICE CLOSURE**

Please note, we are closing from 2pm today, Wed 12th Nov, to undergo staff training. The building will be closed and you will be unable to gain access. Our eConsult service will be unavailable during this time too.

We will re-open at 8am on Thursday 13th November.

If you experience a medical emergency during this time, please phone 999. If you feel you require urgent medical advice that cannot wait until we re-open on Thursday, please phone 01224 565444 (from 2pm onwards, only)

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

03/11/2025

**PATIENT NOTICE**

Unfortunately we are experiencing some difficulties with our phones this morning. We are communicating with our provider to try and resolve this as quickly as possible. If your query is not urgent, please consider using eConsult or trying us this afternoon.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

31/10/2025

This video shared by the Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership shows "A Day in the Life of a GP", filmed in Elmbank Medical Centre, Aberdeen.

Please spare 10 minutes to give it a watch. Whilst every Practice operates slightly differently and has different processes, the basis of how we operate and the type of work we do is similar.

You may it informative and interesting, seeing behind the scenes of a Practice and what actually goes on.

Discover the vital roles and teamwork that keep a GP Practice running smoothly. This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, services, and daily...