Hallpark Medical Practice

18/02/2026

🚨 Co-codamol 30/500 Supply Shortage – Important Patient Update 🚨

There is currently a UK-wide shortage of co-codamol 30/500 tablets. Supplies are expected to be limited from early February 2026 until the summer.

Unfortunately, other forms (capsules, soluble tablets or different strengths) cannot fully replace the usual tablets, so we may not be able to switch everyone to another type.

💊 What does this mean for you?

You may not receive your usual supply of co-codamol 30/500.

Your GP or pharmacist may talk to you about alternatives such as:
• Using paracetamol on its own
• Gradually reducing co-codamol and replacing some doses with paracetamol

🤔 Why might reducing be helpful?

Co-codamol is not usually recommended for long-term use.

Regular use can lead to:
• It becoming less effective over time
• Side effects (sleepiness, nausea, constipation)
• Dependence – meaning you may feel unwell if you stop suddenly

📉 Reducing safely

Normally, people reduce by:
• One tablet at one dose every 1–2 weeks

Because of the shortage, some people may need to reduce a little faster (for example, every 3–7 days).

You might notice mild flu-like symptoms, sweating, or feeling restless when cutting down — these usually settle within a few days.

Please follow the plan agreed with your prescriber.

✅ What you can do now

• Check what you already have at home before ordering more
• Only request co-codamol when you need it
• Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you’re worried
• Be open to alternative pain relief — many patients manage well on simpler options

This shortage may also be a good opportunity to review whether co-codamol is still the right medicine for you.

Thank you for your understanding and patience

17/02/2026

🙏 Thank you for your patience

Thank you to everyone for your patience while our IT systems were down. Everything is now back up and running as normal.

17/02/2026

📢 Planned IT System Downtime Today (12:00–14:00)
Please be aware that our IT systems will be unavailable between 12:00 and 14:00 today. This is due to essential maintenance work, and during this time we will have no access to patient records or electronic systems.
➡️ Only call if your request is urgent, as our ability to assist will be limited.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this downtime.
We will update you as soon as systems are back up and running.

20/01/2026

20/01/2026

⚠️🚧 ROADWORKS ALERT 🚧⚠️
Roadworks have started at the Whins Road roundabout today and will be in place for approximately 3 days.

If you have an appointment, please allow extra travel time so you don’t get caught in delays.

Thanks for your patience!

26/12/2025

Need a Pharmacist? The following Pharmacies are open today 🎄

Visit our Winter Zone for more info ⬇
www.nhsforthvalley.com/winter

18/12/2025

**PROBLEM RESOLVED**

We are currently experiencing computer system issues, so please only call the practice if you have an urgent medical emergency.
Our IT team is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, and we will provide an update as soon as everything is back up and running.
Thank you for your patience and understanding

13/12/2025

Several Pharmacies will be open on Sundays throughout the winter months offering an enhanced service.

What’s available?
✅Expert advice and treatment for minor health issues
✅Referral to other healthcare providers if required
✅Pharmacist prescribers are able to prescribe free medication for a wider range of conditions, including:

🔹Respiratory infections
🔹Sinusitis
🔹Ear pain
🔹Sore throats
🔹Urinary tract infections
🔹Allergies
🔹and many other common conditions

No appointment required – simply drop in at any of the pharmacies listed below during opening hours (10:00 – 17:00).

🔗 www.nhsforthvalley.com/winter

10/12/2025

Our computer system issues have now been resolved.
Thank you for your patience while we worked to fix the problem.

10/12/2025

We are currently experiencing computer system issues, so please only call the practice if you have an urgent medical emergency.

Our IT team is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, and we will provide an update as soon as everything is back up and running.

Thank you for your patience and understanding

08/12/2025

A sharp and early rise in seasonal flu is hitting communities across the Forth Valley region, forcing NHS Forth Valley to put in place temporary visiting restrictions and the use of face masks has been reintroduced as health leaders issue urgent appeals for public cooperation.

NHS Forth Valley Director for Public Health Jennifer Champion, said: “Seasonal flu has arrived early this year and is circulating widely in the community which is now having a major impact on services.

“To help limit the spread of infection, we are asking for the public’s continued support. Please do not visit hospitals, care homes, or other healthcare settings if you are unwell. Even mild symptoms can easily pass to others and have serious consequences for vulnerable patients.

“Visiting hours for all inpatient areas (excluding Women and Children) will now be temporarily restricted to 2pm–3pm in the afternoon and 6pm–7pm in the evening. Only one visitor per patient will be permitted during these times.
“If you require visiting out with these hours due to end-of-life care or because your loved one needs additional support related to cognitive impairment or other complex care needs, please speak with the Senior Charge Nurse.

“We will continue to review this position daily and appreciate your understanding and support.”

Flu vaccination drop-in sessions will open from Monday 8 December and members of the public who are eligible should check the NHS Forth Valley website for details of their nearest clinic. The vaccine is your best protection against flu as, if you do catch it, your symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long which significantly reduces the needing to go be admitted to hospital for treatment.

In response to rising infection levels, fluid resistant surgical masks (FRSM) are being advised for staff working in clinical areas, including those visiting our wards. Independent contractors in primary care – such as GP practices – and staff in social care settings are also being strongly advised to wear FRSM masks.

We are asking all patients and visitors to wear a face mask when attending hospital for appointments or while visiting loved ones. Masks will be made available at the entrances to all wards and clinical areas, and we encourage everyone to use them to help reduce the spread of infection and protect vulnerable patients.

Most cold and mild flu symptoms are caused by viral infections which don’t respond to antibiotics, so rather than calling your GP Practice, the best advice is to stay at home, rest and take over-the-counter remedies at home.

These viruses can spread very quickly, so please only go out if absolutely necessary and don’t attend the Emergency Department with flu symptoms. You can check your symptoms and get advice by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/winter-illness/

Those who are concerned about their symptoms or are in a higher-risk group can seek advice via NHS Inform, NHS 24 on 111, or from their GP or local pharmacist.

For more information on how to access the care most appropriate for your needs, visit our Winter Zone at www.nhsforthvalley.com/winterzone.