Wootton Vale & Shortstown Surgery

25/02/2026

Reminder that Wootton & Shortstown surgery will be closed for essential staff training tomorrow afternoon from 14:30pm and therefore we will not be available after this time.

Should you need medical advice during this time, please contact NHS 111 or, in an emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.

Phone lines will remain open until 14:30pm.

The surgery will reopen at 8am on Friday 27th February 2026.

24/02/2026

Please be advised there are roadworks around Wootton Surgery. Please allow extra time for travel to ensure you arrive on time for your appointment. Please note that our ten-minute grace period still applies; arrivals later than this may be recorded as DNA.

16/02/2026

Wootton & Shortstown surgery will be closed for essential staff training on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 14:30pm and therefore we will not be available after this time.
Should you need medical advice during this time, please contact NHS 111 or, in an emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.
Phone lines will remain open until 14:30pm.
The surgery will reopen at 8am on Friday 27th February 2026.

10/02/2026

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 – A Guide for Parents and Guardians

Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 9 to 15 February 2026. It is led by the UK children’s charity Place2Be. (https://www.place2be.org.uk/)

The week helps families, schools and communities talk about children’s mental health. It also shares simple ways to help children feel safe, valued and supported.

This year’s theme: “This is My Place”

The theme for 2026 is “This is My Place”. This means helping children feel they belong.

A child’s “place” can be:
their home
their school
their group of friends
their local community
When children feel they belong, they often feel safer. They may find it easier to talk, learn and try new things.
Why belonging matters
Feeling included helps children:

build confidence
manage stress
form healthy friendships
feel understood
Small actions at home can make a big difference. Even a short chat or shared activity can help a child feel valued.

Simple ways to support your child
1. Talk about feelings
Let your child know it is okay to talk about how they feel. Listen without judging or rushing to fix things.

Try this tonight: “What made you feel happy today?” or “Was anything hard today?”

2. Use creative play
Drawing, colouring or building can help children share thoughts in a gentle way. Talk together while you create.

Try this: Spend 15 minutes making a picture called “My Place” and ask your child to explain it.

3. Keep calm routines
Regular times for sleep, meals and play help children feel safe. Predictable days can lower worry and stress.

Try this: Pick one evening this week for a screen-free family activity, like a walk, a game or reading together.

4. Encourage kindness
Talk about how it feels to be left out. Help your child notice when others may need support.

Try this: Help your child do one kind act this week, such as sharing a toy or inviting someone to play.

22/01/2026

Reminder that we are closed this afternoon for essential staff training:

Wootton & Shortstown surgery will be closed for essential staff training today 22nd January 2025 from 14:30pm and therefore we will not be available after this time.
Should you need medical advice during this time, please contact NHS 111 or, in an emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.
Phone lines will remain open until 14:30pm.
The surgery will reopen at 8am on Friday 23rd January 2026.

16/01/2026

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – 22nd-28th January 2026

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is an annual campaign aimed at educating people about cervical cancer, the importance of regular screenings and methods of prevention. Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, and this week serves as a reminder to prioritise cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of this cancer.

Cervical Screening

What is ‘cervical screening’?

Cervical screening (previously known as a ‘smear test’) is a free health test available on the NHS which checks the health of your cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the va**na) and helps you find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer.

The purpose of cervical screening is to identify any early signs of cervical cancer or precancerous changes. Detecting these abnormalities early allows for timely treatment, which can prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Who is invited for a cervical screening?

Those aged between 25-64 with a cervix. Women are usually born with a cervix. Trans men, non-binary and intersex people may also have one, and would therefore be eligible for a screening test.

You’ll be invited for screening every 5 years from when you’re 25 to 64 years old. You’ll get your first invitation a few months before you turn 25.

Why is it important?

Along with the HPV vaccine, cervical screening is the best way to protect against cervical cancer and prevents over 70% of diagnoses.

HPV Vaccination

The NHS HPV vaccination programme in England has dramatically lowered HPV infections and rates of cervical cancer in vaccine-eligible women, with the strongest effects seen in those offered vaccination at younger ages.

The HPV Vaccination is provided in schools around the age of 13. This year, the NHS is conducting an HPV catch-up campaign. If you are aged between 16-24yrs and have not had an HPV vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book.

16/01/2026

Coming soon to Shortstown surgery – You Can Do IT.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BedsRCC) is a friendly support service that helps people get connected online and feel more confident with simple day-to-day digital tasks.

This includes booking GP appointments, re-ordering prescriptions, finding local services, and staying in touch with friends and family.

Whether you’re new to using the internet or just need a bit of extra help, You Can Do IT will be here to support you.

16/01/2026

Wootton & Shortstown surgery will be closed for essential staff training on Thursday 22nd January 2026 from 14:30pm and therefore we will not be available after this time.

Should you need medical advice during this time, please contact NHS 111 or, in an emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.

Phone lines will remain open until 14:30pm.

The surgery will reopen at 8am on Friday 23rd January 2026.

17/12/2025

Please see the link below to the NHS England Regional website, with the opening times for community pharmacies over the Christmas period.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/east-of-england/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-east-of-englands-work/pharmacy-information/

Your local pharmacy can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.

Some pharmacies may be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
shingles (aged 18 years and over)
sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
Other services pharmacies provide include:

advice on medicines
disposal of old medicines
help with new medicines
emergency contraception
free blood pressure checks

NHS England — East of England » Pharmacies open over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays 2025/26

17/12/2025

Important information about NHS Winter Pressures

The NHS is currently under a lot of pressure due to an early rise in seasonal flu and a high number of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

If you think you have a flu like symptoms, cold illness, sore throat, ear pain, cough or UTI symptoms, you do not need to see a GP first.

Your local pharmacy may be able to assess and treat these . If needed, the pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics through the Pharmacy First service

This can be a quicker and more convenient way to get treatment.

Please click this link to Find out more about Pharmacy First:

NHS England » Pharmacy First

11/12/2025

Christmas and New Year Closures:

Please note the surgery will be closed over the festive period on the following dates:

Thursday 25th December 2025, Friday 26th December 2025 and Thursday 1st January 2026

To ensure your prescriptions are processed in time, we ask that you submit any requests by Wednesday 17th December 2025.

This will allow our team sufficient time to review and send them to your nominated pharmacy for timely collection. If you run out of medication during the closure period, you can contact NHS 111 or visit a local pharmacy for further advice.

11/12/2025

Important Update: Changes to Blood Pressure (BP) Monitoring Services
From 1 January 2026, the surgery will no longer provide in-house blood pressure (BP) readings due to infection control requirements.
Why We Have Removed the Self-Service BP Machines
To maintain high standards of infection prevention and ensure a safe environment for all patients and staff, the practice will be removing the self-service blood pressure machines from the surgery.
These machines are used frequently throughout the day, and it has become increasingly difficult to clean and decontaminate them to the required standard. Continuing to offer this service could therefore pose an avoidable infection control risk.
Where You Can Have Your Blood Pressure Checked
Patients who need a blood pressure check will still be fully supported:
• Local pharmacies: Many now offer free blood pressure monitoring.
Our reception team can send you a link to help you find your nearest participating pharmacy. Use this link to find a pharmacy that offers the service https://bit.ly/4pk0G2S
• Clinical appointments: Blood pressure readings will continue to be taken when clinically appropriate.
• Home monitoring: If you have a home blood pressure monitor, you can continue to submit your readings to us through the usual channels.
We appreciate your understanding as we make these changes to maintain a safe and protected environment for all patients and staff.

Find out about the blood pressure check service, including who can use it.