Biddulphdoctors

26/01/2026

Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health, and it does not have to mean spending hours in the gym. Being active can help reduce the risk of long-term conditions, improve mood and boost energy levels, while also supporting independence as we age.

Examples of regular exercise include:
🚴‍♂️ Brisk walking or cycling to improve heart health
💪 Strength exercises like carrying shopping or resistance training to build muscle
🧘‍♀️Balance and flexibility activities such as yoga or stretching to reduce falls and stiffness
💙 Low-impact activities like swimming or chair-based exercises, especially later in life

Staying active in ways you enjoy makes it easier to keep exercise as part of everyday life.

Learn about the health benefits of exercise: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Explore exercise ideas for weight loss without the gym: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/the-best-exercises-for-weight-loss-if-you-hate-the-gym

Read advice on exercising safely in later life: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-exercise-safely-in-later-life

23/01/2026

UHNM launches mobile maternity and screening bus to support pregnant women across Stoke-on-Trent

Pregnant women and their families across Stoke-on-Trent will have easier access to maternity information and health advice thanks to the launch of a new UHNM maternity and screening bus. 🚌🤰

The Maternity and Community Screening Initiative (MACSI) bus will make it easier for people who might struggle to access traditional services to get the support they need.

Midwives and specialist teams will be onboard to offer advice on early pregnancy booking, screenings, vaccinations and support for those at higher risk including young women, asylum seekers, and women with learning disabilities.

Funded by NHS England bus will run on selected dates across Stoke-on-Trent until April.

🗣 Debbie Tomlinson, Outpatient Midwifery Matron at UHNM, said: "The maternity screening bus is a drop-in service offering expert advice and education for pregnant women, partners, families, and anyone interested in maternity care, there’s no need for an appointment, and you don’t have to live locally to visit.

“Midwives and specialist teams will be on hand to provide guidance on early pregnancy booking, explain why attending maternity services by nine weeks and six days is so important, and give information on screening options, vaccinations, and partner testing. Our specialist teams will also provide tailored support for young women, asylum seekers, women with learning disabilities, and those at higher risk due to health inequalities.

"This initiative brings together services that were previously delivered separately, making it easier for people to access the information and support they need in one place. By visiting the communities who may find it harder to reach traditional services, we can help ensure women have timely access to care, make informed choices for themselves and their babies and promote overall health and wellbeing during pregnancy.

“Locations have been carefully chosen based on community need, partnerships, and accessibility, ensuring families who may benefit most can easily engage with the service. If you see the bus, please come on board, ask questions and find out what support is available for you and your family.”

23/01/2026

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for your physical health. The Better Health – Mind Plan Quiz helps you create a personalised plan with simple, practical actions to support how you’re feeling right now. From managing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting mood, trusted advice and resources can help you take positive steps for your mental health. 💙🧠✨

Take the Mind Plan Quiz: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/

Read the latest mental health features and advice: https://patient.info/features/mental-health?sort=recent

21/01/2026

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a reminder of the importance of taking steps to protect your health. Cervical screening helps detect abnormal cells before they can turn into cancer, and attending when invited can save lives.

Understanding the facts, challenging common myths and knowing what to expect from screening can help reduce anxiety and encourage more people to attend. Reliable information and support are available to help you make informed choices about your cervical health. 💗🩺✨

Learn more from The Eve Appeal: https://eveappeal.org.uk/

Read NHS guidance on cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

Explore myths and facts about cervical screening: https://patient.info/features/cancer/what-are-the-common-myths-and-facts-about-cervical-screening

20/01/2026

🌟 A Big Thank You! 🌟
We’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who took the time to share their feedback with us throughout December 💬💙. We’re thrilled to report that 97% of patients who participated in the Friends and Family Test rated their experience with our service as either “very good” or “good” 👍✨.
It’s been wonderful reading so many positive reviews, and we truly appreciate all your input 🙏💖.
Here are just a few of your comments:
🗣️ “On time, friendly and professional staff members and a fast referral.”
🗣️ “Information was helpful, appointment on time, doctor was professional and friendly.”
📱 “Appointment made on the app which is very good to make the time and date for myself. The Nurse was very pleasant and helpful.”
😊 “The doctor was so good he had time to answer all my questions, and I left the surgery happy and reassured about my general health.”
🚶‍♀️ “You can put the Doctor's not right at the very end of the corridor because some people have trouble walking and get out of breath.”
📞 “Making an appointment should be easier especially over the phone being no 30 in a queue is unacceptable.”
________________________________________
👂 We Are Listening

There are several ways to book an appointment 🗓️. You may visit the surgery in person, or use our online service to submit a medical or administrative query. All online submissions are reviewed within two working days. In addition, our telephone system offers a callback feature 🔁, allowing you to request an automatic return call once you reach number one in the queue ☎️.

If you struggle with mobility, please inform our reception team when booking an appointment ♿.

📊 The NHS Friends and Family Test is a key tool for gathering your thoughts, helping us reflect on and improve our services. Your feedback is invaluable in guiding us on what we’re doing well and where we can improve 💡✨.
💙 Once again, thank you for your ongoing support in helping us provide the best care possible!

19/01/2026

Sinusitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose, headaches and reduced sense of smell. While many cases improve on their own, treatments like pain relief, nasal sprays, steam inhalation and self-care can help ease symptoms, and medical advice may be needed if symptoms last longer or worsen. Knowing the signs and treatment options can help you manage sinusitis more effectively and understand when to seek help. 🤧💧🩺✨

Read detailed clinical information on sinusitis: https://patient.info/doctor/ear-nose-throat/sinusitis-pro

Get NHS advice on symptoms and treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/

16/01/2026

During National Obesity Awareness Week, the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme highlights the support available to help people achieve and maintain a healthier weight. This free, online programme is designed for eligible adults and focuses on practical tools for healthier eating, increasing physical activity and making sustainable behaviour changes that last. 🚶‍♂️💙

Taking part can help improve confidence, boost energy levels and support both physical and mental wellbeing over the long term. Support is flexible, accessible from home and built around real-life routines, making healthier changes more achievable. 🥗✨

Learn more about the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme: https://www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/

14/01/2026

You can get oral contraception and emergency contraception directly from participating pharmacies, without needing a prescription or GP appointment. This makes accessing contraception quicker and more convenient, helping you stay in control of your s*xual health. Trained pharmacy teams can offer confidential advice and support to help you choose the right option for you. 💊🩺

Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant after unprotected s*x (s*x without contraception or when contraception might have failed). If you need emergency contraception after having unprotected s*x, speak to your local pharmacist as soon as you can. You need to use emergency contraception within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected s*x. ✨

Find a pharmacy offering contraception without a prescription: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-offering-contraceptive-pill-without-prescription/

12/01/2026

Living well is about taking care of your health in ways that fit into everyday life, and trusted NHS advice can support you at every step. 💙✨

Whether you want to eat a more balanced diet, reach or maintain a healthy weight, move your body more, improve your sleep, quit smoking or cut down on alcohol, there is practical guidance to help you make lasting changes.

Support is also available for addiction and s*xual health, helping you look after both your physical and mental wellbeing. Making small, positive changes today can lead to a healthier, happier future. 🌱💪

Explore NHS Live Well advice on healthy eating, exercise, sleep, addiction and s*xual health: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

09/01/2026

Starting the new year smoke free can make a huge difference to your health, finances and wellbeing. 🚭

Creating a personal quit smoking plan helps you understand your triggers, set clear goals and prepare for cravings so you can quit with confidence and support. Taking that first step today can lead to lasting change. 💪✨

Create your personal quit smoking plan: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

If you would like more support, you can contact your GP practice and they will be able to help you get started on your journey to quit smoking 🚭🌱✨

08/01/2026

🌟 Thank You for Attending Your Appointments! 🌟

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our patients who attended their appointments in December 🙌
Your commitment plays a vital role in helping us deliver the best possible care to everyone 💙

📊 December DNA (Did Not Attend) Figures
Please see below the number of missed appointments last month:

👩‍⚕️ Health Care Support Workers – 13
🩺 Practice Nurse – 57
👨‍⚕️ Doctors – 27
💊 Pharmacists – 15
🧑‍⚕️ Advanced Nurse Practitioner – 4
🚑 Practice Matron / Paramedic – 7
🤰 Midwife – 0 🎉

⏰ Why Cancelling Matters
If you’re unable to attend an appointment, letting us know is incredibly important — for us and the NHS 🏥
Cancelled appointments can be offered to another patient who may urgently need care 💚

🤝 Together, we can
✔ Use NHS resources efficiently
✔ Reduce wasted appointments
✔ Support more patients in our community

📱 Did you know you can cancel or change your appointment in these easy ways?

✅ Via the NHS App
📩 Using the link in your appointment reminder text
📞 Calling the practice on 01782 432420 (select option 5)
🏥 Visiting the practice in person

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation 💙✨