Biddulph Valley Surgery

05/01/2026

📊 December Appointment Update 📊

In December, 4,564 patients attended their appointments, while 99 appointments were marked as DNA (Did Not Attend).

Attending or cancelling appointments in advance helps us offer appointments to other patients who may need them.

Thank you to everyone who helped us make the most of our available appointments. 💙

05/01/2026

Love Your Liver Month is a reminder to look after an organ that works hard for you every single day. Your liver fights infections, removes toxins, stores and produces energy and helps you heal.

Making small changes like reducing alcohol, eating well, staying active and knowing your risk factors can help protect your liver and support long-term health. There are simple tools and trusted advice available to help you take positive steps today. 💚🍎✨

Learn more about Love Your Liver Month: https://ow.ly/BqQz50XJI1a

Check your risk with the liver screener: https://ow.ly/oWYW50XJI16

Read advice on showing your liver some TLC: https://ow.ly/ngXk50XJI1m

02/01/2026

Dry January is a great reset, but healthier drinking habits can last all year with the right support and mindset. Small changes like planning alcohol-free days, understanding your triggers, and finding alternatives can make a big difference to your wellbeing over time.

Help and guidance are available if you want to cut back, take a break, or rethink your relationship with alcohol. 💪🍃✨

For advice on habits that last for Dry January and beyond, go to: https://ow.ly/rK9k50XJzYq

For support on managing your drinking in the new year, go to: https://ow.ly/3eso50XJzYu

Need support? Visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

31/12/2025

🍷⏸️ Thinking about drinking less? Taking regular breaks from alcohol and even stopping for a period can lead to real benefits.

👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/should-you-take-regular-breaks-from-drinking-alcohol-throughout-the-year
👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-stop-drinking
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/

Even a few drink-free days each week can make a difference — better sleep, more energy, improved mood and long-term health gains. Make a plan, choose your days, and notice how your body thanks you. 💪

29/12/2025

🛡️👶 Safeguarding children and adults is something we all need to be aware of. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, start with clear, trusted information:

👉 https://patient.info/features/mental-health/safeguarding-adults-leaflet/safeguarding-children
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/

For young people, support is just a phone call away: free and confidential via Childline at 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Together we can help keep everyone safe. 🤝

26/12/2025

📞💙 Not sure whether you need to see a doctor, visit A&E, or get advice at home? NHS 111 is here to help — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 🕒✨

If it’s not an emergency but you need medical help or advice, you can:
👉 Call 111 to speak with a trained adviser 🗣️
👉 Go online for quick guidance: https://111.nhs.uk/ 💻

They can tell you what to do next, whether that’s self-care at home, a pharmacist visit, or an urgent appointment. Stay informed and confident about your care. 💪🌿

24/12/2025

💚 Support is always available – you are not alone 💚

The festive season can be a difficult time for many people. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, money worries, loneliness, bereavement or family challenges - there is help available 24/7.

Below are national helplines offering free, confidential advice and someone to talk to this winter ⬇️

Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
📞 116 123 (free) | ✉️ jo@samaritans.org | 🌐 samaritans.org

Shout – 24/7 crisis text support
💬 Text SHOUT to 85258 | 🌐 giveusashout.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – su***de prevention and support
📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) | 🌐 thecalmzone.net

Combat Stress – support for veterans
📞 0800 1381 619 (24/7) | 🌐 combatstress.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends – for bereaved families
📞 0345 123 2304 (10am–4pm & 7–10pm daily) | 🌐 tcf.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support – help after a loss
📞 0808 808 1677 | 🌐 cruse.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de (SOBS)
📞 0300 111 5065 | ✉️ support@uksobs.org | 🌐 uk-sobs.org.uk

Age UK (England)
📞 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) | 🌐 ageuk.org.uk

The Silver Line – for anyone aged 55+
📞 0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7) | 🌐 thesilverline.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders

📞 0808 801 0677 (England) | 📞 0808 801 0433 (Wales)
🕒 Mon–Fri, 3pm–8pm | 🌐 beateatingdisorders.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
📞 0808 2000 247 (24/7) | 🌐 nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line
📞 0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) | 🌐 mensadviceline.org.uk

LGBT Foundation
📞 0345 3 30 30 30 | 🌐 lgbt.foundation
🕒 10am–10pm, every day

The Trussell Trust (Foodbanks)
📞 0808 208 2138 | 🌐 trusselltrust.org

NHS 111 (England) – urgent mental health or medical advice
📞 111 | Text relay: 18001 111 | 🌐 111.nhs.uk

Please share this post to help others find the right support this winter.

💚 No one should face things alone — help is just a call or message away.

22/12/2025

We would like to congratulate Dr Green, Nurse practitioner Jacky, HCSW Kay, Receptionist Sue, and Nurse Caroline on their Long Service award achievements within the NHS. The team were treated to afternoon tea followed by the presentation of the awards at Uttoxeter racecourse. Well done to you all.😀

22/12/2025

💊⌛️ Run out of your regular prescription and can’t get to your GP? Don’t worry — help is at hand! 🙌

You can request an emergency supply of your usual medication through the NHS 111 online service. It’s quick, secure and available when you need it most. 🌐💙

👉 https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

This service is ideal if you’ve completely run out of a regular medicine and can’t wait for a routine prescription. Always double-check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure. 🩺✨

19/12/2025

🤧🦠 Cold or flu - knowing the difference might not seem urgent, but it can help you act right. A cold often develops slowly and stays mostly around your nose and throat, while the flu tends to hit fast, affects your whole body and leaves you feeling really unwell.

👉 Check what to expect and when to seek help:
https://patient.info/features/infections/difference-between-cold-and-flu
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

Rest well, keep hydrated and if things feel worse than “just a cold”, don’t hesitate to seek advice.

17/12/2025

💊✨ Did you know your local pharmacy can do far more than just hand out prescriptions? Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now help with a range of common conditions — often without needing a GP appointment! 🙌

💬 They can offer advice, treatments and even prescribe for minor illnesses. So next time you’re under the weather, head to your local pharmacy first.

Find out more here:
👉 https://patient.info/features/general-health/pharmacy-first-getting-the-most-from-your-pharmacist
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/

Pharmacists are healthcare experts right on your doorstep. 🌟

15/12/2025