Harwood Group Practice

04/03/2026

1 week to go until national No Smoking Day!

Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Did you know relying on willpower alone is the least effective way to quit? Get free expert support from your local stop smoking service for the best chance of success! 💪 You’re 3 x more likely to quit!

We have a wide range of FREE stop smoking support services for you in Bolton

– Take control of your future, let’s do this together 🤗



https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/smoking



➡️Nicotine replacement therapies

➡️Vape starter kits

➡️Behaviour change sessions

➡️Specialist quit programmes

➡️Pharmacy support

➡️NHS programmes

➡️Digital based apps



Find the method that suits you!

03/02/2026

📢 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗦𝗩 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

Following a new alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), we are pleased to announce that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme is expanding. This vital protection will now include all adults aged 80 and over, as well as residents in care homes for older adults.

RSV is a common cause of respiratory infections. While it can feel like a standard cold for many, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia in older adults. By expanding this eligibility, health officials aim to significantly reduce hospital admissions and protect our most vulnerable community members.

🏥 What happens next?
We are currently in the preparation phase, working closely with health providers to ensure a smooth rollout of the vaccine.

✅ Please wait to be contacted. We will be reaching out directly to all eligible patients to schedule your vaccination appointments. You do not need to call the surgery at this time.

💙 Helping our community stay healthy and out of hospital is our top priority. Thank you for your continued support.

03/02/2026

It’s Tinnitus Awareness Week, and at our surgery, we want to help our patients understand and manage this often-misunderstood condition. 👂

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing noises—such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing—that do not come from an external source. For many, it can be a persistent challenge that affects sleep, concentration, and overall mental wellbeing.

The good news is that support is available. This week, we are highlighting the importance of sound therapy and stress management techniques which have proven effective in helping many people find relief. Managing your environment and your stress levels can significantly reduce the impact tinnitus has on your daily life. 🔇

Prevention is also key. We are advocating for better hearing protection in both noisy work environments and during leisure activities, such as concerts or using power tools. Protecting your ears today can prevent long-term damage tomorrow. 🎧

If you are struggling with tinnitus, please don't suffer in silence. Contact our reception team to book a consultation or visit the tinnitus UK website for a wealth of free resources.

Let’s work together to protect our hearing and support those living with tinnitus. 🏥

02/02/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. 🏥

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently monitoring regional measles outbreaks across the country. With a resurgence of measles, mumps, and rubella occurring in unvaccinated clusters, it has never been more important to ensure your family is fully protected. 🛡️

Did you know that just two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection against these three serious diseases? Measles, in particular, can lead to severe complications, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination.

We are urging all parents and guardians to check their child’s Red Book or digital health records. If you or your children have missed a dose, it is never too late to catch up and secure that vital immunity.

📞 Please contact our reception team today to check your vaccination status or to book an appointment. Let’s work together to keep our children and our community safe.

02/02/2026

❤️ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂 ❤️

February marks the return of National Heart Month, a vital awareness campaign led by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to promote cardiovascular health across the UK. Cardiovascular disease remains the country's leading cause of death, but by working together, we can take control of our heart health.

This year’s theme is 'Walk for Hearts.' We are encouraging all our patients to lace up their trainers and increase their daily physical activity. Whether it is a brisk walk to the shops or a stroll through our local parks, every step helps strengthen your heart and lower your risks. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Walk for Hearts - February 2026

Your Challenge. Your Pace. Save Lives.

Walk 28, 50, or 100 miles in February, wherever suits you.
That's as little as 1 mile a day to support lifesaving research.
Take part solo or with friends, family, or colleagues.
Every step you take helps keep heart beating.

https://tinyurl.com/walkforhearts

29/01/2026

📢 Have Your Say: Join Our Patient Participation Group (PPG)!

At Harwood Group Practice, we want to ensure our services truly meet the needs of our community. To do that, we need your input! We are looking for patients to join our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and help shape the future of the practice.

What is a PPG?
It is a group of volunteer patients who meet with our staff to provide a "patient’s voice." It’s your chance to share feedback, suggest improvements, and stay informed about the local healthcare changes in Bolton.

Join Us at Our Next Meeting!
We would love to welcome some new members to our next session. It’s a great way to meet the team and see how you can get involved.

Date: Tuesday 17th March

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Tonge Moor Health Centre, Thicketford Road, Bolton

Can't make this date? Don't worry! We still want to hear from you. We have other dates throughout the year and digital opportunities to provide feedback if you cannot attend in person.

Register to Attend
To help us accommodate everyone and manage numbers for the meeting at Tonge Moor, please let us know you are coming (or register your interest for future dates) by filling out our online form:

👉 Register here: https://www.harwoodgrouppractice.co.uk/ppg

Whether you are a long-term patient or new to the surgery, your perspective is invaluable. Help us make Harwood Group Practice the best it can be!

20/01/2026

📢 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗼) 📢

We are currently receiving a high volume of inquiries regarding weight loss injections, specifically Mounjaro. To help manage expectations and provide clarity, we would like to share the current regional guidelines.

🚫 NHS Prescriptions for Weight Loss
Please be aware that the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) does not currently authorise NHS prescriptions for weight loss medications in our area. As a result, our GPs are unable to prescribe these treatments for weight management. Booking an appointment to request this medication will not change this outcome, as we must adhere to regional NHS funding protocols.

🩺 Patients with Diabetes
If you are currently prescribed this medication for the management of Type 2 Diabetes, please be reassured that your treatment plan is unaffected. You should continue your medication as normal.

⚠️ Private Prescriptions & Safety Alert
If you are obtaining Mounjaro via a private provider, it is vital that you inform us if you are also taking the oral contraceptive pill or oral HRT. Mounjaro can reduce the effectiveness of these medications. For your safety, please contact the surgery to book a medication review with our clinical team.

🔗 Further Information
We understand this may be disappointing news. For more details on future eligibility and NHS weight management pathways, please see the link in the comments below.

15/01/2026

As we step into January, we are proud to support . This national awareness initiative is the perfect time to focus on the simple, proactive steps we can all take to improve our liver health and prevent liver disease.

Your liver is a remarkable organ that performs over 500 vital functions every day—from filtering toxins to helping with digestion. However, liver disease is often silent, showing no symptoms in the early stages.

The good news is that many liver conditions are preventable. The campaign highlights that key lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on sugar and reducing alcohol intake, can significantly lower your risk of developing fatty liver disease. 🍎

How you can show your liver some love this month:
✅ Aim for at least three alcohol-free days every week.
✅ Reduce your intake of processed sugars and sugary drinks.
✅ Incorporate more leafy greens and whole foods into your diet.
✅ Stay active with regular physical exercise.

If you have concerns about your liver health or would like advice on making healthy lifestyle changes, please visit the NHS website or contact our reception team to book a consultation. Let’s make this January the start of a healthier year for your liver! 🩺✨

15/01/2026

☀️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻": 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀? ☀️

Between October and March, the sun in the UK isn't strong enough for our bodies to produce the Vitamin D we need. That’s why health advice recommends that everyone considers a daily 10 microgram supplement during these months.

It’s vital for keeping your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. 🦴💪

Some people should consider taking it all year round:

If you spend a lot of time indoors (for example, if you live in a care home or work inside all day).

If you usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outdoors.

If you have a dark skin tone (for example, if you have an African, African-Caribbean or South Asian background).

It’s a small, inexpensive habit that makes a big difference to your health! 💊

13/01/2026

📢 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗠𝗠𝗥 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻

NHS England is currently running an urgent campaign to increase MMR vaccine uptake following a significant rise in measles cases across the country. Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications, but it is entirely preventable.

📕 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀: We are urging you to check your child’s 'Red Book' (Personal Child Health Record) to ensure they are fully protected. Your child needs two doses of the MMR vaccine to have maximum protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

💉 If you discover your child has missed one or both doses, please remember it is never too late to catch up. The vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to keep your family healthy.

🛡️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: By ensuring your children are vaccinated, you are not only protecting them but also those who may be more vulnerable to infection.

📞 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: If your child is missing a dose, please contact our reception team to schedule a vaccination appointment or visit our website for further guidance. Let’s work together to stop the spread.

05/01/2026

🌟 Ready for a fresh start in 2026? Join millions of people across the UK for Dry January! 🚫🍷

Taking a break from alcohol for just 31 days is a powerful way to reset your body and mind. Participants often report significantly improved sleep quality, higher daily energy levels, and a welcome boost to their overall long-term health outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to save money, lose weight, or simply clear your head after the festive period, our team at the surgery is here to support your wellness journey. Let’s make 2026 your healthiest year yet!

👉 For more tips and resources, visit the Alcohol Change UK website or speak with one of our healthcare professionals today.

16/12/2025