Greyfriars Surgery

04/02/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 💛

Today we stand with everyone affected by cancer. Those living with it, those supporting loved ones, and those we remember. Every story matters and every person matters.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀:
• 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝟯𝟬–𝟱𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 through healthy lifestyle choices and reducing risk factors
• 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲
• 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟳𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 occur in low and middle income countries

World Cancer Day is a reminder of the importance of prevention, early detection, screening, and compassionate care. Small actions like attending screenings, looking after your health, and supporting one another can make a real difference.

At Greyfriars Surgery, we are here to support our patients with advice, screening information, and ongoing care.

Together, we can raise awareness, show kindness, and offer hope.

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day

Today we recognise all teams involved in supporting and treating people affected by cancer, and we acknowledge the strength of the patients themselves—those currently going through treatment and those who have already been through the journey.

A special mention goes to the Boston PCN Cancer Care Coordinator Team. The team is automatically notified when a fast-track referral is made, enabling them to help ensure tests are completed and results returned promptly, appointments are in place, and delays are minimised. They track and support patients throughout the pathway, offer ongoing support and signposting following diagnosis, and play an important role in encouraging participation in cancer screening programmes.

Their work was recognised last year when they were awarded General Practice/PCN Team of the Year (2025). Thank you to the team, and to everyone involved in cancer care and support.


Boston Primary Care Network
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
The Sidings Medical Practice
Swineshead Medical Group
Kirton Medical Centre
Greyfriars Surgery
Liquorpond Surgery

02/02/2026

𝗞𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

This week is about noticing the signs, even the ones that are easy to brush off, and knowing when to seek advice. Kidney cancer symptoms can sometimes feel vague or unrelated, but when you connect the dots, they can tell an important story.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲
• Blood in your urine
• Persistent pain in your back or flank
• Constant fatigue
• Night sweats
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer, but it does mean it is worth speaking to your GP. Early conversations can lead to reassurance, investigation if needed, and peace of mind.

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and reach out. We are here to listen and support you.

For more information and support, Kidney Cancer UK offers free resources and a support line for patients and families.

Awareness saves lives. Talking matters.

30/01/2026

Friends and Family Test

The NHS Friends and Family Test is an important tool to help people who use NHS Services to have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.

We value patient feedback here at Greyfriars Surgery so if you have used our services recently please fill in a Friends and Family Test by clicking the below link. It only takes a few seconds to complete.

https://www.greyfriarssurgeryboston.co.uk/patient-information/friends-and-family-test

This short animated film explains how people who use NHS services can give feedback on their experience of care and treatment by using the NHS Friends and Fa...

28/01/2026

We wanted to share some figures regarding appointments at Greyfriars surgery during 2025

Over the course of the year, we have had a total of 62008 appointments. Out of these, 4499 were missed without any prior notice. This has resulted in approximately 1248 hours of clinical time being lost, that is a total of 52 days - time that could have been used to support other patients.

Missed appointments have a direct impact on the availability of care for everyone. If you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the slot to someone else.

26/01/2026

Glaucoma can develop slowly and often without early symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss, but early detection can help protect your sight.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀:
• Often has no early warning signs
• Risk increases with age and family history
• Regular eye tests can detect glaucoma early

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵:
• Have regular eye tests
• Use prescribed eye drops as advised
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Seek advice if you notice vision changes

If you have concerns, speak to your optician or contact 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 for guidance.

#𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 #𝗘𝘆𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 #𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 #𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 #𝗡𝗛𝗦

23/01/2026

💬 Let’s talk about cervical cancer 💗

Cervical screening (smear tests) can stop cervical cancer from ever developing by detecting changes early. If you’re aged 25–64, you’ll be invited regularly for screening — and it’s important not to ignore that invite.

We know attending appointments can feel difficult, but knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer is vital:
🔹 Vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you
🔹 Changes to va**nal discharge
🔹 Pain or discomfort during s*x
🔹 Pain in your lower back or pelvis

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait for your next smear — contact your GP practice.

Your health matters. Talking about it saves lives. 💕

22/01/2026

💉💚 HPV Vaccine: Protect Now, Prevent Cancer Later 💚💉

The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against cancer — and it’s for both boys and girls.

🔹 The vaccine is 90% effective at preventing cancers caused by HPV
🔹 Protects against cancers of the cervix, throat, mouth, a**s, va**na and p***s
🔹 Also helps prevent ge***al warts
🔹 Given as one single injection in the upper arm
🔹 FREE on the NHS

📍 In Boston, there are still many eligible young people who haven’t yet had their HPV vaccination.

💡 Did you know? Around 70% of unvaccinated people will catch HPV at some point — condoms don’t fully prevent the spread.

If your child is eligible or you’ve missed a vaccination, it’s not too late.
📞 Speak to your GP practice or school immunisation team to find out more.

21/01/2026

💗 Calling all women aged 25–64 💗
✨ Don’t risk dying of embarrassment ✨

Feeling nervous or embarrassed about your smear test is completely normal — but you’re not alone. Nurses and clinicians carry out cervical screening every day. They’re friendly, professional, and there to support you.

💬 “I’ve just had mine — the nurse was great. They’ve seen it all before!”

Cervical screening can detect changes early and save lives. A few minutes could make a life-saving difference.

📅 If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to book your appointment with your GP practice.

💕 Cervical screening saves lives. Don’t be the one missing out.

20/01/2026

💙 Cervical Cancer Awareness & Prevention Week 💙

Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet it still claims around 685 lives each year in England.

🔹 Over 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
🔹 The HPV vaccine prevents around 90% of cervical cancer cases
🔹 Cervical screening saves approximately 5,000 lives every year

By getting vaccinated and attending regular cervical screening when invited, you’re taking powerful steps to protect your health.

📅 If you’re eligible and overdue, book your cervical screening appointment with your GP practice today.

Prevention saves lives. 💗

16/01/2026

Healthy Eating Awareness
Healthy eating is one of the simplest ways to boost your energy, support your heart and improve long-term health. Small daily changes can make a big difference.

Easy ways to eat healthier:
• Add more fruit and vegetables
• Choose wholegrains when you can
• Cut down on sugary drinks and snacks
• Drink plenty of water
• Plan simple, balanced meals

Local support in Boston, Lincolnshire:

• One You Lincolnshire offers free nutrition and weight management support: https://www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk

• Lincolnshire Community Health Services provide helpful resources for healthier living: https://www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk

If you are looking to make healthier choices this year, Greyfriars Surgery can help guide you to the right support.

14/01/2026

Your thyroid may be small, but it has a powerful impact on your energy, mood, metabolism and overall wellbeing. Many people in the UK live with thyroid conditions without knowing it, because symptoms can be mistaken for stress, ageing or lifestyle changes. January is an important reminder to check in with your health and seek support if something does not feel right.

Common signs to look out for include:
• Tiredness or low energy
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Mood changes or anxiety
• Hair or skin changes
• Changes to heart rate

If these symptoms feel familiar, support is available locally in Boston.

Where to get help in Boston, Lincolnshire:
• Greyfriars Surgery can arrange thyroid function blood tests and provide ongoing management. Please contact the practice if you have concerns.

• Thyroid UK offers reliable information and an online support community where you can connect with others: https://thyroiduk.org/get-support/thyroid-uk-support/online-thyroid-community/

• British Thyroid Foundation provides expert guidance, FAQs and a thyroid helpline: https://www.btf-thyroid.org/

If you have noticed changes in your health or you think you may be due a thyroid check, now is the right time to act. Early diagnosis can improve your wellbeing and prevent long-term complications.