Polden Medical Practice

03/12/2025

Flu hits harder than a cold. It’s riskier for older people, those with long-term illness or weakened immunity, and children. If you’re eligible, getting the flu jab can make a big difference.

03/12/2025

Don't leave it too late! Order your repeat prescriptions by the 15th of December to ensure you have enough medication over the festive period. You can order a repeat prescription using the NHS App or by logging into your account on the NHS website.

03/12/2025

***NEWS UPDATE FROM POLDEN MEDICAL PRACTICE TEAM!***

🌟Smart Triage is coming to Polden Medical Practice – Tuesday 9th December 2025 🌟

We are introducing a new online system from Rapid Health, called ‘Smart Triage’ to replace AskMyGP. This will help us assess your needs quickly and offer the right appointment with the right clinician.

Important dates:

● From Thursday 4th December you will no longer be able to request 1–3 day appointments through AskMyGP.
● From Tuesday 9th December Smart Triage goes live on our practice website.

What Smart Triage does:

✅Lets you request appointments online from 7:30am–6:30pm, Monday–Friday
✅Helps us prioritise urgent problems safely
✅Reduces the 8am phone rush and phone queues
✅Allows admin requests (fit notes, letters, prescription queries)
✅Offers trusted NHS advice for many conditions
✅If you cannot use online services, our reception team can complete the form for you by phone or in person.

What you should do now:

✔️ Please register for the NHS App (not required for Smart Triage yet, but essential for test results, records, requesting repeat medications and future access).
Register here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

✔️ Make sure we have your current email address on your record
More information will follow soon. Thank you in advance for your support as we make this improvement.

Kind Regards,
Dr Andrew Rowling and the Polden Practice Management Team

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

27/11/2025

Temperatures are dropping across the country this week.

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly in older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Find out how you can stay well this winter ➡️ http://nhs.uk/staywell

27/11/2025

❄️ This winter, stay safe — skip steam inhalation.

Steam inhalation can cause serious burns, especially in children. And there’s no good evidence it helps colds or coughs.

✅ Safer ways to feel better:
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Try decongestant sprays or vapour rubs
• Rest and let your body recover

Every winter, NHS hospitals treat children with painful burns from hot water spills. Don’t take the risk — steam inhalation does more harm than good.

27/11/2025

🚑 Did you know NHSquicker shows live waiting and travel times for urgent care near you?
😲 Minor injuries or illnesses? Find the quickest place to get help - without heading straight to A&E.
✅ Visit http://www.nhsquicker.co.uk or download the app.

26/11/2025

Mental Health's festive wellbeing kit

As the holiday season approaches, we know that for many people across Somerset, this time of year can bring significant mental health challenges, often intensified by stress, financial pressure, or feelings of loneliness.

For some of us, the holiday season can be painful and overwhelming. Money worries, isolation, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the stress of preparing for all the festivities can be hard on our mental health.

25/11/2025

If you need a little extra support with your mental health, please give us a call or visit our website: https://openmentalhealth.org.uk/

You don’t need a doctor or other healthcare professional to refer you to Open Mental Health. You can ask for the support you need simply by calling Mindline Somerset any time of the day or night, seven days a week, locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

For more information about how easy it is to self-refer, check out our blog https://bit.ly/self-refer-to-omh

25/11/2025

It’s important to come forward with any health concerns but please, help us to help you by choosing the right service.

Knowing the right place to go, can help you get the treatment and support you need faster.