Knowsley Medical Centre

07/11/2025

💙 November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙
Let’s Talk, Listen & Support Each Other 👂🗣️

This month, we’re shining a light on men’s mental health — because talking about how you feel is a sign of strength, not weakness. 💪

🧠 1 in 4 men will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. It’s okay not to be okay — and it’s okay to talk about it.

Here at Knowsley Medical Centre, we’re here to listen and support you. Whether you’re feeling low, anxious, or just off, you’re never alone. 💙

💬 Small steps make a big difference:
✅ Check in on your mates – a simple “How are you doing?” can mean the world.
✅ Take time for yourself – go for a walk, listen to music, or do something you enjoy.
✅ Reach out for support – talking to your GP is a great first step.

📍 Local Men’s Support Groups Around Bury
ANDYSMANCLUB (Bury) — Mondays at 7 pm, Bury Sports Club, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9JX. Free, peer-to-peer support for men aged 18+.
RammyMen — Drop-in sessions in the Bury/Ramsbottom area (Stubbins Mill) with activities, social time, and peer support.
BIG in Mental Health (Bury) — Peer support groups for anyone experiencing mental health pressures, including men; safe, relaxed environment (11 Broad St, Bury BL9 0DA).

📞 If you need someone to talk to right now, you can also contact:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58
Mind: 0300 123 3393

💙 Let’s break the stigma, start the conversation, and look out for one another — this month and every month.

07/11/2025

📅 October at Knowsley Medical Centre – Autumn Updates & Highlights! 🍂

October has brought cooler days, colourful leaves, and plenty of activity here at Knowsley Medical Centre! As we head into the colder months, our team’s been busy supporting our community and preparing for winter health needs. Here’s what’s been happening this month… 🍁

🌟 Family & Friends Feedback
💬 A huge thank you to everyone who shared feedback with us!
✅ 93% of you said you’d recommend us to friends and family — your support and kind words mean the world. 💙

📞 Phone Calls
Our brilliant reception team handled 3,838 calls in October – helping patients with bookings, prescriptions, and advice. Always friendly, always ready to help! 📱👏

🩺 Appointments
We arranged 2,291 appointments this month, including face-to-face visits, phone consultations, home visits, and care home reviews. A big thank-you to everyone for your patience and understanding as we manage increasing demand. 💪

🚫 Missed Appointments (DNAs)
Unfortunately, 122 appointments were missed without notice.
⚠️ The 16–45 age group (30.8%) had the highest DNAs.
If you can’t attend, please let us know as soon as possible — cancelling your appointment helps free it up for someone else who needs it. Every slot really does count! 💛

🔁 Cancellations & Repeat Visits
📅 411 cancellations
👥 551 patients were seen more than once
💭 11 patients missed multiple appointments
We truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to cancel instead of DNAing — it makes such a difference for the whole community! 🙏

📝 Referrals
We sent out 81 referrals in October to ensure our patients received timely access to specialist care. 💌

📋 Admin & Non-NHS Requests
Our admin team worked hard behind the scenes, completing 29 non-NHS reports and managing forms, letters, and medical record requests. 💻✉️

💉 Flu Season is Here!
It’s flu jab time! If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, please book your appointment — it’s the best way to protect yourself and those around you this winter. Call us or pop in to arrange your jab. 🍂💪

🌬️ Winter Respiratory Hub – Now Open in Bury!
We’re pleased to share that the new Winter Respiratory Hub in Bury is now open to support patients with breathing or respiratory concerns over the colder months. If you’re struggling with coughs, asthma, or chest symptoms, please contact us — we can help direct you to the right care quickly. 💙

💙 A Big Autumn Thank You!
We’re so proud of our Knowsley community — your support keeps us going through even the busiest months. As we head into November, stay warm, get your flu jab, and remember: if you can’t make your appointment, just give us a quick call. It helps us help others! 🌈🍁

05/11/2025

📢 GP ‘Mind the Gap’ Campaign – A New Step Towards Better Care!

On 1st September 2025, we launched the ‘Mind the Gap’ campaign to improve patient care and reduce unnecessary workloads in General Practice. This campaign is focused on tackling gaps in services that impact patient safety and GP resources.

We’re pushing for:
-Hospitals to handle their own tests, prescriptions, and referrals.
-Community services (e.g. Maternity, Podiatry, District Nurses) to manage their own prescriptions and test results.
-More support for practices in managing high-risk medications and care.

These changes may take time, but they will help us focus on delivering the care you deserve. Thanks for your patience and continued support!

👉 Find out more on our website https://www.knowsleymedicalcentre.nhs.uk/gp-mind-the-gap-campaign-working-together-for-better-patient-care/

GP ‘Mind the Gap’ Campaign – Working Together for Better Patient Care Posted on 5th November, 2025🩺 GP ‘Mind the Gap’ Campaign – Working Together for Better Patient CareOn 1st September 2025, General Practice across the country, including here in Oldham, launched the ‘Mind the Gap.....

23/10/2025

💉 Child Immunisations – Myth Busters!

At Knowsley Medical Centre, Bury, we know parents want the best for their children — and that includes keeping them protected from preventable illnesses. 💙

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s set the record straight! 👇

✅ Myth 1: “My child doesn’t need all the vaccines.”
Truth: Each vaccine protects against a different serious illness — missing one leaves gaps in protection.

✅ Myth 2: “Vaccines overload a child’s immune system.”
Truth: Children’s immune systems handle thousands of germs daily — vaccines actually train the body safely.

✅ Myth 3: “Natural immunity is better.”
Truth: Catching diseases like measles or whooping cough can cause severe illness — vaccines protect without the risk.

✅ Myth 4: “Vaccines cause side effects or autism.”
Truth: Serious side effects are extremely rare, and there’s no link between vaccines and autism — this has been proven in many studies worldwide.

💬 If you have questions, our nurses and GPs are here to listen, support, and give you trusted information.

Let’s keep children safe and healthy together! 🌈

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them

23/10/2025

Parents listen up! If your kids miss their flu vaccine at school, there are some extra clinics taking place in the half-term for you.

29 clinics in total in different parts of . Some extra clinics in the weeks after too!

Get in touch with Intrahealth on 03333 583 397 or contactimms@intrahealth.co.uk.

Or click here for the list - https://orlo.uk/Uf6Mg

21/10/2025

🚨 Reminder: Flu & COVID Vaccines Available 🚨
Protect yourself, your family, and our community this winter. If you’re eligible, please make sure you book your flu and COVID vaccinations.

✅ Reduces risk of serious illness
✅ Helps keep the NHS running smoothly
✅ Gives peace of mind this winter

📞 Contact the surgery or follow your invite instructions to book your appointment.
💙 Don’t wait — stay protected!

20/10/2025

🕸️ Feeling under the weather this Halloween? 🎃
Don’t let illness give you a fright — the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership can help you Get to Know Where to Go!
👉 gmintegratedcare.org.uk/gtkwtg

🧙‍♀️ For minor illnesses:
Your local pharmacist is your first stop for coughs, colds, sore throats, earache, stomach upsets, rashes, and minor sprains — no appointment needed! 🩹💊

🧠 For mental health:
If things are feeling a bit spooky inside your head, there’s always help. Find out how to get urgent support or access ongoing wellbeing services.

🦷 For routine care:
GPs, opticians, and dentists can help with check-ups, prescriptions, and ongoing conditions — keeping you healthy long after the pumpkins fade. 🩺

🚨 For urgent or emergency care:
If you’re seriously ill, injured, or unsure, use NHS 111 Online or call 111 for 24/7 help. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 999. 🚑

🧛‍♂️ Parents & carers:
Little monsters unwell? There’s special guidance for children’s symptoms — like fevers, coughs, and rashes — so you know when to seek help.

📘 Download the “Get to Know Where to Go” booklet — your handy Halloween helper for health!
👉 gmintegratedcare.org.uk/gtkwtg

🎃 Treat yourself to peace of mind — knowing where to go helps you get care faster and keeps emergency services free for those who need them most.
Share to help others this Halloween! 🕷️💙

17/10/2025

Child Health Tip

🤒 Children and fevers
Fevers are common in children and usually get better on their own.
✅ Keep them comfortable & hydrated
✅ Give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they’re distressed
✅ Keep them off school until they feel well enough

📞 Call us or NHS 111 if your child:

Is under 3 months with a temp of 38°C+
Is 3–6 months with a temp of 39°C+
Has a rash, breathing difficulty, or is unusually sleepy

17/10/2025

🚨 Exciting News! Our New Triage System Is Live! 🚨

We’re thrilled to announce that our new triage system is now officially live! 🎉
This upgrade is designed to make your experience faster, smoother, and more efficient — helping us prioritise care and connect you to the right services more quickly.

💡 What this means for you:
✅ No phone wait times
✅ Improved communication
✅ Streamlined care from the moment you arrive

This triage system is open from 8:00am to 6:30pm weekdays, but shuts for ACUTE ON THE DAY at 9am.

https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/P83024
https://www.knowsleymedicalcentre.nhs.uk/services/appointments-2/

We’re committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible service for our community. Thank you for your patience and support as we roll out this enhancement! 💙

AppointmentsUrgent appointmentsTo request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday)use our appointment request form, Monday to Friday from 8am to 9am (FOR ACUTE ON THE DAY APPOINTMENTS). We will respond on the same day during opening times.visit the surgery and speak with a rece...

15/10/2025

Managing Colds at Home

🤧 Most colds get better on their own within 1–2 weeks. You can help yourself feel better by:
✅ Resting and keeping warm
✅ Drinking plenty of fluids
✅ Using paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed
✅ Honey & lemon in warm water can soothe a sore throat

📞 Contact the surgery if your symptoms get worse, last longer than 3 weeks, or you feel very unwell.

13/10/2025

📅 FAQ: What if I can’t attend my appointment?

If you’re unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the slot to another patient.
You can cancel by:
✅ Phoning the surgery
✅ Replying to the text reminder (if you received one)
✅ Using the NHS App (for online bookings)

🚫 Missed appointments (DNAs) mean longer waits for everyone — so please cancel if you can’t make it.

09/10/2025

🍁 Stay Healthy This Autumn 🍁

As the weather turns colder, here are some simple steps to protect yourself and your family:
🧣 Wrap up warm when outside
🤧 Carry tissues & wash hands often to stop the spread of bugs
🥦 Eat balanced meals to support your immune system
💧 Keep hydrated, even when it’s chilly
💤 Make time for good sleep and rest

Let’s all take care of ourselves as we move into the winter months. 💙