Alconbury and Brampton Surgeries

30/03/2026

REDUCED CAPACITY - Monday 30th March 2026

We have 3 GPs with unplanned absence today in addition to pre-booked leave for other GP colleagues within our team.

This means that we have a significantly reduced capacity to see urgent patients on the day safely.

It also creates significant pressure for our reception teams who are doing their best to prioritise the appointments we have available to best meet patients needs according to CLINICAL priority.

It will be a difficult day for our team and so we ask for your patience and understanding.

If you are contacting us for advice and guidance regarding a problem that can be seen in in Pharmacy or supported by 111 then please do this before contacting your Surgery.

If you feel unwell but it is an ongoing problem that has not changed or deteriorated in any way then please be advised that our team will ask that you wait for a routine appointment in 2-4 weeks.

Thank you,
Melanie Gearing.
Practice Manager

This website only stores the cookies that are needed to make it work. Read more about how we use cookies (opens in a new tab).

30/03/2026

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/KXC150YzB7r
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/WMEi50YzB7o
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/7LGI50YzB7p
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/JCvp50YzB7s

28/03/2026

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

27/03/2026

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/uV7t50Yy8v2

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/IKC050Yy8vc

26/03/2026

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/Sfxu50YxZCO

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/70FB50YxZCK
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/ACHW50YxZCJ
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/ssOU50YxZCL
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/q3yt50YxZF6
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/wilp50YxZCR
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/gHtk50YxZCM
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/1HY150YxZCI

24/03/2026

Physio Availability Saturday 28th March @ Brampton Surgery

We have appointments available with a First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) this Saturday. The FCP is a specialized practitioner who can assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, such as joint pain, soft tissue injuries, back pain, and muscle problems.

Registered patients of either Alconbury or Brampton Surgeries can book in online or by contacting reception.

23/03/2026

Patient information.

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough will close on 31 March 2026.

From 1 April, larger Integrated Care Boards will launch across England, and we’ll become part of the new NHS Central East ICB.

This new ICB will cover Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Peterborough, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Please follow NHS Central East, the new organisation responsible for planning and overseeing health and care services in your area from 1 April.

23/03/2026

Update 11:20am

It appears we are up and running again

Please bear with all our staff as they work hard to catch up. If your query is not urgent, please call this afternoon or tomorrow.

Many Thanks
------------------------------------------------------------------

Urgent notice 23.03.26

Our clinical systems are currently down, this is a national issue.

Our Clinical staff are still seeing booked patients but we are unable to look at records, answer any queries or book appointments.

Please bear with us, hopefully we will be back online soon. If your call is not urgent please call back this afternoon. We will keep you updated.

We thank you for your understanding

Alconbury & Brampton Surgeries

23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

19/03/2026

Protect your child against HPV-related cancers with the HPV vaccine. Walk-in clinics taking place this weekend for anyone who missed having the vaccine in Year 8.

Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm

• Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Road, Cambridge, CB4 2JL
• Millennium Centre, Dickens Street, Peterborough, PE1 5GD

Sunday 22 March, 10am to 3pm

• Tesco, Cromwell Road, Wisbech, PE14 0RG

No need to book – just turn up.

18/03/2026

Patient Notice 18.03.2026

We are currently receiving a high number of enquiries regarding meningitis vaccinations and whether children/teenagers are up to date, following reports of the current outbreak.

We understand this may be a worrying time. However, the volume of enquiries is having a significant impact on our nurses’ and reception team’s workload.

📱 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a patient helpline: 0344 225 386.
Please direct any general enquiries to them.

For clarity the current vaccination schedule:

The Meningitis B vaccine was introduced in 2015. Anyone born before this will not have received this vaccine, but will have been vaccinated against Meningitis C.

The MenACWY vaccine was also introduced in summer 2015 and is routinely offered to Year 9 students.

At present, there has been no instruction from UKHSA to offer the Meningitis B vaccine to those born before 2015, or to provide MenACWY outside of the current immunisation schedule. We will of course update patients if this guidance changes.

If parents wish for their child/teenager to receive the Meningitis B vaccine, this can be arranged privately at a clinic, where charges will apply.

You can find guidance and advice on what to do on the main post shared earlier today.

Alconbury & Brampton Surgeries

Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.