Pendleside Medical Practice

02/03/2026

💚 March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 💚

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle — but spotting them early can make a life-saving difference. Talk to your GP if you notice symptoms that are new, persistent or happening frequently.

Common symptoms to know:
• Persistent bloating or swollen tummy
• Pain or tenderness in your tummy or pelvis
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Needing to p*e more often or urgently
• Indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea
• Back pain
• Feeling tired all the time
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual va**nal bleeding (including between periods or after the menopause)

These symptoms are common and often have other causes — but if they last, don’t ignore them. Your GP wants to hear from you. Early checks are important because finding cancer early can make it more treatable.

✨ Share this message, to help raise awareness this March!

17/02/2026

We’re putting together pamper parcels for women who are going through incredibly tough times and we’d love your help.

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that mean the most. A pair of fluffy socks. A soothing face mask. A softly scented candle. A little moment of calm in the middle of chaos.

If you’re able to donate items such as:
🧦 Fluffy socks
🕯 Scented candles
🧴 Face masks
🧼 Toiletries
💆‍♀️ Small self-care treats

…we would be so grateful.

Every parcel is a reminder that someone cares. That they’re seen. That they matter.

If you’d like to donate, please drop items off at any of our centres. Thank you for helping us wrap up comfort and kindness for women who need it most 💙

11/02/2026

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has approved its policy regarding the prescription of tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

11/02/2026

🚨 Update on weight-loss injections (ICB decision) 🚨

We’re aware of the latest update from the ICB regarding access to weight-loss injections.

As it currently stands, patients in Clitheroe are unlikely to qualify under the proposed criteria — and we understand how disappointing and unfair this feels for many people who were hoping this support might finally be available.

We want to be clear: we are on our patients’ side. We know the impact weight and related health conditions have on day-to-day life, and we share your concerns about equity and access to treatment across different areas.

If you feel strongly about this decision, you are entitled to raise your views directly with the ICB and ask for clarity on how these criteria have been set and whether they truly reflect local need. Change only happens when voices are heard.

We are also working behind the scenes with our Primary Care Network who have submitted a formal joint letter from all local practices to the ICB.

Thank you for continuing to engage, ask questions, and stand up for fair access to healthcare. 💙

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

👑His Majesty The King to visit Clitheroe on Monday 9th February👑

You may have heard that King Charles will be visiting Clitheroe again next Monday, 9th February. We wanted to give patients a quick heads-up as there will be some road closures and travel disruption on the day.

🚗 Travel & road closures

Road closures are officially from 7am, but police have advised they may begin earlier.

The visit is expected to be brief, with roads reopening by midday.

Patients travelling by car are advised to allow extra time for their journey and parking.

🚶 Pedestrian access

All roads should remain open to pedestrians.

If you have an appointment on Monday, please consider leaving a little earlier than usual, as traffic and parking may be affected.

Thank you for your patience and understanding 😊

27/01/2026

📢 Practice Closure Notice

Please note that the practice will close at 1:00pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 for essential staff training.
We’ll reopen as usual the next working day.

Need medical help while we’re closed?
Here’s what to do:

Urgent (but not life-threatening): Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for advice and access to out-of-hours GP services.

Pharmacy advice: Your local community pharmacist can help with many minor illnesses and medication queries.

In an emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E if it’s serious or life-threatening (e.g. chest pain, severe breathing problems, signs of stroke).

Thank you for your patience and support 💙

21/01/2026

🔔 Contraception Guideline Update

National guidance for some types of contraception has recently changed.

💉Depo Provera

Not advised if you have 2 or more of the following:
smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol.

💊Combined contraception (pill / patch / ring)

Not advised if a close family member (parent, sibling or child) has ever had a blood clot in the leg or lung.

🔹 This will be reviewed at your next routine annual contraception review.
🔹 If you feel you are overdue an annual contraception review or feel you may have a family history as mentioned above, please book an appointment to discuss your contraception with a GP or ANP.
🔹 Do not stop your contraception without medical advice.

13/01/2026

🩷Don't put it off - Book your smear today! 🩷

Cervical screening (smear) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. All women aged 25 - 64 are invited for cervical screen every five years.

🩷What happens at your cervical screening appointment?
Cervical screening involves taking a small sample of cells from your cervix for testing. This test is carried out by a member of our nursing team. The Nurse will put a smooth tube-shaped speculum into your va**na and open your cervix. Using a soft brush, they will take a small sample of cells from your cervix. Once the sample has been taken the nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.

Whilst we understand some women may feel anxious about having their cervical screening, please note that our nursing team have undergone extensive training and are equipped to support you through your appointment.

🩷After your test
Your cervical screening results are usually sent to you in the NHS App or by letter. Sometimes you may be asked to call your GP to get the results.

07/01/2026

💉 MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

🛡️ It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

🤒 Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.

📞 You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due. 💙👶

For further information, we ask that all parent and guardians read the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmrv-vaccination