Mountsandel Medical Centre

13/03/2026

📢 Practice Closure Notice

Please note that the GP surgery will be closed on Tuesday 17th March and will reopen on Wednesday 18th March.

Any prescriptions ordered on the 17th will be processed 48 hours from the 18th.

Our phone lines are likely to be very busy when we reopen, so we kindly ask for your patience and understanding while our team assists patients.

Thank you for your cooperation. 💚

12/03/2026

🌍 Today is World Kidney Day 🌍

Today is World Kidney Day, raising awareness about the importance of kidney health. Kidneys help filter waste, balance fluids and control blood pressure.

Kidney disease often has no early symptoms, so regular checks are important—especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Keeping active, eating well, staying hydrated and not smoking can all help protect your kidneys.

If you have concerns about your kidney health, please contact the surgery for advice. 💙

10/03/2026

04/03/2026

Source: Macmillan Cancer Support

Today on HPV Awareness Day, we're busting myths and breaking the stigma with facts. HPV affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives, yet so many myths still get in the way of understanding it. 💚🔊

What is HPV?

The human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are a group of common infections that is most common inside the mouth, throat, ge***al area and a**s. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some can cause warts and verrucas. Others increase the risk of developing different types of cancer. These are called high-risk HPV.

It's important to remember that most people with high-risk HPV do not develop cancer. Usually, the body's immune system gets rid of the virus. But for some people, the immune system does not get rid of the infection.

Most people will have HPV at some point in their lifetime. It usually causes no symptoms so most people do not know they have it.

How does HPV spread?

HPV can affect anyone who has ever been s*xually active. It can be spread easily during any type of s*xual contact, including skin-to-skin ge***al contact, oral s*x, or sharing s*x toys.

Can HPV be prevented?

A vaccine can be used to help prevent HPV infection. It helps your immune system protect you from getting HPV, which also reduces the risk of cancers caused by HPV.

If you want to speak to someone about HPV or are seeking further information visit our website at:https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/hpv or call our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (open every day 8am - 8pm).

04/03/2026

HPV vaccination and cervical screening save lives.

The HPV vaccine is offered to Year 9 pupils in school as a single injection, giving long-lasting protection against HPV-related cancers, including over 90% of cervical cancers. Look out for the consent form and return it to ensure your child is protected. Missed it? The vaccine is free up to age 25 — contact the surgery to check eligibility.

In Northern Ireland, cervical screening is offered to women aged 25–64 (every 3 years for ages 25–49 and every 5 years for ages 50–64). Screening checks for high-risk HPV and early cell changes before cancer develops.

Two simple steps — vaccination and screening — can help prevent cervical cancer. If you have questions, please get in touch.

It is also important to be aware of signs and symptoms of cancers that can be caused by HPV. Visit www.becancerawareni.info/signs-and-symptoms for details.

Please see the following websites for further information.

Cervical Screening: www.pha.site/cervicalscreening
HPV: www.pha.site/HPVvaccination
NI Direct – Cervical Screening: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/cervical-screening
NI Direct – human papillomavirus (HPV): www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

Source: Public Health Agency

Today is Self-Harm Awareness Day

Self-harm is any non-accidental behaviour that causes, or has the potential to cause, harm to oneself — and it’s often a sign that someone is struggling and needs support.

You’re not alone. Help is available and reaching out is a strength.

If you or someone you know needs help and advice on self-harm visit
www.mindingyourhead.info/self-harm

01/03/2026

Source: Department of Health NI

💊 Do you or a loved one take medication?

Medications play a vital role in treating illness and improving health—but they must be used safely.

Whether you’re a patient, carer or health professional, we all have a part to play in preventing medication-related harm.

The ‘5 Moments for Medication Safety’, highlights the five key moments where awareness and action by patients and carers, can help to reduce avoidable medication related harm.

👉 Read more - https://online.hscni.net/our-work/pharmacy-and-medicines-management/medicines-management-programmes/medication-safety/5-moments-for-medication-safety-coming-soon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwd0lDYXFmV0RMb0VDb212bHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7TsZQEQpa3dZVYd8vyoeqaj5vkKhd7Pknxvarfn1e5AB5fpOsGvM5PFtczXg_aem_AubJYRD2QsjMgUQxneEp3A

24/02/2026

This week (23 February – 1 March 2026) we’re proud to support Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, led by Beat

💛 This year’s theme: Community
Because no one should have to face an eating disorder alone.

Eating disorders can affect anyone – at any age, in any walk of life. They are serious mental health conditions, but with early support and the right help, recovery is possible.

As your local GP practice, we’re here to provide a safe, confidential space to talk. If you’re struggling, or if you’re worried about someone close to you, please don’t stay silent — reach out.

You can also access free, confidential support and resources from Beat:

📞 Helpline: 0808 801 0434
💻 Webchat & online support: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Community is about compassion, understanding and connection. Together, we can ensure everyone feels seen, heard and supported. 💛

23/02/2026

We will be closed Wednesday the 25th at 1pm for a Practice Based Learning Day. Reopening as usual on Thursday morning.

18/02/2026

🌸 Menopause Nutrition & Lifestyle Workshop 🌸

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it can bring changes such as hot flushes, low mood, weight gain, poor sleep and reduced energy. The good news is that the right nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a real difference.

Join us for an informative workshop where we’ll discuss:
🥗 Foods that support hormonal balance
💪 Maintaining muscle, bone and heart health
😴 Improving sleep and managing stress
🚶‍♀️ The benefits of gentle exercise and movement
❤️ Practical, realistic tips to help you feel your best

This free session is designed to provide evidence-based advice and simple strategies you can use every day.

Booking is essential, please use the contact details on the poster below. We look forward to seeing you there!

15/02/2026

📈 We are seeing an increase in scabies cases across our local community.📈

Scabies is common and treatable, but it spreads easily within households if not managed correctly. Early treatment and ensuring all close contacts are treated at the same time helps prevent further spread. If you or someone in your household has persistent itching or a new rash, please speak to your pharmacist for advice and possible treatment.

If you are over 65, immunosuppressed or for a child under 2 please contact the surgery.

The following websites will give you further information on symptoms, treatments and prevention.

🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/scabies
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/
https://www.communitypharmacyni.co.uk/services/pharmacy-first/