Medwyn Surgery

30/03/2026

In response to the continued high levels of Norovirus across our hospital, sustained demand in our Emergency Department, and the challenges we are facing moving patients around the site in line with necessary infection control measures, the Trust has declared a Critical Incident.

Please only use our Emergency Department (ED) for serious or life-threatening emergencies. For all other urgent health needs, consider these alternatives:
- Your GP
- NHS 111 - online or by phone, available 24/7
- Your local pharmacy – expert advice for several ailments through Pharmacy First https://bit.ly/4duHKcu
- Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital
- Minor Injuries Units at Caterham Dene, Horsham Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital
Choosing the right service helps us keep ED free for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us help you.

Find out more - https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/latest-news/trust-declares-critical-incident-due-norovirus-outbreak

30/03/2026

Get ahead of the Easter bank holiday - check your medication now and make sure you have everything you need in good time 💊

Running out of medication could become an emergency.

Check your prescriptions will last through the holidays, and reorder now if needed.

Use the NHS App to easily re-order, or contact your GP surgery in plenty of time.

For more information on pharmacies, including opening hours over bank holidays, visit surreyheartlands.org/pharmacies

22/03/2026

Struggling to get started with the NHS App? We are here to help.

Join us at Medwyn Surgery for a relaxed, friendly support session where our team will guide you step by step. Whether you want to order prescriptions, book appointments, or access your health records, we’ll help you feel confident using the app.

📅 Wednesday 25th March
📍 Medwyn Health Education Suite (1st Floor)
⏰ From 1pm

No technical experience needed - just bring your smartphone or tablet (and photo ID if you have it).

We look forward to seeing you there.

17/03/2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from NHS.
🔗 nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

15/03/2026

Students: Have you checked your meningitis vaccination status?

The news about a meningitis outbreak affecting university students is a reminder of how important it is for young people to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord and can develop very quickly. Early symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for flu, freshers’ flu, or even a hangover, which is why awareness is so important for students living and socialising closely together.

🎓 If you are heading to university, college, or living in student accommodation:
• Check your vaccination record on the NHS App
• Make sure you have had the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria
• If you’re under 25 and missed the vaccine at school, you can still get it free through your GP practice.

Students are particularly encouraged to have the MenACWY vaccine before starting university because close living conditions increase the risk of meningitis spreading.

💡 Not sure if you’ve had it?
Check the NHS App or contact the surgery and we can advise you.

⚠️ Seek urgent medical help if you or someone you know develops symptoms such as:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Neck stiffness
• A rash that does not fade when pressed

Protecting yourself also helps protect your friends and the wider student community.

For more information:
NHS – Meningitis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

Eleven people in the Canterbury area are also seriously ill in hospital, the BBC understands.

11/03/2026

Today, 11 March, marks No Smoking Day - if you are thinking about quitting, the One You Surrey Stop Smoking programme offers free personalised support and practical help to give you the best chance of becoming smoke-free.
https://oneyousurrey.org.uk/programmes/stop-smoking/

Today is No Smoking Day.

A smoke-free life starts with a smoke-free day, and you're 3 times more likely to stop smoking with help and support.

Access free support from One You Surrey and start your journey today: https://orlo.uk/5uUkz

10/03/2026

We’re pleased to share a snapshot of activity at Medwyn Surgery from November 2025 to February 2026. The figures highlight how our team continues to support patients both digitally and in person.

These numbers show the growing use of digital services, helping patients access care more easily while allowing our team to manage demand more efficiently.

One area we continue to work on is reducing missed appointments. There were 826 Did Not Attend (DNA) appointments this quarter. If you can’t attend, please cancel your appointment so we can offer it to another patient who needs care.

05/03/2026

Ovarian cancer can cause persistent bloating, tummy pain, or feeling full quickly - if these symptoms are new or don’t go away, it’s important to speak to your GP.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Are you 65+ and want to stay well for longer?

Join our free 5-week Living Well programme at Medwyn Surgery (18 March - 15 April, 10am–12:30pm) for practical advice and support from local healthcare professionals.

📧 dohel.livewell.dhc@nhs.net
📞 01306 733536

27/02/2026

Menopause can affect more than just your body. Many women experience anxiety, low mood, irritability, sleep difficulties and reduced confidence during this time. You don’t have to manage it alone.

We’re pleased to signpost patients to a free online course delivered by DHC Talking Therapies: Live Well – Navigating and Coping with Menopause.

This supportive 6-week programme explores the psychological and emotional impact of menopause and offers practical, CBT-based tools to help you manage symptoms and feel more in control.

You can self-refer directly here:
👉 https://dhctalkingtherapies.co.uk/live-well-navigating-and-coping-with-menopause/