Medwyn Surgery

14/04/2026

April is IBS Awareness Month 💙
IBS affects digestion, causing pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits - awareness helps people get the support they need.

April is IBS Awareness Month.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

It can be very frustrating to live with and have a big impact on your everyday life.

Find out more, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

11/04/2026

Today is World Parkinson’s Day, raising awareness of Parkinson’s and the support available to those affected.

Today is World Parkinson's Day.

Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

Learn more about the condition ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/

06/04/2026

April is , encouraging awareness that while stress can sometimes motivate us, too much can impact our wellbeing and support is available.
https://orlo.uk/7tDjF

April is .

Sometimes, a small amount of stress or pressure can help us to complete tasks and feel more energised. Short periods of mild stress are not always a bad thing, some people enjoy the pressure and are motivated by it. However, negative stress can be described as how we feel and react when the demands or pressure on us exceeds our own perceived ability to cope. Stress can come both from inside ourselves (for example wanting to succeed) and from external events (for example work pressures, financial, relationship or health problems).

If you are struggling, there are services and self-help tools available to help. Find out more: https://orlo.uk/7tDjF

04/04/2026

02/04/2026

Do you over-worry?

can help you manage that feels constant, overwhelming or difficult to control. We run a regular 7-week group which provides a safe space to learn ways to manage worry through techniques. We have a blog which introduces some of these techniques which you can start putting into practice today: 'When to worry about worrying - and what to do about it'.

We are a free and confidential service for anyone aged 17+ who is registered with a Surrey GP. Self-refer today!

👉 https://dhctalkingtherapies.co.uk/cbt-for-worry-generalised-anxiety-disorder/

31/03/2026

Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn. Activity continues over the winter months but at a significantly reduced level. So, the UK Health Security Agency is reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ as they enjoy the great outdoors at any time of the year.

Planning a trip into the wilderness? Don’t forget the essentials…
Good walking shoes? ✅
Plenty of water? ✅
Knowing which creepy-crawly to be aware of? That’s a tick too… 🕷️
Find out more in our blog post:
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/21/what-is-lyme-disease-and-why-do-we-need-to-be-tick-aware/

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