The Croft Practice at Eastergate Medical Centre

01/04/2026

🐰 The Easter bunnies have arrived early at our Childhood Immunisation Clinic!

Suzanne and Hannah were getting into the Easter spirit today ready to welcome our little patients with plenty of smiles and fun!

Our Childhood Immunisation Clinics are here to help keep your children protected and up to date with their vaccinations in a friendly, supportive environment 💛

If your child is due any immunisations, please contact the practice to book in, we will always be in touch when due.

01/04/2026

🌼 Easter Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours 🌼

With the Easter bank holiday approaching, please check the attached list for local pharmacy opening times across Coastal West Sussex.

💊 Many pharmacies will have reduced hours or be closed, so we strongly recommend checking before you travel.

👉 If you need advice or treatment for minor illnesses, remember you can use Pharmacy First services – your local pharmacist can help with a range of conditions without needing a GP appointment.

📞 Always contact the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure they’re open and have what you need.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you have a lovely Easter weekend 🐣

21/03/2026

Be a good egg - order and essential medications you're running low on in good time before the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Many GP surgeries require at least 3 working days to process repeat prescriptions so hop to it to make sure you're covered.

20/03/2026

We are very saddened to hear about the recent meningitis outbreak in Canterbury and the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with everyone affected 💙
We understand this news may be worrying, and we have seen an increase in patients contacting the practice for advice and reassurance.
Please be assured:
✔️ We are closely monitoring the situation alongside our clinical team
✔️ We are receiving regular updates from national health organisations
✔️ We will continue to keep our patients informed as guidance evolves
For the most up-to-date and reliable information, please visit:
👉 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website
You can also find helpful information about meningitis symptoms, prevention, and when to seek help via official NHS channels.
⚠️ Important reminder:
If you or your child develops symptoms such as a high temperature, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, or a rash that does not fade when pressed — please seek urgent medical advice immediately.
We will continue to share updates and guidance as needed. Thank you for your understanding and support.
— The Croft Practice Team 💙

19/03/2026

📢 Important Update for Today

Due to unexpected staff absence, we have very limited appointment availability today.

We kindly ask patients to consider using Pharmacy First services where appropriate. Community pharmacists are highly trained and can help with a range of common conditions without the need to see a GP.

💊 You can speak to your local pharmacy for advice and treatment for conditions such as:
• Sore throats
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin infections and more

If you do need to contact us, please be assured that all triage requests will be reviewed and responded to within 24 hours.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we manage today’s reduced capacity 💙

18/03/2026

18/03/2026

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

17/03/2026

🌈 World Down Syndrome Day – 21st March 🌈

On 20th March, we will be supporting and celebrating World Down Syndrome Day – a global awareness day that recognises and celebrates people with Down syndrome.

The date (3/21) symbolises the three copies of chromosome 21, which is what makes Down syndrome unique.

To show our support, we’re inviting everyone to join in by wearing bright, colourful or mismatched socks 🧦 – because chromosomes are shaped like socks, and this is a fun way to start conversations and raise awareness.

💛 Let’s celebrate difference, inclusion, and individuality
💬 Let’s raise awareness and start conversations
🌍 Let’s show that everyone belongs
Get involved, get colourful, and help us spread the message!

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day means something different for everyone. 💐

Today we celebrate and send love to all the amazing people represented here, new mums, experienced mums, mums-to-be, step parents, single parents, those who have adopted or fostered, and the incredible mother figures in our lives.

We’re also thinking of those who find today a little harder – whether you’re missing someone, longing to be a mum, navigating a difficult relationship, or simply needing a bit of extra love today.

However you spend Mother’s Day, we hope it’s filled with kindness, support, and a little moment just for you. 💛

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who nurtures, supports and cares for others in their own way.

13/03/2026

Knit & Natter at The Croft 🧶

We’re excited to invite patients and our community to our Knit & Natter group, hosted by the Friends of The Croft Practice.

To make it easier for more people to attend, we are running two sessions at different times each month:

🧶 7th April – 10am to 12pm
🧶 28th April – 3:30pm to 5pm

Come along for a relaxed chat, meet new people, and enjoy some knitting or crochet together.

☕ Tea & coffee provided
🧶 Please bring your own knitting kit

Everyone is welcome – even if you just fancy a chat!

13/03/2026

💗 Bra Bank Now Available at The Croft 💗

We’re pleased to support Against Breast Cancer by hosting a Bra Bank at the surgery.

If you have any unwanted or no longer used bras, you can donate them and help raise funds for vital breast cancer research. Every bra collected helps support the charity’s work.

📍 Location:
The Bra Bank is located just inside the main entrance to the surgery, on the right-hand side as you come through the door.

♻️ Please feel free to drop off your donations when you visit the surgery.

Thank you for helping us support such an important cause. 💕

https://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/recycling/bra-recycling

11/03/2026