The Croft Practice at Eastergate Medical Centre

23/04/2026

💙 Carers Week at The Croft 💙

We’re really pleased to be joined by Age UK and our Carers Health Team to support and celebrate our amazing carers 💛

☕ Come along for a relaxed morning with tea, coffee, and a chance to connect, chat, and access support.

📅 9th June
⏰ 10am
📍 The Croft Practice, Eastergate

Whether you’re a carer yourself or supporting someone who is, you’re very welcome to join us.

💬 No need to book – just pop in!

20/04/2026

📢 Important Update for Our Patients

Please note that the surgery will be closed on Tuesday 21st April 2026 from 12:30pm for essential PLT (Protected Learning Time) training.

This dedicated time allows our team to continue developing skills and improving the care we provide to you.

If you require medical assistance during this time, please contact NHS 111, or in an emergency dial 999.

Thank you for your understanding 💙

19/04/2026

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition like social anxiety, OCD or PTSD, treatment is available.

NHS Talking Therapies are effective, confidential, and free treatments delivered by trained professionals, and can take place in-person, on the phone, or as an online course.

You can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk

17/04/2026

💉 Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic – No Appointment Needed

We’re pleased to share details of a local walk-in COVID-19 vaccination session taking place in Bognor Regis:

📍 Laburnum Centre, Lyon Street, PO21 1UX
📅 Tuesday 21 April
🕥 10:30 – 15:30

✅ No appointment required – just walk in

This clinic is for:
• Patients aged 75+ (by 30/06/2026)
• Patients aged 18+ who are immunosuppressed

If you’re eligible, please do take the opportunity to protect yourself this spring 💙

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can:
• Speak to a member of the team on the day
• Or call 119 for advice

🔗 You can also find more walk-in clinics here:
allianceforbettercare.org/walkinclinics

16/04/2026

⚠️ NHS IT Issue – Service Update ⚠️

We are currently experiencing a wider NHS IT issue which is affecting our systems. teams are working to resolve this as quickly as possible, however at present we do not have a timeframe for when this will be fixed.

As a result:
- Our services will be limited
- We are currently unable to access ICE, meaning we cannot generate pathology forms
- Some appointments may need to be rebooked

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding. Unfortunately, this issue is outside of our control, but we will keep you updated as soon as we have more information.

Thank you for your support

11/04/2026

Today is World Parkinson’s Day 💙

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and can impact movement, coordination, and other functions. Around 166,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s.

Common symptoms can include:
• Tremor (shaking)
• Slowness of movement
• Muscle stiffness
• Balance problems

💬 If you have concerns about symptoms, please contact us , our team is here to help.

🤝 You are not alone. Support, advice, and guidance are available:
👉 https://www.parkinsons.org.uk

09/04/2026

Veterans Meet-Up – Tomorrow at The Croft Surgery

Just a reminder that our Veterans Meeting is taking place tomorrow from 4:00–5:00pm at the surgery.

This is a great opportunity to:
• Connect with other veterans
• Find out what support is available
• Share ideas on how we can better support our veteran community

☕ Refreshments will be available

We look forward to seeing you there!

🇬🇧 Are you part of the Armed Forces Community? 🇬🇧

We are proud to support our veterans and their families at Eastergate Medical Centre and would love to invite you to our upcoming Veterans Support Meeting.

📅 Friday 10th April 2026
⏰ 4:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Eastergate Medical Centre

This friendly session will be joined by Veteran Support, who will be there to share information, offer guidance, and help connect you with the support available locally and nationally.

Whether you are a veteran, currently serving, a reservist, or a family member, you are very welcome to attend.

✔ Learn about available support
✔ Meet others from the Armed Forces community
✔ Ask questions in a relaxed and supportive space

Simply scan the QR code on the poster or visit:
🌐 www.veteranaware.nhs.uk/findsupport

We look forward to welcoming you.

🇬🇧

09/04/2026

💙 Know your body. Check yourself. It could save your life. 💙

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, but the good news is 👉 it’s highly treatable when caught early. 

That’s why it’s so important to get to know what’s normal for you.

🔍 What to look out for:
• A lump or swelling
• Pain or discomfort
• A feeling of heaviness
• Changes in size or shape

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer – but they should always be checked. 

🛁 Quick self-check tip:
The best time to check is after a warm shower. Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and look out for anything unusual. 

⚠️ Around 2,300–2,400 men are diagnosed in the UK each year, so awareness really matters. 

💬 If something doesn’t feel right – don’t wait. Speak to your GP.

👉 Learn more: https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/testicular-cancer

07/04/2026

07/04/2026

Following the four-day bank holiday weekend, we are experiencing extremely high demand across the surgery. Our teams are working hard to respond to everyone as quickly as possible and we would really appreciate your patience and kindness during this busy period.

Before contacting the surgery, please consider whether another service may be able to help you more quickly:

Pharmacy First can provide advice and treatment for:
- Earache (ages 1–17)
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)

Minor Injury Units can help with things such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Minor burns and scalds
- Cuts and grazes
- Minor head injuries
- Suspected broken bones
- Bites and stings

GP appointments are best used for:
• Ongoing or complex health concerns
• Long-term condition reviews
• Medication reviews
• Mental health concerns
• Symptoms that are not improving
• Multiple symptoms that may need further investigation
• Referrals, fit notes and follow-up care
• Concerns that may require examination, tests or specialist input

Using the right service helps make sure patients get the care they need as quickly as possible and allows GP appointments to remain available for those who need them most.

Thank you for your continued support 💙

06/04/2026

🧶 Reminder: Knit & Natter Tomorrow! 🧶

Just a friendly reminder that our Knit & Natter session is happening tomorrow – we’d love to see you there!

📅 7th April
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Eastergate Medical Centre

Come along for a relaxed morning of knitting, chatting, and meeting others in the community. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, everyone is welcome 💛

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

Feel free to bring a friend – the more the merrier!

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!

04/04/2026

🐣 Need medical help this Easter?🐰

💊Local pharmacies across Sussex are open this weekend. They can help with many common health problems. Check opening hours on our website https://www.surreysussex.icb.nhs.uk/news-centre/icbsysxnewseaster2026-4205

🩺For things that are not urgent, you can also visit a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.

📱If you are not sure where to go, phone our teams at NHS111, who can advise.

🚑 Save 999 and A&E for emergencies - when someone is seriously ill, injured, or their life is at risk.

💙 Thank you for supporting your NHS teams this Easter 💙