Imperial Medical Practice

11/12/2025

In November, 137 appointments were not attended by patients which means that 46 hours of our clinicians time has been wasted this month.
It is important that you inform the practice if you are unable to attend an appointment, you can let us know by:
📞 Calling the practice on 01395 224555
💻 Email imperialprescriptions@nhs.net
📱 Via the NHS App or Online Services
🚶 Visit the practice in person

11/12/2025

🤢💧 Vomiting and diarrhoea affect both children and adults, but the risks and care needs can differ. Here’s what to watch out for and how to respond 🧠
👶 Children vs 🧔 Adults - What’s Different?
Children:
‑ Dehydrate more quickly - loss of fluid builds up faster
‑ More vulnerable to electrolyte imbalance
‑ May refuse drinking or have a harder time telling how they feel
‑ Risk signs: dry nappies, sunken eyes, irritability, listlessness
Adults:
‑ Might manage symptoms longer before seeking help
‑ Risk of complications if they have chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, kidney disease)
‑ The underlying cause can vary (infection, foodborne, side effect of meds)
✅ What to Do (For All Ages)
🛌 Rest & stay home
💧 Sip small amounts of fluids frequently
🍚 Once able, introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods
🧼 Wash hands often, especially after bathroom or caring for sick
❌ Avoid preparing food for others until 48 hours after symptoms subside
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Help
Watch for these red flags (in both children & adults):
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a few days
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Unable to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, extreme thirst, low urine output)
• High fever or unexplained pain
More trusted advice here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
Stay alert, act early, and take care 💚

10/12/2025

Digestive health

Changes in diet over Christmas, including rich food and less movement, can play havoc with the digestive system, leading to issues such as heartburn, constipation and reflux.

These tips can help to keep your gut healthy over the period of indulgence:
Limit your alcohol intake
Eat a varied diet – try to include vegetables and grains to help gut movement
Take some time to relax – stress and anxiety can increase the speed of digestion, causing diarrhoea and bloating
Make time to move! Even a gentle walk after dinner can make a huge difference
Consider a probiotic

However you celebrate, have a gut-friendly season ahead! https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/health-hub/how-to-have-a-gut-friendly-christmas

09/12/2025

Did you know you can view messages about your care in the NHS App?
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to receive messages from your trusted health care providers.
Turn on notifications for the NHS App to stay up to date.
Find out more: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

08/12/2025

With the cost of living soaring, more and more people are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

There’s nothing worse than hunger when you’re cold, and if you’re struggling to feed yourself or your children, a food bank can supply an emergency parcel with enough food for at least three days.

To receive support from a food bank, you’ll need a referral for a food voucher. Contact your local Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/food-bank/using-a-food-bank/

Remember, if you are in need, your local foodbank is there to help:
https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

07/12/2025

06/12/2025

Do you get migraines? There are different types of migraine with different symptoms. But sometimes, it can feel like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side.
For more information about types of migraine, other symptoms and treatments, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

05/12/2025

Losing someone we love changes us and how we see the world. Pain doesn’t fade, but as time passes, with support, compassion and strength, you can find that your hope returns, shaped by your memories.

This Grief Awareness Week, the focus is on growing with grief and how you can work towards a future where, although you will not forget, you can learn to smile again.

If you’re struggling with grief, please reach out: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw/

28/11/2025

✨Feedback Friday! ✨
We've received some wonderful feedback from our October friends and family survey and are pleased to share with you all.
We are truly grateful for everyone who took the time to share their thoughts.

24/11/2025

Feeling the chill this winter? Keeping warm is essential for your well-being and health. Here are a few tips on warming up when it’s cold outside:

Reduce draughts where you can
Layer up – wear lots of layers of thinner clothing
Cover extremities – hats, gloves, thick socks and scarves
Eat healthily with plenty of hot drinks
Avoid alcohol
Keep moving
Keeping the cold at bay can help you to stay healthy over these wintry months.

If you’re retired and struggling with costs this winter, check if you’re eligible for the winter fuel payment. If you were born before 22nd September 1959, you could get help to pay your heating bills for the winter of 2025 to 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

21/11/2025

20/11/2025

2025! This year’s theme is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’. 🌟

As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This helps you feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.

Find out more about carers rights:https://go.carersuk.org/CRD