The Family Medical Practice

19/12/2025

🎄 Christmas is an exciting time, but it can also be tough – especially when you’re managing diabetes. But you’re not alone, our helpline is ready if you need support and our online forum is here to connect you with others.

📞 Helpline: 0345 123 2399
💻 Online forum: https://orlo.uk/online-forum_ZKwiS

We’re here for you if you need us! 💙

*Our helpline will be closed from 3pm on 24 December to 9am on 2 January

19/12/2025

Last week, His Majesty The King The Royal Family talked about the importance of taking part in cancer screening as part of Stand Up To Cancer UK

Breast screening can detect cancer before you can feel it. Or more likely, put your mind at rest.

So when you’re invited, save the date. It could save your life.

19/12/2025

🎄 Christmas & New Year Opening Hours 🎄

Wednesday 24th December
🕗 8:00am – 1:00pm
💻 Routine online requests available via Ask My GP until 6:30pm

Closed:
❌ 25th – 28th December

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th December
🕗 8:00am – 6:30pm

Wednesday 31st December
🕗 8:00am – 1:00pm
💻 Routine online requests available via Ask My GP until 6:30pm

Thursday 1st January
❌ Closed

✅ Normal working hours resume from Friday 2nd January

🚨 Urgent appointments during closed periods
Please contact:
📞 GP Alliance: 01942 482848
📞 NHS 111

💊 Prescription Requests – please request these as soon as possible to avoid delays in your medication, any requests made Tuesday 23rd December onwards may not be ready until after the break

🎅 Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

08/12/2025

Has your mental health been impacted following a cancer diagnosis?

Are you finding adjusting to life changes a challenge?

If yes, NHS Talking Therapies can support you through this.

NHS Talking Therapies is continuing to accept referrals into their Step 3+ Cancer Pathway. This new service provides specialist support to people affect by cancer.

Our team of friendly, experienced and qualified professionals will work with you to help you to understand your mental health difficulties and to show you new ways of coping.

We are able to help with a range of problems that are common among people affected by cancer, including low mood, worry, stress, and difficulty coping. Working on these problems can help to improve overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Where patients may not meet the eligibility for the Step 3+ cancer pathways, NHS Talking Therapies offers a wider range of support which can also be accessed.

Sophie Bates, Principal Clinical Psychologist who is leading the project, said: “People using this service say the therapists offer support that feels truly personalised, and provides a safe space to explore the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.”

“We are continuing to accept professional and self referrals into the service.”

Our service is free, confidential, and available to anyone registered with a GP in and .

If you would like further information about our service see ➡️ https://bit.ly/4olpxSk

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

Cases of flu and RSV are rising at the moment. 🤧

Here's a reminder of how to avoid catching something, and what will help prevent you passing it on if you do.

Visit our blog post to find out more: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/02/how-to-avoid-catching-flu-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-illnesses-this-winter/

08/12/2025

Please use the attached QR-code to access information below on supporting young people

18/11/2025

With temperatures forecasted to drop across the UK over the next few days, it’s important to make sure that we’re looking out for our loved ones living with dementia.

Winter can be a particularly difficult time for somebody living with dementia. The bad weather and colder temperatures can bring specific challenges, and can sometimes make symptoms temporarily worse.

They may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they might not even recognise it themselves.

Perception issues can also make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches on a pavement or understand that a surface may be extra slippery.

So make sure to check in regularly on loved ones, friends and neighbours living with dementia, and follow our useful tips to help support them through the winter.

18/11/2025

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, 18th to 24th November

Not every illness needs antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern, so help to preserve their efficacy for when they’re really needed!

- Always take antibiotics as prescribed
- Never miss a dose
- Complete a course in full
- Vaccinate yourself and your family

Keep antibiotics for when they’re really needed. You could save a life.

14/10/2025

Remember to complete the consent form from school for your child’s flu nasal spray vaccination.

Choose the option if you want them to have a vaccine without gelatine.

Find out more: search 'NHS GM winter vaccinations' or click the link in the comments.

14/10/2025

*Sunday educational post*

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has changed this winter. It's a long 'un - bear with us...

Every year, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) considers who needs to be vaccinated, to help protect people from serious illness.

Their advice on COVID-19 has changed because the threat from COVID-19 has changed. It has become a common, milder infection for most people.

This autumn/winter, COVID-19 vaccination is being offered only to people at highest risk of serious illness – older people and those who have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.

This is different to previous years and isn’t the same for flu vaccination. It’s possible for you to be eligible for a flu vaccine but not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, even if you’ve had it previously.

Follow the link in our comments to find out more about this and how you can protect yourself this winter.

10/10/2025

Today, on , we stand together to raise awareness, spread hope, and remind each other that no one has to struggle alone.

Today is also the last day of Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope. It's been a time to shine a light on su***de prevention, encourage open conversations, and help end the stigma around mental health.

Together, we can change the narrative and create a future filled with understanding, compassion, and support.

Join the conversation. Share hope. Save lives. Search Month of Hope 2025 to get involved. If you're struggling, visit the link in the comments to find support.