The Village Surgery

25/02/2026

We recently wrote an article in the Forum highlighting the help that is available for those struggling with addiction.

If you recognise any of these behaviours in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to know that you're not alone.

The Harpenden Health PCN comprised of the three local GP practices Davenport House Surgery Harpenden; the Elms Medical Practice and The Village Surgery can help and have connections with a variety of local organisations and services that can offer support.

Please reach out to your local GP practice.

Read the Forum newsletter here: https://www.harpenden.gov.uk/news-and-initiatives/forum

19/02/2026

Cement Shortage

An NHS spokesperson said: “Following a global supply issue, the NHS is issuing immediate guidance to hospitals to ensure trauma and urgent care can safely continue, enable the use of alternative suppliers where possible, and to support prioritisation of orthopaedic waiting lists based on patients’ needs over the coming weeks.

“Any stock already in hospitals is unaffected, and the NHS is working closely with government and leading professional bodies to ensure safe and effective care can be provided while supply is resolved, and to reduce delays for patients requiring less urgent care as far as possible.

“Patients who are concerned about their planned procedures do not need to contact our hospitals. Anyone impacted will be contacted directly.”

02/02/2026

You may in the future need advice for yourself or a person you care for.

The Friends of PPG is hosting a talk by Rennie Grove Peace on 18th February 2026 at The Harpenden Trust Halls entitled “More than just end of life care”. They have kindly opened this up to other Harpenden GP Practice patients.

It will cover new Living Well services to offer early support to patients and carers who have a progressive life-limiting illness, right from diagnosis. This includes emotional support, exercise, wellbeing, complementary therapies and many more.

To secure a place please use this link https://fotvs.org/next-speaker-event.

02/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to Batford Community Connect on Friday and made it such a great success.

Everyone who came along had a chance to meet the 18 partner organisations in attendance, gaining advice and assistance if necessary. Citizen's Advice St Albans District gave a very informative talk full of tips on how to save both energy and money in the colder months and Harpenden Health PCN checked blood pressure readings and gave advice. Cook Varsha Manohitharajah made some delicious warming winter dishes while sharing lots of ideas for budget-friendly meals with beans and lentils and celebrity chef Theo Michaels popped in to lend a hand.

If you were unable to come on the day or would like to find out more from one of our community partners, you can see a list of them all on our website at www.harpenden.gov.uk/community/ourpartnerships

Many thanks to Batford Methodist Church for kindly hosting this event and providing the refreshments.

01/02/2026

❤️ We need cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, it’s when it gets too high that it’s a problem. High cholesterol can lead to health problems in the future, and the only way to know you have it is to get a cholesterol test.

🥗 The good news is that there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol and triglycerides, and these changes all add up. By lowering your blood fats, you’ll lower your risk of illnesses or help stop them from getting worse.  

🩺 If you have any questions or concerns about your cholesterol level and how to lower it, please contact your GP Practice.

📱nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-heart-age

30/01/2026

Batford Community Connect event at Batford Methodist Halls TODAY 11-2pm - come and meet some of our PCN team!

📆 We are looking forward to meeting you today at the Batford Community Connect event at Batford Methodist Halls TODAY between 11am and 2pm.

⭐️ We will be alongside some amazing organisations from our community. Come and find out more.

❣️We will be offering free blood pressure tests and providing information about some of our services. See you later!

28/01/2026

Blood pressure readings are given as 2 numbers, with the 1st number higher than the 2nd (for example,130/80).

The first number measures the systolic pressure. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart pumps blood around the body.

The second number measures the diastolic pressure. This is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart relaxes between each heartbeat.

Your blood pressure is usually considered high if it’s either:

140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional
135/85 or higher when checked at home
You can lower high blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily, exercising regularly and cutting down on alcohol.

Many people also need tablets to control their blood pressure. A doctor will recommend the most suitable medicine for you if needed.

28/01/2026

You may in the future need advice for yourself or a person you care for. The Friends of The Village Surgery PPG is hosting a talk by Rennie Grove Peace on 18th February 2026 at The Harpenden Trust Halls entitled "More than just end of life care" covering new Living Well services to offer early support to patients and carers who have a progressive life-limiting illness, right from diagnosis. This includes emotional support, exercise, wellbeing, complementary therapies and many more. To secure a place please use this link https://fotvs.org/next-speaker-event.

23/01/2026

Do you have a question or want some support from one of your local agencies or service providers? Pop in to the Batford Methodist Church on Friday 30th January between 11am and 2pm where all of the following organisations will be under one roof and available for a chat:

Citizens Advice
Batford Springs Volunteers - BSV
Bethany Community Church, Harpenden
Communities 1st
Harpenden Library
Harpenden Health PCN
Harpenden Mencap
Harpenden Money Advice Centre
The Harpenden Trust
Hertfordshire
St Albans Family Centre Service
St Albans Police

Home-Start Hertfordshire
James Marshall Foundation CIO
Nannies 4 Grannies
St Albans Old People’s Trust
The Salvation Army Harpenden

22/01/2026

Patients often ask what their BP should be when they check it at home. If you are under 80 years of age it should be less than or equal to 135/85. If over 80 we are aiming for less than or equal to 145/85. If your home BP is higher than this please do contact your GP for advice.

Blood pressure readings are given as 2 numbers, with the 1st number higher than the 2nd (for example,130/80).

The first number measures the systolic pressure. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart pumps blood around the body.

The second number measures the diastolic pressure. This is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart relaxes between each heartbeat.

Your blood pressure is usually considered high if it’s either:

140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional
135/85 or higher when checked at home
You can lower high blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily, exercising regularly and cutting down on alcohol.

Many people also need tablets to control their blood pressure. A doctor will recommend the most suitable medicine for you if needed.

13/01/2026

Memories of wonderful community spirit - thank you to everyone who was involved.

Did you know, it was on 13th January 2021 that the Harpenden Public Halls opened as a Vaccination Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic? Today marks the 5th anniversary.

This morning some of the community vaccinators got together for coffee, as they have been doing since the centre closed in March 2022.

The community spirit continues with this group but also in the relationships built between and the Harpenden Health PCN, as our joint Wellbeing Hub was born out of the collaboration that began at the Vaccination Centre.

Our thanks go out to each of the volunteers and staff who were involved and to the organisations who supported the centre, including the host of our coffee morning today

12/01/2026

👋 Do you know your blood pressure readings?

Around one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but half of those people don’t know it or are not receiving treatment. That’s nearly 6 million people living undiagnosed.

High blood pressure is responsible for over half of all strokes and heart attacks. It’s why detection is lifesaving.

🩺 Get in contact with your GP Practice to arrange FREE blood pressure and health checks. Alternatively pop into your GP Practice to use the blood pressure machines, but please make sure you hand over your results to the reception so they can add the numbers to your record.

✅ Quick and pain-free
✅ No appointment needed
✅ Friendly staff ready to support you