Elms Medical Practice

17/03/2026

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/

We have currently had no further advice or guidance from UKHSA since the current outbreak in the news.

The current vaccine schedule for Meningitis B is since 1st July 2015 babies are vaccinated with Meningitis B at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year. We are currently unable to vaccinate older children, and the vaccine is currently only available at private clinics or pharmacies.

Measures are in place in Kent, local to the outbreak which is for those who have had contact or possible contact. According to the news, the outbreak strain is Meningitis B, which is bacterial and usually transmitting in spit and saliva. When we receive further information or guidance, we will update our website and Instagram/pages.

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

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

29/01/2026

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.

09/01/2026

Please bear with your GP Surgery as there is a nationwide issue with the online communication system. If your request is urgent please call your surgery, but otherwise please allow some time for the issue to be fixed. For further advice you can call 111. Thank you for your patience.

08/01/2026

⚠️ Nestle have recalled specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow on formula. This is due to the potential presence of cereulide in certain batches. There have not been any confirmed cases of illness, but if you have any of the affected products you should not feed it to your baby. If you have an affected batch and have fed your baby and are worried, please get in touch with 111 or your GP.

Update 1 - Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin). This notice contains updated expiry dates for affected batches of SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk and SMA ALFAMINO. https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026-update-1

30/12/2025

It’s easy for cervical screening to fall to the bottom of your to-do list, but it only takes a few minutes and there are some simple ways to help put you at ease. Respond to the invite sent from your GP Practice or contact them online to book an appointment. Our PCN, Davenport House, Elms Medical and Village Surgery, are also offering Saturday appointments for those who find it difficult to make appointments during the working week.

Find out more about cervical screening: http://nhs.uk/cervicalscreening

10/12/2025

Prescriptions - Important notice. Please be advised that throughout Harpenden and nationally there has been a technical problem with the system that allows your GP Practice to authorise prescriptions. If your prescription order is urgent, please contact your pharmacy first as the order may have already reached them. If it’s not urgent please give us a couple of days before collecting from your pharmacy. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

04/12/2025

This morning our 3 GP Surgeries are having technical issues with the Contact Us Online links, powered by Accurx. Please bear with us as we continue working around this issue and waiting for it to come back to full functionality. Thank you for your patience with our reception teams.

02/12/2025

Our surgery websites are experiencing difficulties this morning. We are hoping they will be back up and running shortly. Meanwhile, if you are trying to contact your GP surgery online, please use the NHS App or go directly to the online form via the links below:
Davenport House - accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/e82077 Elms Medical - accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/e82071 Village Surgery - accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/e82037

16/09/2025

Please book an appointment via the text message link sent to all parents/carers last week or go online to request: https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/e82071

Little heroes save big lives – starting with themselves! 🛡️
This autumn, your child can be a Flu Fighter with a free NHS nasal spray flu vaccine – quick, painless, and needle-free.

Flu isn’t just a cold – it can cause high fever, sore throat, cough, and even lead to serious complications like chest infections or hospital stays.
Children aged 2 and 3 years are especially vulnerable.

💨 A quick spray gives your little one powerful protection to stay healthy and happy.

📍 Book your child’s free flu vaccine at your GP practice today.