Hetton Group Practice

11/02/2026

💊 HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

Discontinuation of Freestyle Libre 3 sensors

Are you or someone you care for currently using the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor? After April 2026 this will no longer be available on an NHS prescription. Patients should contact their prescribers directly so your prescription can be changed to Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensors.


https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/freestyle-libre-3-sensors-will-be-phased-out-replaced-freestyle-libre-3-plus

10/02/2026

🚨HGP Medication Team Alert

Do you use non-sterile alcohol free wipes? The MHRA has issued an updated safety alert regarding some brands.

These brands have been withdrawn from sale however may still be in people's homes and first aid boxes.

If you have these wipes at home, please do not use and dispose of them in standard household waste.

Please follow the link below for more information

UKHSA are providing an update to previous advice regarding contaminated non-sterile alcohol-free wipes in response to continuing detection of cases and a recent death attributable to Burkholderia stabilis infection.

10/02/2026

💊HGP Medication Team Alert 💊

Are you currently taking or have been taking Semaglutide? Also known as brand names such as Ozempic and Rybelsus (prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (prescribed privately for weight loss)
The MHRA have issued a new safety alert for this medication, a rare potential side effect is NIAON (Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
If you notice a change in eyesight, such as sudden impairment to your vision, of if your eyesight gets worse very quick in one or both eyes, urgently attend eye casualty (if available) or A&E.
Please follow the link below for further information

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-updates-guidance-for-semaglutide-prescribers-and-patients

06/02/2026

💊 If you’re currently taking the contraceptive pill or looking to start, you can now pick it up directly from your local pharmacy — no GP appointment needed.

✔️ Fast, private consultations
✔️ Free
✔️ Fully confidential

📍 Find your nearest pharmacy by searching NHS Find a pharmacy

06/02/2026

🚨Courtesy Message from your GP Surgery

Are you taking or have a current supply ibuprofen at home in your medication box?

If so MHRA have released a medicine recall for Ibuprofen 200mg tablets, Ibucalm 200mg tablets (Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd)

Follow the link below for more information

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd is recalling specific batches distributed in Aspar, Almus and Numark livery. The batches are being recalled as a precautionary measure following findings of foil perforations in some blisters.

04/02/2026

This is a little overview of the practice workload throughout January. Thank you to our team for their continued hard work! ⭐️

04/02/2026

In January, we had 140 appointments that were not attended 😔

That is 140 appointments that could have been offered to other patients.

Please let us know if you can't attend so we can offer the appointment to someone who needs it.
You can cancel your appointment via the nhs app, over the phone, or in person.

Help us to help you.

03/02/2026

This is a courtesy message from your GP surgery. Are you taking or have been on GLP-1 such as Tirzepatide.

The MHRA have recently issued new guidance regarding the small risk of severe acute pancreatitis whilst on this medication.

Please follow the link below further information and guidance. If you have any questions please contact your prescriber.


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-updates-guidance-for-glp-1-prescribers-and-patients

03/02/2026

Turning on NHS App notifications is a simple way to help the NHS save money while staying informed about your healthcare.

Notifications can remind you about appointments, test results, prescriptions and important updates, helping reduce missed appointments and unnecessary letters or texts.

Using the NHS App makes it easier to manage your health in one place, saves time for NHS services and helps resources be used where they are needed most. Making this small change can have a big impact for you and the NHS. 📱

Learn how to manage NHS App notifications: https://www.nhs.uk/.../managing-nhs-app-notifications/

29/01/2026

Bowel cancer screening in England is improving. Find out how ⬇

FIT kits, sent to everyone aged between 50 and 74, will now checked at a lower threshold. This means smaller amounts of blood in poo samples can be spotted — helping to find signs of cancer earlier, treatment can be more successful.
It’s the same simple test, just better at picking things up even earlier.

Most people who use their kit won’t need further tests.

When your kit arrives, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.

Read more about bowel cancer screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPmyWtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe-40HnhiIVc5Fbd3skdsWxKCer1Gl4NTKqY4x5gNrCJRcv84dNTIbsCh1CZo_aem_OzC5CYapT_6YUBHrCy24Hg

29/01/2026

Our phone lines are open as below:

Monday - 8.30am-12.00pm and 13.00pm-18.00pm
Tuesday - 8.30am-12.00pm and 13.00pm-18.00pm
Wednesday - 8.00am-13.00pm then 14.00pm-18.00pm
Thursday - 8.30am-12.00pm and 13.00pm-18.00pm
Friday - 8.30am-12.00pm and 13.00pm-18.00pm

The Prescriptions line is open daily from 10.00am to 11.00am only.

General enquiries and test results open daily from 10.00am.

Did you know you can order your prescription using the NHS App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhs.online.nhsonline
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nhs-app/id1388411277?ls=1

To book an appointment for a GP/ANP please click on the link below and complete the form. Once reviewed by the duty doctor one of the team will contact you.
https://hettongp.webgp.com/

Get help for your condition - or request treatment and advice from your own GP online

28/01/2026

Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health, and it does not have to mean spending hours in the gym. Being active can help reduce the risk of long-term conditions, improve mood and boost energy levels, while also supporting independence as we age.

Examples of regular exercise include:
🚴‍♂️ Brisk walking or cycling to improve heart health
💪 Strength exercises like carrying shopping or resistance training to build muscle
🧘‍♀️Balance and flexibility activities such as yoga or stretching to reduce falls and stiffness
💙 Low-impact activities like swimming or chair-based exercises, especially later in life

Staying active in ways you enjoy makes it easier to keep exercise as part of everyday life.

Learn about the health benefits of exercise: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Explore exercise ideas for weight loss without the gym: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/the-best-exercises-for-weight-loss-if-you-hate-the-gym

Read advice on exercising safely in later life: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-exercise-safely-in-later-life