Highcliffe Medical Centre

05/11/2025

HPV often has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it. That’s why the NHS offers HPV vaccination and cervical screening to help prevent cervical cancer.
Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/

04/11/2025

💊 Free morning-after pill now available at pharmacies

Women and girls in England can now get the morning-after pill (emergency contraception) for free from many local pharmacies — no need to see a GP or visit a clinic.

You can walk into a participating pharmacy, have a private chat with the pharmacist, and get the pill if it’s suitable for you.

👉 The morning-after pill works best the sooner it’s taken after unprotected s*x or a contraception problem.
👩‍⚕️ Pharmacists can also give advice about other contraception options and s*xual health support.

For more information, visit the NHS website:
🔗

NHS England » Free ‘morning after pill’ for women at high street pharmacies thanks to NHS expansion

04/11/2025

Join the World Diabetes Day webinar! Learn how to reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes through healthier lifestyle choices.

Join the World Diabetes Day webinar! Learn how to reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes through healthier lifestyle choices.

03/11/2025

Looking for something creative, relaxing or outdoors this month? Parks in Mind offers a range of free activities, from arts and crafts to gentle green exercise and nature-based volunteering.

Everyone is welcome – just bring yourself and your curiosity!

31/10/2025

🎃 Healthier Halloween Treats

There’s no need for families to miss out on Halloween fun while looking after their teeth.

Better Health – NHS Healthier Families has shared a great low-sugar recipe for Eyeball Juice Jellies — a fun, spooky treat that’s perfect for October.

👉 Take a look here: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/eyeball-juice-jellies/

A great one to share with parents and caregivers, and a reminder that the Healthier Families website has lots of simple, nutritious recipes for every time of year.

Jelly is a fun and delicious treat without being too calorific. Using fruit creatively makes an extra special halloween treat!

31/10/2025

Good News!

We have added additional staffing at the weekends for better appointment availability. This may mean you get appointments at the weekend or messages at the weekend with details of your appointment.

This is another positive step to offer better appointment availability for our patients!

31/10/2025

This weekend (1st and 2nd November) the enhanced hours service will run from The Barn Surgery - Christchurch Medical Practice. Please note you must be registered with one of the surgeries within the PCN (Highcliffe Medical Centre, Christchurch Medical Practice, The Farmhouse Surgery, Stour Surgery).

30/10/2025

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer.
You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it's easier to treat.
For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

29/10/2025

Have your say on Kinship Care

Are you a kinship carer — someone looking after a child full-time or most of the time for a relative or friend? Your views are important.

This short survey asks about your experiences and the support you need. The results will help shape a new Local Offer for kinship carers, making it clearer what help is available and how to access it.

The survey closes at midday on Monday 3 November 2025.
Take part here:

Take part in our Kinship Carers SurveyThe survey closes at midday on Monday 3 November 2025.Kinship Care is when a child lives full-time or most of the time with a relative or family friend, usually because their parents are not able to care for t...

28/10/2025

If you’re 54 to 74, the NHS will send you a testing kit. Catching bowel cancer early reduces your chances of getting seriously ill from it. So, don’t just leave it in the back of a drawer - send it back today. Find out more: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

27/10/2025

💙 Weekend smear test appointments now available! 💙
Finding time for your cervical screening just got easier. It’s quick, important, and we’re here to help.
👉 Book a slot at our weekend enhanced hours service today by contacting your practice.

27/10/2025

🎉 Elderfest is today! 🎉
Join us at Twynham School, Christchurch (BH23 1JF) anytime between 10am–3pm for a free, friendly community event celebrating local services and support for older people.

🛍️ Explore local stalls
☕ Enjoy refreshments
💬 Hear short talks throughout the day

Come say hello — we’d love to see you there! 💚