Ruby Country Medical Group

10/11/2025

*****NEW****
The Healthy Choices Quiz offers a simple way to assess your lifestyle across six themes. Upon completion, it provides an overall score and signposts users to relevant free NHS digital tools and content.

Take the free NHS Healthy Choices Quiz today: https://www.nhs.uk/hcquiz

10/11/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and with more than 43,000 diagnosed every year in the UK, it's essential to know the common symptoms. Find out more about what to look out for from the NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/

10/11/2025

Help us to help you. 😊
Not attending NHS appointments, known as "Did Not Attend" (DNA), can have significant implications for both patients and the healthcare system.

10/11/2025

We see cases of influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19 throughout the year, but in winter they circulate at the same time and can reach high levels.

Do you know the the signs and symptoms to look out for?

Read the UK Health Security Agency Blog for more details - https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/08/do-i-have-flu-covid-19-or-a-cold-know-the-signs-and-symptoms/

10/11/2025

A date for your diary - Wednesday 20th November - drop in free event, details below Berries Community Cafe

❄️ Get Set for Winter! ❄️

Join us for a FREE drop-in event at Berries Community Café on Wednesday 20th November, 12–2pm.

Find out how to:
✅ Save energy and money on your bills
✅ Tackle damp and mould
✅ Get help with energy debt and water bills
✅ Access grants, support schemes & free legal advice

🎁 FREE winter essentials to take home!
Hot water bottles • Thermal socks & gloves • Light bulbs • Draught excluders • Carbon monoxide detectors & more!

Come along for practical advice and winter support from local organisations including:
🟩 Christians Against Poverty
⚖️ Coodes Solicitors
⚡ Community Energy Plus
🏠 Better Housing Better Health (National Energy Foundation)
💡 National Energy Action
💧 South West Water

Drop in anytime – everyone welcome!

10/11/2025

Winter vaccinations - essential for protecting against seasonal illnesses.
These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications from infections that are more prevalent during the colder months.
Ensuring that you meet the criteria for receiving a winter vaccination can help safeguard your health and that of those around you - please view the links below :

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2025 flu vaccine.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/09/01/your-guide-to-whos-eligible-for-the-autumn-2025-flu-vaccine/

08/11/2025

Ruby Country medical Group is an Armed Forces Veteran Friendly accredited GP practice, awarded by the RCGP - Royal College of General Practitioners.

If you are, or have been, a member of the Armed Forces and want to know what this means to you click on the link ⬇️

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/personalised-care-for-veterans-and-their-families-information-for-patients-easy-read/

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

🌹

06/11/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and includes World Pancreatic Day on November 20th.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, and it advances quickly. So it’s crucial that we make more noise, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms.

"We make a noise because people have gone unheard. We are relentless because the disease is ruthless." - https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

The Facts:
Non-modifiable( can't be changed) risk factors -

Age – Most cases occur in people over 60 years old.
S*x – Slightly more common in men than women.
Race/Ethnicity – Higher rates in African Americans and Ashkenazi Jewish populations.
Family history – Having a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer increases risk.
Genetic syndromes – Certain inherited mutations

Modifiable (lifestyle and environmental - can be influenced/modified) risk factors -

Cigarette smoking – The most established modifiable risk; accounts for ~20–30% of cases.
Chronic pancreatitis – Long-term inflammation increases risk.
Obesity – BMI > 30 is associated with higher risk.
Diabetes mellitus – Especially long-standing type 2 diabetes (and new-onset diabetes after age 50 can be both a risk and a sign).
Diet – Diets high in red and processed meats or saturated fats may increase risk; fruits and vegetables may be protective.
Heavy alcohol use – Contributes indirectly via chronic pancreatitis.
Exposure to certain chemicals – Such as pesticides, dyes, and petroleum compounds.
Physical inactivity – Sedentary lifestyle modestly increases risk.

The sad reality is that pancreatic cancer remains the deadliest of common cancers in the UK, with only 10-20% of patients being diagnosed in time for potentially life-saving treatment.

For more information please visit ⬇️
https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/

As always, if you have any concerns please contact your surgery immediately.

05/11/2025

A little reminder ⬇️ from our Prescription team ☺️

******Important patient information ⬇️ *******

05/11/2025

******Bude Stroke Support Group - TOMORROW******
Held at Berries Community Café tomorrow, Thursday 6th November, 2:30–4:30pm.

For additional information and assistance with transportation to this community support gathering, please refer to the details provided below.

Bude Stroke Support Group - TOMORROW

Join us at Berries Community Café tomorrow, Thursday 6th November, 2:30–4:30pm.

Everyone affected by stroke is welcome.

Bude Stroke Support brings together people with lived experience of stroke, helping reduce isolation and support reintegration into everyday life. It’s more than tea and chat — the group helps members rebuild confidence in daily activities. Support is also available for applying for benefits, therapies, and equipment — and in some cases, help with funding too.

No transport? They’ll help you get there.
Can’t make it yet? Learn more here:
https://www.stroke.org.uk/.../clubs.../bude-stroke-support

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month
2:30–4:30pm | Berries Community Café

05/11/2025

Today is National stress Awareness Day
Experiencing stress is a common aspect of life, and it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. However, if stress becomes a daily occurrence and begins to impact your well-being, it may be beneficial to seek assistance.
For further information visit the links below :
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

https://www.devon.gov.uk/adult-social-care/care-and-support/disabilities/mental-health/

https://www.devonmind.com/find-help

04/11/2025

National Diabetes Month is observed throughout the month of November each year.

The month offers a dedicated effort to raise awareness and support those affected by diabetes, alongside addressing the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its significant impact on public health.

Please find below useful links to find out more about Diabetes and like and share our posts to help us reach our patients, friends and family.

For local support please visit https://coastandcountrypcn.gpweb.org.uk/self-care-diabetes You can book into see your Coast & Country Primary Care Network Diabetes Coordinator, Rowena Hoseason - please call our surgery to make an appointment.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/for-professionals/improving-care/good-practice/nhs-diabetes-prevention-programme

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with/

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/symptoms