Holbrook and Shotley Practice Noticeboard

09/02/2026

HIV testing is quick, confidential and an important part of looking after your sexual health. Many people with HIV do not have symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your status.

Free testing options are available, including home testing and local services, making it easier than ever to get checked. Prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment mean people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. 🧪💙🩺✨

Order a free HIV test: https://ow.ly/WnF450Y8L7R
Learn about HIV Prevention England and prevention support: https://ow.ly/29wo50Y8L7Y
Read about antibody and antigen tests: https://ow.ly/Syh250Y8L7X
Get information about HIV and AIDS: https://ow.ly/ETYf50Y8L7W

04/02/2026

02/02/2026

Announcement

It is with regret that the partners announce that Dr Adrian Doig left the practice at the end of January. We would like to thank Adrian sincerely for his hard work, dedication, and support during his time at Holbrook and Shotley, and we wish him every success and happiness in his next chapter, as he returns to his old practice.

We are pleased to announce that a new GP, Dr Femi, will be joining the practice from 9 February, he will be working full days Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but will obviously spend the first couple of weeks getting to know how the practice works. We are confident that you will all enjoy getting to know him and welcome him to the team.

The Partners

02/02/2026

Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a time to highlight support for anyone affected by sexual assault or sexual violence, including women and men. 💜

Help is available if you have experienced abuse, are worried about someone else, or need advice on staying safe. Confidential support, medical care, forensic services and sexual health checks (including STI testing) can be accessed through specialist services.

You may also see emergency alert test notifications on your phone during national testing. Opting out can help some people keep phones hidden and safe, as these alerts override silent and do not disturb settings.

You are not alone, and support is there when you are ready. 🕊️🩺✨

🔗 Get personal safety & domestic abuse advice: https://ow.ly/3WyJ50Y5YB9

🔗 Read about sexual violence against men: https://ow.ly/ygQt50Y5YBa

🔗 NHS help after r**e and sexual assault (including SARC services): https://ow.ly/KUBc50Y5YB7

🔗 How to opt out of emergency phone alerts: https://ow.ly/51WO50Y5YBc

26/01/2026

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

19/01/2026

Sinusitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose, headaches and reduced sense of smell. While many cases improve on their own, treatments like pain relief, nasal sprays, steam inhalation and self-care can help ease symptoms, and medical advice may be needed if symptoms last longer or worsen. Knowing the signs and treatment options can help you manage sinusitis more effectively and understand when to seek help. 🤧💧🩺✨

Read detailed clinical information on sinusitis: https://patient.info/doctor/ear-nose-throat/sinusitis-pro

Get NHS advice on symptoms and treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/

19/01/2026

Monday 19th January…. Please be advised we have 4 clinical staff off today. Please only contact the surgery for urgent issues. Thank you.

14/01/2026

Help Us to Help You!

We are very busy and do our best to accommodate patients - help us to help you and make sure you do not miss your appointment!

- Add it to your diary / calendar
- Make sure we have an accurate mobile so we can text confirmation and reminders

12/01/2026

Living well is about taking care of your health in ways that fit into everyday life, and trusted NHS advice can support you at every step. 💙✨

Whether you want to eat a more balanced diet, reach or maintain a healthy weight, move your body more, improve your sleep, quit smoking or cut down on alcohol, there is practical guidance to help you make lasting changes.

Support is also available for addiction and sexual health, helping you look after both your physical and mental wellbeing. Making small, positive changes today can lead to a healthier, happier future. 🌱💪

Explore NHS Live Well advice on healthy eating, exercise, sleep, addiction and sexual health: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

05/01/2026

Love Your Liver Month is a reminder to look after an organ that works hard for you every single day. Your liver fights infections, removes toxins, stores and produces energy and helps you heal.

Making small changes like reducing alcohol, eating well, staying active and knowing your risk factors can help protect your liver and support long-term health. There are simple tools and trusted advice available to help you take positive steps today. 💚🍎✨

Learn more about Love Your Liver Month: https://ow.ly/2Uzw50XJHZe

Check your risk with the liver screener: https://ow.ly/GSwG50XJHZm

Read advice on showing your liver some TLC: https://ow.ly/Qj4w50XJHZg

29/12/2025

🛡️👶 Safeguarding children and adults is something we all need to be aware of. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, start with clear, trusted information:

👉 https://patient.info/features/mental-health/safeguarding-adults-leaflet/safeguarding-children
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/

For young people, support is just a phone call away: free and confidential via Childline at 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Together we can help keep everyone safe. 🤝

22/12/2025

💊⌛️ Run out of your regular prescription and can’t get to your GP? Don’t worry — help is at hand! 🙌

You can request an emergency supply of your usual medication through the NHS 111 online service. It’s quick, secure and available when you need it most. 🌐💙

👉 https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

This service is ideal if you’ve completely run out of a regular medicine and can’t wait for a routine prescription. Always double-check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure. 🩺✨