Valley Road Medical Practice

25/03/2026

SURGERY CLOSURE OVER THE EASTER BANK HOLIDAY

24/03/2026

🌻 As warmer weather returns, remember to save and share this helpful guide for bites and stings when you're out and about.

21/03/2026

Our latest blog post explains who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and why vaccination is being offered alongside preventative antibiotics in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/

21/03/2026

From September 2025, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme began rolling out digital delivery of negative test results through the NHS App — and by now, this process is fully in place.

📲 Here’s how it works:
- If your result is negative, you’ll receive it directly in the NHS App, along with a notification on your device.
- If the message isn’t opened within 72 hours, a backup letter will automatically be sent.
- If your app notifications are switched off, you may also receive an SMS reminder to check the NHS App.

📬 Important:
Abnormal results will continue to be sent by post for the time being.

💻📲 With most screening invitations and reminders now sent digitally, this move to digital results is helping make cervical screening quicker and more convenient.

👉 Don’t have the NHS App yet? Download it here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

🔔 Once downloaded, turn on notifications so you never miss an update!

21/03/2026

Did you know you can access a range of NHS services through the NHS App?📱
Join IPC Digital Champions at Leamington parkrun on Saturday 28th March where they will be on hand to show you how the NHS App works and how it can help you manage your health more easily.

💡Find out how to:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View your GP health record
- Access NHS services online

Come along for a chat after your run or walk - the team would love to see you there!

21/03/2026

🌼 Easter Bank Holiday Update 🌼

We will be closed on

Good Friday (3 April)
Easter Monday (6 April).

We’ll reopen as normal on Tuesday 7 April.

🩺 Need help while we’re closed?
• Call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice
• Call 999 in an emergency

💊 Repeat Prescriptions
Please order early to make sure you have your medication for the long weekend.

Wishing all our patients a happy, safe Easter! 🐣💐

19/03/2026

There has been lot of concern about the recent outbreak of meningococcal disease in the news. The risk to the wider population remains low and the national guidance on management of the disease has not changed.

Targeted treatment is being offered to:
• All students who live on Canterbury campus
• All staff who live or work in affected Halls of Residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March
• Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA

If an individual has returned home without receiving treatment through UK Health Security Agency please contact the surgery.

Children receive strong protection through the routine NHS Childhood vaccination schedule. You can check your child is up to date through the NHS App or their Red Book. Details on routine childhood vaccinations can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

For more information on symptoms visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/

18/03/2026

Following the recent meningococcal B (MenB) cases reported in Kent, we understand that patients and families may be concerned about the risk of infection.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against MenB.
In the UK, the MenB vaccine (Bexsero) is routinely offered as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme (for those born after 1st May 2015) to infants at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 1 year of age. This programme provides strong protection for those at highest risk.
At present, there is no change to national vaccination guidance. The MenB vaccine is not routinely offered to older children or adults on the NHS unless they are in specific high-risk groups.
Please note that we are currently unable to provide private MenB vaccinations at this practice due to wider supply constraints. Patients who wish to access the vaccine privately may wish to contact alternative providers, such as travel clinics or private healthcare services.
We encourage patients to:
Ensure their children are up to date with all routine vaccinations
Be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease (such as fever, headache, vomiting, rash, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light)
Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop
If you have concerns about your child’s vaccination status or believe you may be at increased risk, please contact the practice for advice.
We will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England and will update patients if recommendations change.

18/03/2026

Meningitis – knowing the signs

Meningitis is an infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is uncommon, but it can become serious quickly.

Symptoms to look out for include:
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Drowsiness or confusion
• A rash that does not fade when pressed (not always present)

Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone will have all of them.

Vaccination
Vaccines that protect against several types of meningitis are routinely offered on the NHS during childhood and adolescence as part of the national immunisation schedule.

📲 You can check your or your child’s vaccination record using the NHS App.

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

11/03/2026

Reminder, that we will be closing earlier than usual on Thursday 12th March.

11/03/2026