Longtown Medical Practice

13/02/2026

All of our male patients aged 65 will soon receive a letter from the QE Hospital Gateshead to attend Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening. This is a one off, painless ultrasound scan that measures the aorta in the tummy area. The scan will be local and only takes 10 mins. AAA are most common in men over 65, don’t usually have symptoms and can be fatal if left. Please don’t ignore the appointment it could save your life!

13/02/2026

If you can’t go, let them know….

We imagine the people following us do exactly that - but this is to help spread awareness, especially for when people are having a rant about appointments - remember there are actually a huge amount that go wasted by people that have them, but don’t attend… 😔 💚💙

13/02/2026

💙💚 SICK NOTES / FIT NOTES 💚💙

Did you know? If you’re absent from work, you do NOT need a sick note (now called a fit note) for 7 days or less!

Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Over 7 days → a fit note is free.
❌ Under 7 days → your GP should not be asked to provide a fit note.
💷 If your employer requests evidence for

13/02/2026

💚💙🩷 Help shape breast screening services in North Cumbria 🩷💙💚

We’re helping to share this important piece of work from the Northern Cancer Alliance, aimed at women aged 47–53.

They’re working to better understand the barriers to attending first breast screening (mammogram) appointments and how services can better support and encourage people to attend.

If you’re in the NHS North Cumbria area (West, North and East of the county), and you have a few moments, your voice really matters.

👉 Complete the short survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6989W6R

Please also share this post to help reach others who may be eligible and encourage more people to have their say.

Thank you for helping to make a difference 💚💙🩷

13/02/2026

💙Date for your Diary 💚 Breast Cancer Now - the research and support charity - are holding a Moving Forward Course in this March. Here are the details from them on the event:

You don’t always feel ‘back to normal’ when you finish your hospital treatment for primary breast cancer. That’s why Moving Forward is here.

When: Monday 2 & 9 March 2026
Time: 9:30am to 1pm
Who: Around 6 to 12 people supported by an expert facilitator and our volunteers

If you’d like to come along you can register online at the links in the comments or call: 0345 077 1893

Should you need any support with travel, you may be applicable for financial support through their access fund - again link in the comments.

🩷

13/02/2026

Lost control of your va**ng ?
Support is available for 11-17 year olds from CADAS

CADAS provides support for individuals, carers, family and friends by promoting recovery in the community.

Call the helpline at: 0800 254 5658
Visit the link in the comments to find out more.

💚💙

13/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is not a performance review on your love life. 💙

It doesn’t grade your relationship.
It doesn’t measure your worth.
It doesn’t decide how loved you are.

For some, it’s roses and dinner plans.
For others, it’s loneliness.
Grief.
Pressure.
Comparison.

If this week feels heavy:

💙 Log off if you need to.
💚 Mute what doesn’t help.
💙 Reach out to someone safe.
💚 Remember - social media is the highlight reel, not real life.

You’re not behind.
You’re not failing.
You’re allowed to meet this week exactly where you are.

If this resonates, a 💙 in the comments helps it reach someone else who might need it.

13/02/2026

Age is a risk factor in developing cancer of the oesophagus that we can do nothing about. Other risk factors include smoking and drinking too much, so try cutting down or quitting altogether. Find out more from Cancer Research UK by visiting https://bit.ly/3iGbWtn

13/02/2026

27/01/2026

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under 35, but screening can help stop it before it starts. Protect yourself - attend your cervical screening. Cervical screening saves lives.

For more information visit nhs.uk/cervicalscreening

27/01/2026

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and the time is now to get checked out.

27/01/2026