Victoria Road GP Surgery

14/02/2026

💊 Pharmacy First: the right care, closer to home

Pharmacy First allows people to get advice and treatment for some common conditions directly from a local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP first. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms and provide advice or treatment where appropriate.

You can use Pharmacy First for:

Sinusitis: aged 12 years and over
Sore throat: aged 5 years and over
Earache (acute otitis media): aged 1 to 17 years
Infected insect bites: aged 1 year and over
Impetigo: aged 1 year and over
Shingles: aged 18 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs): women aged 16 to 64 years

A pharmacy is a good first choice when symptoms are mild to moderate, same-day advice is needed, or it is outside normal surgery hours.

14/02/2026

There’s still time to get your flu jab!

If you are eligible*, you can still have your flu vaccination at the surgery –right up until the end of March 2026.

There is still a lot of flu around so it’s worth getting protected!

Please ask Reception to book you an appointment.

If you have an appointment already with a clinician, this can be GP or a Nurse please ask them when you are seen and they will be glad to arrange for you to have the vaccination during your appointment.

*Eligibility: patients 65 years and over, patients who are pregnant, patients with certain long-term conditions, are a main carer for an older or disabled person, or you live with someone who has a weakened immune system. If in doubt contact reception or speak to your clinician and they will advise you.

13/02/2026

We still have spaces available at the following venues.

Please book ASAP to give our cooks time to prepare!

All the details you need to book are on our post dated 12 February.

We look forward to seeing you!

13/02/2026

GP Appointment System Changes

As you will be aware the surgery have trialled a new appointment system which allowed more pre-bookable appointments with clinicians. The trail also involved ringing at 8am for morning on the day appointments and 12 noon for afternoon on the day appointments.

After considering feedback from patients and reception staff the decision has been made to alter the appointment system to better suit patient preference.

From MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2026 all our on the day appointments will be available to book from 8am again.
From the END OF MARCH 2026 onwards there will be fewer pre-bookable appointments to allow for an increased number of on the day bookable appointment to assist demand.

The emergency triage / duty team system for patients who have not been able to book a same day appointment for urgent problems that cannot wait, will still be in place.

Thank you
The Victoria Road Surgery Team

13/02/2026

National Heart Month is a great time to think about simple ways to protect your heart and improve your long-term health. ❤️🩺💪✨

Checking your blood pressure, understanding your heart age and making positive lifestyle changes like stopping smoking can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Small steps taken today can make a big difference for your future heart health.

If you experience chest pain and tightness, or shortness of breath, call 999 📲

Calculate your heart age: https://ow.ly/nZZ850YcOrh
Check your blood pressure reading: https://ow.ly/wcUS50YcOrg
Read about smoking and your blood pressure: https://ow.ly/OJ3q50YcOr8

12/02/2026

Co-Codamol Medication

Patients who receive this medication for pain relief will notice that this has been removed from their repeat prescription. This is due to a national shortage of the medication.

The surgery understands that patients will still wish to order this medication but patients may find that smaller amounts of the tablets are given at one time to ensure all patients requiring their pain relief are able to access this.

You may also find that your GP wishes to speak to you about the medication this could be for a number of reasons, a medication review, to discuss decreasing the pain relief, as this medication is classed as an addictive medication, or to discuss having the medication as an alternative pain relief.

If you need this medication please order in the usual way:
1) Order via the form by the Admin Office – 3 working day service.
2) Order via NHS App or SystmOnline Apps – 3 working day service.
3) Order via post – remember to allow 10 days for this service.

12/02/2026

If you have wanted to start walking and meeting new people, why not try one of the Surgeries wellbeing walks.
All the surgeries in Lowestoft do these walks in different locations, please see if any of them fit in to your busy days and enjoy the fresh air and make new connections. Win, Win!

Up coming Walks for February 2026 📆

🚶🏽Thursday 19th February 2pm Carlton Marshes

🚶🏽Sunday 22nd February 10am - East point Pavilion to Kensington Gardens

🚶🏽Tuesday 24th February 10:30 East point Pavilion to Pakefield Cliffs

12/02/2026

🌟 Jess’s Rule – Your Voice Matters 🌟

Jess’s Rule supports patients, families, and carers to speak up if they are worried about a patient’s condition.

If concerns aren’t being addressed and something doesn’t feel right, Jess’s Rule provides a clear way to escalate concerns so the patient can be reviewed and supported.

The aims are simple:
👂 Making sure patients are listened to
⏰ Encouraging early action
🛡️ Improving patient safety and care

We encourage patients and families to always feel confident asking questions and raising concerns about their care.

🔗 Find out more about Jess’s Rule:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/jesss-rule-three-strikes-and-we-rethink/

11/02/2026

GP Appointment System Changes

As you will be aware the surgery have trialled a new appointment system which allowed more pre-bookable appointments with clinicians. The trial also involved ringing at 8am for morning on the day appointments and 12 noon for afternoon on the day appointments.

After considering feedback from patients and reception staff the decision has been made to alter the appointment system to better suit patient preference.

From MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2026 all our on the day appointments will be available to book from 8am again.
From the END OF MARCH 2026 onwards there will be fewer pre-bookable appointments to allow for an increased number of on the day bookable appointment to assist demand.

The emergency triage / duty team system for patients who have not been able to book a same day appointment for urgent problems that cannot wait, will still be in place.

Thank you
The Victoria Road Surgery Team

11/02/2026

Children’s Mental Health Week is a great opportunity to think about how we can support children’s wellbeing in everyday life. 🧠💙📱✨

Creating healthy habits around screen time and internet use, having open conversations about what children see online, and knowing where to find support can all make a positive difference.

For families waiting for neurodiversity or mental health assessments, trusted guidance and early support can help while you’re on the journey. Small, consistent actions at home can help children feel safer, more confident and better supported.

Read about talking to children about healthy internet use: 🔗https://ow.ly/TAvo50Ycfnb

Explore Parentkind’s online safety toolkit: 🔗https://ow.ly/siOS50Ycfno

Get NSPCC online safety advice for parents and carers: 🔗https://ow.ly/1T6Q50Ycfnm

Find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week: 🔗https://ow.ly/eA5E50Ycfni

10/02/2026

Turn on notifications to get messages, appointments and reminders as soon as they’re sent.

You can do more with the NHS App than you realise. Discover what else you can do today.

📱Tap the NHS App