A34 PCN - Primary Care Network

22/12/2025

Over the Christmas and New Year Period there will be a handful of Pharmacies open should you need one.
For our patients the following Pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day:

CHRISTMAS DAY
Thatcham Pharmacy, Unit 2 Burdwood Centre, Station Road, Thatcham RG19 4YA between the hours of 10:00 & 13:00

BOXING DAY
Boots the Chemist, Newbury Retail Park, Pinchington Lane, RG14 7HU between the hours of 10:00 & 16:00

Boots the Chemist, 4-5 Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1DJ between the hours of 11:00 & 17:00

NEW YEARS DAY
Boots the Chemist, Newbury Retail Park, Pinchington Lane, RG14 7HU between the hours of 10:00 & 16:00

Boots the Chemist, 4-5 Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1DJ between the hours of 10:30 & 16:00

Other Pharmacies will be open across Berkshire West, please scan the QR code below or visit www.nhs.uk for full details of which Pharmacy is open on which days.

15/12/2025

Do you suffer with one or more Musculoskeletal condition or are you waiting for a follow up appointment with an MSK Secondary Care Consultant, if so have you downloaded the getUbetter app.

The app provides local tips, advice, support and exercise suggestions that are tailored to your individual needs and stage of recovery and it runs alongside your existing NHS care.

- 24/7 support approved by your clinicians
- Easy to follow exercises
- Support to recover, live and work well
- Help whilst on a waiting list
- Advice on when to seek help
- Access to local treatments and services

Click one of the links below or scan the QR code to get started.

https://staywell-bob.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal/

https://app.getubetter.com/go-to-app?url=request-access/request-access/

27/11/2025

Primary Care Service Patient Update

As we approach the winter months GP practices across the West Berkshire area have been working together to develop plans to ensure we are able to make the most of general practice appointments over this period.

A new Same Day Access (SDA) service is now available to patients in West Berkshire. The purpose of the service is to provide on the day remote telephone consultations for patients aged 1 year and over who have been identified by the GP practice as suitable for a remote consultation. If following the remote consultation it is felt that you need to have a face to face follow up appointment this will be arranged.

The new service will provide an additional 22 appointments per day across our three practices which means more appointments will be available for patients with minor ailments which will help us to ensure we are making the best use of our GP time and to improve access to care for all our patients.

27/11/2025

The A34 PCN is proud to announce that all three of its practices are now registered as Parkrun Practices and as a result we are now a Parkrun PCN. We will be promoting Parkrun within each of our practices and will be supporting the new Parkrun at Victoria Park in Newbury which takes place every Saturday morning. We will be hosting a Parkrun 'Takeover' in the new year so watch this space for details.

If you haven't already registered with Parkrun now is the time do so. Once registered you can not only access the two Newbury runs but also any of the runs right across the country. You can register at https://www.parkrun.org.uk

Participating in Parkrun not only benefits both you physical and mental health it also provides and opportunity to create social connections and helps to build a strong sense of community. The runs are supported by an army of volunteers who are there to help and support you and are accessible to all ages and abilities.

18/09/2025

Now that we are in Autumn and Winter approaches all three of our practices will be inviting eligible patients to book their flu and COVID vaccinations. If you are eligible then your practice will call you, send you a text message or a link to book your jabs.

Clinics will be running throughout October.

If you think you are eligible for either flu, COVID or both and have not been contacted by your GP surgery, please contact them or pop in to check and get your jab booked.

30/06/2025

As the heatwave continues it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of dehydration and to make sure you stay hydrated.

Babies, children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration.

It it's not treated, it can become a serious problem.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwU3IySUxDSXpzVFpXZDFmRgEe58ZRPv4PEQRY35yfJv5Pr7p8zH7deQTT4mxk64fwF2qJQc0WrJvrVEm3vSg_aem_vYBQCDu0yVrY8uFHkn8LnA

09/06/2025

Do you know what your blood pressure is.............Knowing what your blood pressure reading is and understanding what it means is an important part of looking after your heart and yourself. The NHS Blood Pressure Tool will help you understand what your numbers mean and give you tips on how to manage your blood pressure.
http://nhs.uk/blood-pressure-tool

Taking your blood pressure yourself or getting it checked is quick and easy. You can either:
* do it yourself with a blood pressure monitor which can easily be purchased from all good pharmacies, online or from some supermarkets
* check with your GP practice as many of them have machines in their waiting rooms that you can use without having to see your GP
* pop in to your local pharmacy as the majority of them are know offering blood pressure reading and monitoring as part of the national Pharmacy First scheme

30/05/2025

Good news for NHS App users! A brand-new prescription tracking feature is now live – helping you know when your medicines are ready to collect or out for delivery.

No more guessing or calling your pharmacy – just check the app! 🕒✅

Now available at nearly 1,500 pharmacies (including all Boots in England), and rolling out to thousands more over the next year.

Save time, stay informed, and make the most of your NHS App.

23/05/2025

If you would like to learn more about local charities who are able to offer support and services to our community or if you have ever thought about getting involved with a local charity why not pop along to this free event on Wednesday 25th June at Shaw House being organised by the West Berkshire Volunteer Centre. Scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

04/04/2025

All three of our practices are now starting to invite their eligible patients for the COVID Spring Booster. Eligible patients for this booster are:

People aged 75 years and older (including those who are turning 75 between April & June '25)

Residents in Care Homes for Older People

Those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system

If you are eligible for the booster then your GP practice will invite you either by text, email, letter of phone to make an appointment.

11/03/2025

Dementia UK have partnered up with Nationwide Building Society and are offering free, confidential clinic appointments with a specialist Dementia Nurse known as an Admiral Nurse, for anyone who is looking for information, advice and support from a Dementia Specialist. You do not have to be a Nationwide customer. The next clinics in Newbury are on 18th, 19th & 20th March, if you would like to book an appointment please visit https://www.dementiauk.org/nationwide If you are unable to attend next week they will be back again in June/July and aim to return 3 to 4 times a year.

Find out how Nationwide Building Society is partnering with Dementia UK to offer free dementia clinics for expert support and tailored guidance.

08/03/2025

Knowledge is power! This International Women's Day let's give women the knowledge they need to be powerful when looking after their health. Knowing the signs of the five gynaecological cancers - ovarian, cervical, womb, vaginal and vulval can save lives. Share this and help spread awareness and save lives.