NPC Ponteland

01/04/2026

The Spring COVID-19 vaccination programme will start on Monday 13th April.

The vaccine will be offered to those most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. You may be eligible if you are:
✅ Aged 75 years or over
✅ A resident in a care home for older adults
✅ Aged 6 months or over and immunosuppressed

If you are eligible, please make sure you book your appointment when invited.

31/03/2026

Under Jess’s Rule, GP teams are encouraged to critically re-evaluate a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same or escalating symptoms or concerns.

Implementing Jess’s Rule will support GP teams to manage patients with unclear symptoms, helping to improve quality of care and potentially saving lives by avoiding missed or delayed diagnosis of more serious conditions such as cancer or sepsis.

Under Jess’s Rule, listening carefully to a patient’s symptoms and concerns remain crucial, recognising they are an expert in their own body.

For more information about Jess's Rule, visit the NHS website 👉 https://orlo.uk/O3TCi

31/03/2026

Make sure you’re prepared for the bank holiday weekend.

Order your repeat prescriptions through the NHS App in advance.

28/03/2026

With the bank holiday coming up, it’s a really good time to check that you have a well-stocked first aid kit at home or in your car.

Things like plasters, antiseptic cream & painkillers can help you deal with minor accidents & injuries.

Visit the St John's Ambulance website to find out what goes in a first aid kit 👉 https://orlo.uk/4KH8F

26/03/2026

With the Easter bank holiday on the horizon, it's important to make sure you’re prepared.

Order your repeat prescriptions in advance. You can do this quickly and easily through the NHS app.

Haven’t got it? Download it for free here 👉 https://orlo.uk/7FKGa

25/03/2026

We’re proud to share that 75% of patients rated their experience with us as ‘Very Good’ ⭐

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback — it helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible care.

Your care truly matters to us 💙

18/03/2026

❗ Important information: Meningitis B cases in Kent
We are aware of recent confirmed cases of Meningitis B in Kent and want to make sure our patients have the information they need to stay safe and seek help promptly.

🔹 Meningitis symptoms
These can develop quickly. Symptoms may include:
· A high fever
· Severe headache
· Neck stiffness or difficulty bending the neck
· Sensitivity to light
· Cold hands and feet
· Vomiting
· Drowsiness, confusion, or irritability
· Rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it (not always present)

🔹 When to seek urgent help
If someone has symptoms of meningitis do not delay in seeking medical attention. Contact your GP surgery if available but if not, go directly to the nearest emergency department.

🔹 Vaccination information
The routine NHS immunisation programme currently only offers the Meningitis B vaccine to pre school children. If your child has been invited for immunisation please be sure to book an appointment get them the protection the vaccine provides.

Selective vaccination programmes may be introduced for other high risk groups if advised by public health authorities, but it is not routinely available for older children and adults.

You can check your own vaccination history through the NHS App and that of your child in their Red Book. For instructions using the NHS app please follow this link: Setting up the NHS App

🔹 Further information
For full, reliable guidance on meningitis, please visit the NHS meningitis information page 👉 https://orlo.uk/nBk6y

18/03/2026

Symptoms of meningitis can develop suddenly, and can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young people, teenagers and young adults.

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis.

For the latest guidance from the UKHSA, please visit: https://orlo.uk/Vj1Qf

In this video, we'll provide you with essential information about meningitis, including its signs and symptoms. Meningitis is a serious condition that affect...

11/03/2026

Having s*x? Protect yourself!

If you’re s*xually active, use condoms and get tested regularly. Some STIs don’t show symptoms, so they can be passed on without you knowing and still cause serious long-term health problems.

The good news?
✅ Free condoms
✅ Free STI testing
✅ Online testing available
✅ Totally confidential
✅ No judgement

Find free, confidential s*xual health services in our region by visiting https://orlo.uk/gIQrF 🐘

For more information, visit 👉 https://orlo.uk/9xydL

10/03/2026

📋 Have you received this year's GP Patient Survey?

Every year, patients are randomly invited to take part in the national GP Patient Survey.

This survey helps our practice improve services for our patients. It's important that we hear about your experiences, even if you haven’t visited your GP practice recently, or if you have filled in a questionnaire before.

If you receive a survey invitation, please take the time to participate. Understanding what we're doing well and where we can improve helps us provide a better service to our patients.

The deadline to complete the paper survey is 23 March 2026 and if you're completing the survey online, you have until 31 March 2026.

For more information and FAQs, visit the GP Patient Survey's website 👉 https://orlo.uk/DPup3

08/03/2026

Are you a carer?

Carers Northumberland are a charity dedicated to improving the lives of unpaid carers by responding to their needs, informing them of their rights and entitlements.

The team can:
🔹 Give information and advice
🔹 Provide support for young carers
🔹 Help carers access small grants to enable them to take short breaks from their caring responsibilities
🔹 Help carers build networks of support and friendship
🔹 Support carers to train, volunteer, find work and know their rights in employment
🔹 Help make plans to ensure the person you look after is always taken care of.

For more information, visit their website 👉 https://orlo.uk/OUyul

07/03/2026

Illnesses such as measles and whooping cough can be serious.

Vaccinating your child can help protect them and others.

To check if they are missing any vaccines, look in their red book or speak to our team.

https://orlo.uk/wvg8x