Elm Surgery

29/04/2026

Patient Notice

We are very short‑staffed today due to sickness. If your query can safely wait until tomorrow, we would be very grateful if you could contact us then instead.

Thank you so much for your understanding.

29/04/2026

Allergies are common and can range from mild to severe. They happen when the body reacts to something harmless like pollen, food, dust or animal fur. Symptoms can vary depending on the trigger and the person.

Common allergy symptoms include:
• Sneezing, runny or blocked nose 🤧✨
• Itchy eyes, skin or throat 👀💙
• Rashes, hives or swelling 🌿⚠️
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing 🫁💨

Most allergies can be managed, but some reactions can be serious. Call 999 immediately if someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, feeling faint or collapsing. 🚑⚠️

Understanding triggers, knowing the difference between allergies and intolerances, and taking early action can help keep you and your family safe. 💙✨

Read NHS advice on allergies: https://ow.ly/vxhs50YNVlw
Learn the difference between food allergy and intolerance: https://ow.ly/l17650YNVkX
Find advice on protecting babies against allergies: https://ow.ly/FNik50YNVlk

28/04/2026

Important Update: Changes to Blood Test Services from 1 May

From 1 May, our surgery will no longer be able to take blood samples on behalf of hospital teams or other external clinical services.

If a hospital consultant, specialist, or community service clinician (including mental health services) requests a blood test, it will need to be carried out in one of the following ways:
• By the clinician who requested the test
• At the Outpatient Phlebotomy Service at Derriford Hospital
• At the Community Phlebotomy Hub, Windsor House

This includes blood tests requested in connection with surgical procedures, chemotherapy, or medication changes when the request comes from a clinician outside the surgery.

Why This Change Is Necessary

This decision has been made carefully, with patient safety and continuity of care at the forefront. Currently, all blood test results taken at the surgery are automatically returned to our GPs—even when they did not request the test. This creates several risks:

- The GP may not know why the test was ordered.

- It may not be clear whether the specialist who requested the test is aware of the results.

- Abnormal results often require significant follow up to ensure the correct hospital team has received and acted on them.

This situation is both confusing and clinically unsafe, and it places patients at risk of delays or gaps in care.

We understand this may be inconvenient and we appreciate that this change may cause some disruption. However, it is essential to ensure that:

• The right clinician receives the results
• The correct team takes responsibility for follow up
• Your care remains safe, coordinated, and consistent

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we make this important change to protect patient safety.

27/04/2026

Childhood vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections like measles, meningitis and whooping cough before they can cause harm. By keeping up to date with vaccinations, you are not only protecting your child but also helping protect vulnerable people in the wider community.

Without vaccination, children are at higher risk of serious illness, complications, hospitalisation and, in some cases, long-term health problems. Outbreaks of preventable diseases can spread more easily when vaccination rates drop.

Benefits of childhood vaccinations include:
• Protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases 💉🛡️
• Reduced spread of infections in schools and communities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
• Long-term protection and peace of mind 💙🌿
• Helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated ⚠️💛

Keeping vaccinations up to date is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference. 💙✨

Learn about NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

24/04/2026

MS Awareness Week is a chance to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with the condition.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, numbness, muscle stiffness and difficulties with balance or coordination. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, which is why understanding and awareness are so important.

There are still many myths about MS, which can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Learning the facts can help people feel more supported and informed, whether you are living with MS or supporting someone who is. 💙🧠✨

Learn more about MS and support available: https://mstrust.org.uk
Read about common myths and facts about MS: https://patient.info/features/brain-nerves/myths-about-multiple-sclerosis-you-need-to-stop-believing

22/04/2026

Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and helps protect your sight. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not detected early. Screening checks for early signs before you notice any changes, meaning treatment can start sooner and help prevent serious damage.

If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you will usually be invited for screening every 1–2 years. The test is quick and involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.

Attending your screening appointment can:
• Detect problems early before symptoms develop 👁️✨
• Help prevent or reduce sight loss 💙🩺
• Support long-term eye health as part of your diabetes care 🌿📊

Even if your vision feels fine, it’s important to attend when invited. 💙✨

Learn more about diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/diabetic-eye-screening/

20/04/2026

20/04/2026

Smoking affects nearly every part of your body, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It can also have a big impact on your finances, with the cost of smoking adding up over time. Understanding both the health and financial impact can be a powerful motivator to quit. 💷🚭💙✨

Reasons to quit smoking include:
• Improved heart and lung health ❤️🫁✨
• Reduced risk of cancer and serious illness 🎗️💙
• More energy and better overall wellbeing ⚡🌿
• Saving money every week and year 💷📊

Small steps can lead to big changes, and support is available to help you quit for good. 💙🚭✨

Use the smoking cost calculator: https://patient.info/healthy-living/smoking-cost-calculator
Learn about the true impact of smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/understanding-the-true-impact-of-smoking/

17/04/2026

Knowing your blood pressure reading is one of the simplest ways to protect your heart and overall health. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems if left untreated. Checking your reading regularly and understanding what it means can help you take control of your health.

You can help manage your blood pressure by:
• Eating a balanced diet with less salt 🥗🧂✨
• Staying active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Maintaining a healthy weight ⚖️💙
• Reducing alcohol and stopping smoking 🚭🍷
• Managing stress levels 🧠🌿

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. 💙🩺✨

Check your blood pressure reading: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/check-your-blood-pressure-reading
Read about foods that can help lower blood pressure: https://patient.info/features/heart-health/foods-to-lower-blood-pressure

15/04/2026

If you're waiting for treatment or surgery, the My Planned Care website can help you stay informed and supported while you wait. It provides average waiting times for local hospital trusts, helping you understand what to expect, as well as signposting to advice and support to help maintain your health and wellbeing during this time. Taking small steps to look after yourself while waiting can make a real difference. 💙🩺✨

Find waiting times and support on My Planned Care: www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk

13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

10/04/2026

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of how important screening is, even if you feel well.

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme is designed to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

If you are aged 50 to 74, you will be sent a free home testing kit every 2 years. The test is simple to do and checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Taking part in screening can:
• Detect cancer early, before symptoms develop 🩺✨
• Help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps 💙🔍
• Improve survival rates and treatment outcomes 📊🌿

Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to complete your test when invited.

If you notice symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, ongoing tummy pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your GP. Early action can save lives. 💙🎗️✨

Learn more about bowel cancer screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/