Church View Surgery

24/04/2026

This coming Tuesday! A friendly Long Covid peer support group.

Connect with others, share experiences and access helpful signposting to local services and resources. This group is a space to focus on wellbeing in the company of those who truly understand, to help manage symptoms and promote recovery.

For more information, email: scarlett@westdevoncvs.org.uk
Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/914335834635952/

24/04/2026

This coming Tuesday! A welcoming peer support group.

Are you living with a stoma or bowel condition? This group is for those who have, or are about to have, a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, as well as families and friends who offer support too.

Our group provides a safe space to share experiences, access practical advice from those who truly get it and build lasting friendships. Together we can reduce isolation, promote confidence and improve quality of life for everyone affected by stoma surgery or bowel conditions in the South Hams.

Everyone is welcome, whether you're newly adjusting or have lived with a stoma for years.

For more information, please email: scarlett@westdevoncvs.org.uk

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

24/04/2026

Due to GP sickness, we are operating with a significantly reduced clinical capacity today.
We are only able to provide a limited service, and routine matters will be addressed next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

22/04/2026

📣 **Wednesday Feedback Focus** 📣

Each Wednesday we share a brief update on the feedback we receive from our patients. This helps us understand your experience of our services and supports our ongoing commitment to providing safe, effective and high‑quality care for our community.

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

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/

18/04/2026

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

📣 **Wednesday Feedback Focus** 📣

🌟 **Friends & Family Test – Patient Feedback Summary** 🌟
Thank you to all patients who recently completed our Friends & Family Test in March. Your feedback is essential in helping us review and improve the care we provide 💙🏥

**Latest results:**
💚 **Very Good:** 78%
💙 **Good:** 14%
💛 **Neither Good nor Poor:** 3%
🧡 **Poor:** 2%
❤️‍🩹 **Very Poor:** 3%

📊 **Overall, 92% of responses rated their experience as Very Good or Good.**

We are pleased to see such strong positive feedback and appreciate the confidence you place in our team. We remain committed to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for our community.

If you have further suggestions or comments, we welcome your feedback as we continue to enhance our services. Please use this link https://churchviewsurgery.nhs.uk/contact/friends-and-family-test-feedback-form

14/04/2026

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

14/04/2026

Would you like to learn to use the NHS App? Need some help with technology? Free Digital Support drop-In. Happening this Thursday in Plymstock Community Centre

Better Connected is a FREE digital support project offering friendly, drop-in sessions at a Wellbeing Hub near you. No booking needed – just pop in!
📆Thursday 16th April
📍Plymstock Community Centre
⏰ 10am - 12 noon
Whether you’re getting started online, setting up email, learning how to video call, or staying safe on the internet – we’re here to help.
Come along and get Better Connected! 🌐