Ribbleton Medical Centre

05/12/2025

💊 PRESCRIPTIONS 💊
Please note, we can only issue same day prescriptions for medication that is critical. This means that there would be a significant impact on a patient’s health if a dose was missed.
Any urgent requests not seen as critical will be sent to the pharmacy the next working day.
You can order medication up to a week before you are due to run out.
We would like to remind you of the methods available to order your prescription. These are:
📧 Email (our email address is lscicb-gp.ribbletonprescriptions@nhs.net)
📱 NHS app
🏥 Coming into the surgery
Please note that we do not accept telephone orders unless agreed with the surgery.
We would be grateful if once a prescription has been ordered, you do not ring the surgery to chase it up. Please ring your nominated pharmacy as they will be able to provide a more accurate update.

05/12/2025

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is a swelling in the aorta, which happens due to the weakening of the artery walls with age. If not spotted or left untreated it can become too large and rupture, which will cause internal bleeding. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of developing an AAA; they are 6 times more likely to have one than women of the same age.

Evidence shows screening can halve the risk of dying from a ruptured AAA. Generally, an AAA will produce no symptoms, so attending routine screening is the best way to detect one. Screening involves an ultrasound of the stomach, which takes around 10 minutes.

02/12/2025

‼️MISSED APPOINTMENT ‼️

Last month, we had 285 appointments that were not attended after booking. These are appointments lost that could have helped others.

If you cannot make your appointment or no longer need it, please contact us as soon as possible to cancel by;
☎ Calling the surgery on 01772 501070
📱 Using the NHS app
🔗 Using the link within your appointment reminder text message

By helping us avoid missed appointments, you are helping us to help others 😊

01/12/2025

🌍 World AIDS Day | December 1 ❤️

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date in the fight against HIV, to raise awareness of the challenges that remain and to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

HIV is not the same as it once was — with proper care, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.

It is important to 'End stigma. Support awareness. Encourage testing'.

For more information, please visit - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/

Let’s use our voice to spread compassion, facts, and hope ❤️🕊️

27/11/2025

💙 International Men's Day is observed in November and is it about recognising the men in our community — dads, brothers, sons, partners, carers, colleagues, and friends — and celebrating the positive contributions they make every day.

It is also a reminder of the importance of men’s health and wellbeing. Many men delay seeking help, but looking after your physical and mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and those around you.

👉 Remember:
• Routine check-ups matter
• Mental health is just as important as physical health
• Talking about worries is a sign of strength
• Support is always available — and you’re never alone

Let’s encourage the men in our lives to prioritise their wellbeing.

26/11/2025

💙 November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and it can impact anyone - smokers and non-smokers. Understanding the symptoms and knowing your risks can help save lives.

🔍 Know the signs:
• Persistent cough or changes in a long-term cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve

🌟 How you can make a difference:
✔ Learn your risk factors
✔ Talk to your doctor about screening if you qualify
✔ Support those currently fighting
✔ Share this post to raise awareness

Together, we can support early detection, empower patients, and honour the lives touched by lung cancer 💙

For more information, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/

25/11/2025

💙 November is Mouth Cancer Action Month 💙

A small check can make a big difference.

Mouth cancer affects thousands of people each year, yet many don’t realise how crucial early detection is. Most cases can be treated more effectively when caught early—so awareness truly saves lives.

🔍 Be aware of the signs:
• Ulcers that don’t heal
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Persistent lumps or swelling
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Unexplained hoarseness or sore throat

🎯 Take action this month:
✔ Attend your routine dental checkup
✔ Perform a quick self-exam at home
✔ Encourage friends and family to stay informed
✔ Help raise awareness

Together, we can start conversations and support early diagnosis 💙

For more information, please visit - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms/

22/11/2025

💜 November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 💜

Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until later stages, which is why awareness is so important. By sharing information, recognising early warning signs, and encouraging people to seek help when something doesn’t feel right, we can make a meaningful difference.

To find out the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, please visit - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/

If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it earlier may make it easier to treat. It’s important to be checked by a GP if things don’t feel normal for you, or if any symptoms change or get worse.

18/11/2025

💊🌍 WORLD AMR AWARENESS WEEK 💊🌍

This week, we are raising awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a growing global health concern.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

AMR is already harming our health, food systems, environment and economies. It’s not a future challenge. It is happening now.

We encourage everyone to take simple steps, such as the attached dos and don'ts, to help reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.

Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future

17/11/2025

We are supporting the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS on a new campaign encouraging all adults to take the Healthy Choices Quiz. This health and wellbeing quiz aims to empower adults to take control of their health by making small changes day to day.

Taking around 5 minutes to complete, the quiz asks a series of questions about your lifestyle. You will then receive an overall score out of 10 and advice on how you are doing in each area.

You’ll also receive personalised recommendations and a wealth of NHS resources including free apps to help you act where it’s most needed.

Take the free NHS Healthy Choices Quiz today:
https://www.nhs.uk/hcquiz

17/11/2025

November holds a special place for veterans as it marks the anniversary of the end of World War I.

We are a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP practice and we are here to support our veteran community throughout November.

We know that throughout this month, it is likely to be particularly challenging for the many veterans in our community and we want you to know that we are trained and committed to effectively identifying and supporting your health needs.

As a Veteran Friendly Accredited practice, our team:

- recognises the importance of identifying veteran patients within our community
- understands the unique health needs that veterans may have
- strives to provide veterans with the very best care and support
- knows about the specialist veteran healthcare services that exist
- undertakes regular training and development to ensure we’re able to deliver the very best care to veterans in our community and meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

If you’re a veteran patient, please do let us know that you have served so that we can make sure you receive the most appropriate and best care, if and when you ever need it.

For any GP practices that are not currently Veteran Friendly Accredited, it takes just 20 minutes to sign up and more than 4,400 practices have already joined the scheme. Be a champion for veterans and their families – get your practice Veteran Friendly Accredited. Sign up for free here: rcgp.org.uk/veterans

11/11/2025