The Orchard Partnership

28/01/2026

Feeling under the weather? 🤒 Knowing where to go for help saves you time and ensures you get the right care as quickly as possible.

We have put together this handy guide to help you choose the best NHS service for your needs. Using the right service helps us at the surgery look after you better and keeps emergency lines free for those who need them most. 🩺✨

How to choose:

🩹 Self-care: Best for minor coughs, colds, and sore throats. Keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked!

💊 Pharmacy: Visit your local pharmacist for expert advice on things like rashes, earaches, or teething.

📞 NHS 111: Call 111 or go online 24/7 for urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency.

🩺 GP (Us!): Contact the practice for persistent pain, chronic conditions, or non-life-threatening illnesses.

🚑 999: Only for serious, life-threatening emergencies like chest pain or breathing difficulties.

Please save this image to your phone or share it with your friends and family in Wiltshire to help keep our community healthy! 📲💙

26/01/2026

Are you ready to improve your overall health and wellbeing, but not sure where to start? 🤔✨ The free NHS Healthy Choices Quiz is here to help – and it only takes 5 minutes! ⏱️🏥

Answer questions about your lifestyle to receive an overall score as well as personalised guidance to help you live a healthier life. 🍏💪🌟

Take the quiz now: https://www.nhs.uk/hcquiz 💻🌈

23/01/2026

🎶 Introducing: Live and Breathe – A Respiratory Support Group 🌬️✨

The Orchard Partnership is pleased to share details of a local support group for anyone living with breathing difficulties. 🤝 Whether you have a long-term respiratory condition or are managing symptoms of Long Covid, you are invited to join this safe and caring space. 🕊️🌿

This monthly group offers more than just support; it’s a place to share your story and hear from insightful guest speakers. 🗣️👂

Upcoming Session Details:
📅 When: Thursday 8th January 2026 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 📍 Where: Bemerton Heath Centre, 58-60 Pinewood Way, SP2 9HU 🎤 Guest Speaker: Caroline Milne, Menopause Champion and Coach

The Live and Breathe group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month, providing a regular opportunity for connection and care.

For more information or to ask any questions, please reach out to Rose Maylin, Parish Nurse:
📞 Call: +447387899987 📧 Email: parishnurse@gracechurchuk.org

We hope this group provides valuable support and community for our patients living with respiratory challenges. 💚🌬️

21/01/2026

Join the Patient Participation Group (PPG) in 2026! 🌳📢✨

The Orchard Partnership is looking for patients to join the conversation and help shape the future of our healthcare services. 🤝🏥 Whether you want to share feedback or hear about the latest surgery updates, everyone is warmly welcome! 💚

Upcoming Meetings:

📍 Partnership-Wide PPG (Wilton Based)
🗓️ Monday 2 March 2026
⏰ 12:30 pm
💻 Held virtually via MS Teams 🥪🖱️

📍 Shrewton (Till Orchard) PPG
🗓️ Wednesday 18 March 2026
⏰ 7:30 pm
🏥 Held in person at Till Orchard Surgery ☕👋

How to get involved:
If you would like to attend or want more information, please email our feedback team at: 📩
👉 bswicb.topfeedback@nhs.net

Please let us know which meeting you are interested in so we can send you the joining details! 🌟🌳

19/01/2026

Supporting our community during difficult times 🕊️☕✨

The Orchard Partnership is pleased to share details of the Bereavement Café hosted by Sarum Health Group. 🤝

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and finding a supportive space to connect with others who truly understand can make a world of difference. This café offers a gentle, welcoming, and relaxed environment for anyone experiencing loss. 🕊️🌿

What to expect:

* A friendly and quiet space for connection and comfort. 🕯️
* An opportunity to share memories if you wish, or simply spend time in supportive company. 🗣️👂
* No pressure to talk – just a place to be amongst those who understand. 🫂
* Complimentary tea, coffee, and homemade cake. 🍰☕

Event Details:
📅 When: The last Thursday of every month
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Milford House Care Home, Milford Mill Road, Salisbury, SP1 1NJ

Upcoming 2026 Dates:

* 29th January
* 26th February
* 26th March
* 30th April
* 28th May
* 25th June

For further details, you can contact 07990 105697 or call Milford House directly on 01722 322737. 📞✨

Everyone is welcome. We hope this space provides the comfort and connection our community needs during their time of bereavement. 💚🩹

16/01/2026

📢 How to order your repeat prescriptions using SystmConnect...

✅ Make sure you’ve pre-registered for online access. You can do this by speaking with reception and requesting online access.
🌐 Head to your chosen surgery’s website
💊 Click Prescriptions
⬇️ Scroll down slightly and select SystmConnect
🔑 Select SystmOnline
🖊️ Enter your SystmOnline username and password, then submit
📜 Scroll down slightly to Other Medical Request
💊 Select Medication Request from the drop-down menu
✔️ Choose the pre-authorised repeat medication you’d like to request and submit
📄 You’ll then see the summary page where you can check or add any notes if required
✅ Finally, click Submit – that’s it!
❓ If you have any questions, please use the FAQ section on our website.

15/01/2026

🌙 Safer Sleep for Babies This Winter 👶❄️

Hello from The Orchard Partnership! As the weather turns colder, we know many families are feeling the pressure of rising heating bills and the worry of keeping their little ones warm enough at night.

It can be tempting to wrap your baby up in extra layers, but did you know that overheating actually increases the risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)? Research shows that it is much safer for a baby to be slightly too cool than too hot.

While the recommended room temperature is 18°C–20°C, we understand this isn't always easy to maintain. Here are some key tips to keep your baby safe and snug during the winter months:

✨ Sleep your baby in the feet-to-foot position

✨ If you use blankets, use lightweight ones and avoid thick, fleecy, or padded blankets and duvets

✨ If you are using a baby sleeping bag, do not add extra blankets on top

✨ Remove hats when indoors – babies lose excess heat through their heads to stay at a safe temperature

If you are struggling with the cost of living or have concerns about your home environment, please reach out. For more detailed guidance on safe bedding and bed-sharing, you can also visit The Lullaby Trust website. 🕊️ 👉https://tinyurl.com/2p594fxu

Stay safe and keep warm! 💚

When safer sleeping for your baby in the winter, it's important not to use too many layers which may increase the risk of SIDS...

14/01/2026

New Year, Greener Health: Our 2026 Sustainability Update 🌳✨

The Orchard Partnership is committed to a more sustainable future for our patients and our planet. As part of an ongoing focus on sustainability, the surgery has been working hard to reduce its environmental impact across all four sites.

Progress at the Surgery:

* 🌬️ Greener Prescribing: Over the last year, the clinical teams have been working to upgrade patients to inhalers with less polluting propellants where appropriate. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of respiratory care without compromising patient health.
* 📄 Reducing Paper Waste: The partnership is working hard to significantly reduce paper and printing. By moving toward digital records and communications, the surgery is saving trees and reducing waste across our four locations.

How Patients Can Help: Top 10 Green Health Resolutions for 2026 🌳✨

Small changes to how we manage our health can have a big impact on the environment. Here are 10 ways to stay healthy and sustainable this year:

1. 📱 Use the NHS App: Order repeat prescriptions and view results digitally to help us stay paper-free.
2. 💊 Only Order What You Need: Avoid medicine waste by only requesting the items you are actually running low on.
3. 🚶 Walk or Cycle to Appointments: If you are able, choose active travel to reduce local air pollution and boost your heart health.
4. 🌬️ Return Used Inhalers: Always return empty or out-of-date inhalers to your local pharmacy or dispensary for safe, eco-friendly disposal.
5. 🥣 Eat More Plant-Based Meals: Reducing meat intake is one of the best ways to lower your personal carbon footprint and improve long-term health.
6. 💧 Switch to a Reusable Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing the millions of single-use plastic bottles that end up in landfill.
7. 🌡️ Manage Home Temperatures Safely: Layering up with clothing can help reduce heating bills, but remember to keep baby sleep spaces between 16-20 degrees for safety.
8. ♻️ Recycle Medicine Packaging: While blister packs can't go in household recycling, many pharmacies now offer dedicated collection points for them.
9. 📧 Opt for Text Reminders: Ensure your contact details are up to date so we can reach you electronically instead of by post.
10. 🌳 Spend Time in Nature: "Green prescribing" or simply walking in Wiltshire's beautiful countryside is proven to improve mental wellbeing and foster an appreciation for our environment.

Thank you for supporting The Orchard Partnership in its journey toward a greener, healthier 2026! 💚♻️

12/01/2026

✨ Looking Forward to our 2026: A Huge Thank You! 🌟

Happy New Year from everyone at The Orchard Partnership! 👋

As we settle into January, we wanted to take a moment to look back and share our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible kindness shown to our surgery teams over the festive period.

We were truly touched by the many gifts, cards, and treats brought into our surgeries. Your generosity and warm wishes mean so much to our doctors, nurses, and the entire support team during what is always a very busy time of year. 🩺💚

It is a privilege to serve such a thoughtful community, and your support gives us a wonderful boost as we start this new year together. Wishing all our patients a healthy and happy 2026! 🌳✨

08/01/2026

Stormy Weather Advice ⛈️🌬️

As Storm Goretti approaches our area this afternoon, we want to share some simple, practical advice to help everyone across our area stay safe and comfortable. 🌬️🌧️❄️

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind, rain, and potential snow across Wiltshire starting later today, Thursday 8 January. While this "multi-hazard" event is expected to bring unsettled conditions, taking a few sensible steps now can make a big difference. ⛈️🏡

Whether you are in Wilton, Shrewton, Fovant, or Codford, here is how you can prepare:

🏘️ Look out for neighbours: A quick check-in with neighbours, especially those who may live alone, is always appreciated. 🤝🧡 Checking in before the storm arrives and once it has passed ensures everyone in our community feels supported.

📱 Charge your devices: It is a good idea to ensure mobile phones, rechargeable batteries, and power banks are fully charged this afternoon. This helps you stay connected in case of any local power interruptions or signal disruption. ⚡🔋

🥣 Food and essentials: Make sure you have enough basic food and supplies so you can avoid unnecessary travel once the weather turns. Also consider what be damaged (or cause damage) if you have a garden - securing things like outside furniture and gardening tools. 🍞☕

🛣️ Travel safely: If you must go out, please check the latest updates from trusted sources like BBC Weather or the Met Office. Roads and transport may experience delays as the storm moves through.

As a reminder, if you need non-emergency medical advice while the surgery is closed or during the bad weather, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. 📞🩺 For any life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. 🚑💨

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for one another! And if you like this kind of interesting weather, we hope you enjoy! 🌳💚 🌈