Valley Medical Centre - Stocksbridge

17/11/2025

🦠💊 Antibiotics are powerful medicines - but they aren’t always the answer. Using them when they’re not needed can cause harm and make future infections harder to treat.

Here’s what you should know:
✔️ They only work against bacterial infections, not viruses like colds or flu.
✔️ Overuse is driving antibiotic‑resistance (“superbugs”) - which means common infections can become untreatable.
✔️ Do these things to help protect their effectiveness:
‑ Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
‑ Complete the full course exactly as directed
‑ Never save antibiotics for later or share them with others

📚 Learn more here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antibiotics/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resistance/
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/why-antibiotics-should-not-be-overused

14/11/2025

📱 Make life easier with the NHS App!

The NHS App is the quickest way to manage many everyday tasks without needing to call the practice. Once downloaded and registered, you can:

✅Book and cancel appointments
✅Request repeat prescriptions
✅View your test results and health record
✅Send us administrative requests such as fit note extensions, letters, or general non-medical queries
✅Update your personal details

Getting started is simple:

1️⃣Download the NHS App:
• Apple App Store: https://ow.ly/fp7F50XrBQm
• Google Play Store: https://ow.ly/fYW050XrBQp
2️⃣Follow the steps to register and verify your identity.
3️⃣Log in and start using the features straight away.

💙 Thank you for helping us improve access for everyone.

14/11/2025

🩺🔍 Worried you could be at risk of type 2 diabetes? A few changes in your family history, lifestyle or symptoms might mean a lot.
Here’s what to keep in mind:

• 👪 Family history matters – If a parent, sibling or relative has diabetes, your own risk goes up.
• 🍔 Lifestyle factors count – Being overweight, inactive or having higher waist size can all raise risk.
• 🚩 Symptoms might be subtle – Increased thirst, tiredness or needing to wee more may be signs.
• 📊 Want to know your risk? Try this tool: https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start
• 📖 More reading on what to expect and why this matters: https://patient.info/diabetes/diabetes-mellitus-leaflet

It doesn’t mean diabetes is inevitable - taking action now could make a real difference. 💪

12/11/2025

🥂✨ Not drinking? That’s a valid choice - and one worth celebrating.

is about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable with their own decisions, whether they drink or not.
Some people are cutting back for health, others are taking a break, and some simply don’t enjoy it - and that’s okay 💬🧃

👂 How can we be more supportive?
✔️ Respect someone’s choice without questioning it
✔️ Offer non-alcoholic options
✔️ Keep social events welcoming for everyone

Learn more from:
👉 https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/stopsobershaming
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-not-to-say-to-someone-who-doesnt-drink-alcohol
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/is-sobriety-becoming-trendy

Let’s help make every setting inclusive, whatever’s in your glass 💚

11/11/2025

We are well underway with our flu and covid vaccination clinics this year at the surgery.

If you are eligible and have received an invite text message from us, please us the link provided (if received within the last 7 days), to book your appointment as soon as possible. If your link has expired, please contact reception on 0114 321 7510.

For those of you who are eligible for a covid vaccination, you will be offered it when you attend for you flu vaccine. Please note the criteria for covid vaccines has changed significantly this year, and those previously eligible, may no longer be able to have the vaccine this year.

We have had a shortage of covid vaccines in the recent weeks, but we now have some more stock available. So if you're still waiting on a covid vaccine, please contact our reception team who will help get you booked in.

Thank you,

Valley MC 🌳

🤔💭 "Who is eligible for the flu vaccine for winter 2025?"
We gathered all the details for you. If you meet any of the criteria, come forward and book your vaccine through the NHS website, or remember to return consent forms for school-aged children.
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

10/11/2025

💙 Proud to be a Veteran Friendly GP Practice 💙

As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice, we are committed to providing the best possible care and support for the Armed Forces community.

This Remembrance Day, we renew that commitment — honouring those who served and ensuring our veterans continue to receive the respect and care they deserve.

10/11/2025

💙 It’s Anti‑Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good! Time to stand up, speak out, and build kinder communities 🌟

Bullying can happen anywhere: in schools, workplaces, online, even in organisations up and down the ladder. It affects everyone.

Here’s how we can make a difference together:
👫 Be an ally, not a bystander - if you see something, say something
🏫 In schools: encourage safe spaces, peer support, and open dialogue
💼 In workplaces & organisations: promote respect, zero tolerance, and clear reporting structures
🗣️ Share stories, challenge harmful behaviour, and support those who feel alone

Learn more and access resources:
👉 https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
👉 https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-and-bullying

Let’s work together for environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued 💪

09/11/2025

Remembrance Sunday ☀️

Today, we pause to honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces.

We remember those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served.

We will remember them. ❤️

07/11/2025

🌫️ Lung Cancer Awareness Month is here - and this year, we’re shining a light on the connections between lung health, coughs, and family cancer history.

A persistent cough might be dismissed as a cold or heart issue — but sometimes, it’s more than that. If it lingers, gets worse, or you have other symptoms, get it checked.

Key point: family history of cancer doesn’t only mean the same cancer you have. When your doctor asks, they mean any cancer your relatives have had. This information can help assess your risk and guide decisions.

📚 Learn more about cancer risk and genetics:
👉 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/family-history-genetics-and-cancer-risk
👉 https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/family-history-and-inherited-cancer-genes

Stay alert to changes, know your family history, and speak up for your lung health 💨

06/11/2025

Have you ever served?

This Armistice Day, we take a moment to remember and honour all those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

We’re proud to be a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice, supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

If you are a veteran, please let our team know so we can make sure you receive the best possible care and access to dedicated support.

05/11/2025

🧠🌀 Feeling overwhelmed? Stress isn’t just “part of life” — it can affect your body, mind and behaviour in real ways.

Here’s what you might experience:
✔️ Physical: headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, chest‑racing heartbeats
✔️ Mental: trouble concentrating, making decisions, constant worrying
✔️ Behavioural: irritability, sleep too much or too little, eating changes, pulling away from others

When stress becomes long‑term, it can lead to burnout — extreme exhaustion, cynicism, reduced performance.

You don’t have to cope with it alone.

👉 Learn more and find help:
https://ow.ly/Naq450XmyxY
https://ow.ly/Esox50Xmyyc
https://ow.ly/uxPj50Xmyy2

Take a pause. Talk it out. You matter. 💚

05/11/2025