Hallgarth Surgery

28/01/2026

Have you been putting off your cervical screening ?

If you've been invited and not booked in, call the practice now to be booked in at a time to suit you
We can offer late night appointments on Tuesdays and as well as early morning appointments from 8.30am

We are also sending text messages with self booking links to anybody who is overdue and have not responded after two invites.

📞If you need anymore information about screening and what to expect or have any questions at all please call the practice and ask to speak with the Care Co-Ordinator.

27/01/2026

Every week at least 10 patients ignore their invite for Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK and taking part in the bowel screening reduces your chances of dying from bowel cancer.

98% of people who complete the kit will have a normal result.

26/01/2026

Test overdue? Book it in this week! We know that isn’t easy for everyone. If you’ve got questions or need support contact the practice

20/01/2026

❗Please remember to cancel any unwanted appointments as soon as you know you can't make it❗

19/01/2026

🚓Durham Constabulary has launched a new safety scheme to help protect people living with dementia who may go missing.

The ‘dementia wristband’ initiative involves distributing 1,000 bright yellow wristbands and tags, each embedded with digital information. When tapped with a mobile phone, the bands display key details including the person’s name, address, and emergency contact.

The scheme links to the Herbert Protocol—a national plan that supports families and carers in providing vital info to police when a vulnerable person goes missing.
Durham PCSO Jess Brown, who leads the project, says the wristbands offer “peace of mind” for both individuals and their families, while also reducing pressure on police resources.

Those already signed up to the Herbert Protocol will be prioritised in receiving the bands, before a wider public rollout.

💛If you spot someone looking lost and wearing a band, officers ask that you stop and help

31/12/2025

❗❗Please remember we are closed tomorrow : Thursday 1st January ❗❗

We will re-open Friday 2nd January at 8.30am.

📞 If you require medical advice/help during this time please call 111 or use the online symptom triage on the below link

https://111.nhs.uk/

🚑 for life threatening emergencies please dial 999 immediately.

We wish all of our patients a happy new year 🎊🎉

23/12/2025

Please see below for our closure over the Christmas and New Year period 😁

22/12/2025

Quitting is the best way to protect your health and your family. Free local support is available—start your journey today.
Learn more: www.durham.gov.uk/stopsmoking

10/12/2025

Fantastic initiative, would make such a difference to people.

Around 70% of individuals living with dementia may go missing at least once 🫂

In order to reduce the risk of harm to a missing person with dementia, and locate them with minimal adverse outcomes, Durham Constabulary are launching a new initiative, the ‘dementia wristband’.

The bands will be rolled this month and officers are asking anyone who spots someone on their own, looking lost and confused and wearing one of these bright yellow bands to stop and help. Should the band not be suitable for an individual we also have an option of a ‘hang tag’ that can be kept on keys or an item of clothing containing a zip.

Holding a mobile phone close to the band will result in personal information being displayed including the individuals name and emergency contact number. The tag contains an NFC chip that holds the data and cannot track an individuals whereabouts.

There is also a QR code attached to the band which directs people to information about the Herbert protocol on the force’s website.

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to assist in locating individuals with dementia who may go missing, providing essential information to emergency services, see more: https://www.durham.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/vulnerable-people-at-risk-of-going-missing/

Around 1,000 bands and 1,000 tags which can be attached to clothing have been produced and funded by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen.

PCSO Jess Brown who is leading the scheme, said: “The benefits of financially supporting and providing dementia tags to our vulnerable residents are two-fold. One, it will provide extra safeguarding to those living with dementia, giving families additional reassurance that their loved ones can be returned home quickly should they go missing and two, it will massively reduce demand on our resources.

“The wristbands offer peace of mind for everyone. For the wearer, knowing they have a safeguard in place allows for greater confidence and freedom in their movements. Caregivers and family members also benefit from them knowing that the wristband facilitates quick communication if needed.

Individuals signed up to the Herbert protocol will be first in line to receive the bands or tags and then once trialled, will be rolled out to the wider public.

PCSO Brown added: “For family members and carers affected by dementia, it can be a challenging and testing time. These wristbands not only give reassurance and comfort but they also give the individual diagnosed a sense of independence which is something they crave. We hope these wristbands will make everyone feel more relaxed knowing should their loved one go missing, they will be safe.”

For more information or if you have any queries, you can email PCSO Brown: Jessica.Brown2@durham.police.uk

Tap your phone to get me home 💛

08/12/2025

05/12/2025

Are you a veteran and in need of a dentist?

Check out this post from East Durham Veterans Trust for more information on Seaham Smiles Dental Surgery now offering dental care to veterans