Sid Valley Practice

04/03/2026

Brain Tumour Awareness Month takes place in March. It was launched in 2004 by a group of charities that went on to become founding members of Brain Tumour Research.

One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. By raising awareness, we can continue to invest in essential research that can improve treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

Key 2026 Brain Tumour Awareness Month Activities (UK)

Light Up the UK: Throughout March, buildings and landmarks across the UK are illuminated in pink and yellow to raise awareness.

Wear A Hat Day: Friday, March 27, 2026 (or throughout the month), is the flagship fundraising day where people wear hats to support research.

The Big Bake: A campaign to raise funds for research by holding baking events, with a focus on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Memory March: An initiative by Brain Tumour Support to walk and raise funds in honor of loved ones.

https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/brain-tumour-awareness-month/

Brain Tumour Charity

Join us for Brain Tumour Awareness Month and learn how you can help move towards a world where those affected can live a longer, better life.

23/02/2026

'Stay Strong. Stay Vaccinated.'
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the National Health Service (NHS) have launched a campaign to encourage uptake of routine childhood vaccinations for children aged 0–5.

The campaign supports parents and guardians in giving their children the best possible protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Families whose children may have missed any vaccinations are encouraged to contact their GP practice to review their child’s records and arrange any catch-up vaccines needed.

18/02/2026

09/02/2026

Half Day Close Tuesday 10th February 2026

16/01/2026

Sid Valley Practice launches new booking system

Sid Valley Practice is introducing a new way for patients to request appointments and advice, aimed at improving access to care and managing rising demand.
From 4th February 2026, all appointment requests and administrative enquiries will be handled through a new system called Care Compass. The change follows patient feedback about long waits and difficulties seeing a GP.

📝How it works
- All GP appointment requests will be made using an online AccuRx form
- Each request will be reviewed by a GP within one working day
- Patients will then be directed to the most appropriate care as quickly as possible

📞 Inclusive access
Patients can still contact the practice via the website, NHS App, by phone or in person. Staff can complete the form on behalf of patients who do not have internet access.

⚠️ Emergency and Urgent Care Information
- Care Compass is not for emergencies – please call 999 or attend A&E for serious or life-threatening symptoms or contact NHS 111 when the practice is closed.
- Urgent same-day needs will be managed by a clinical team including GPs, nurses and paramedics.
- The walk-in Minor Injury service will continue, 8am–6pm, for injuries sustained within the previous 48 hours.

👩‍⚕️ Patients will continue to receive care from the wider team, including pharmacists, nurses, first-contact physiotherapists and a mental health and wellbeing team, ensuring they see the right professional first time.

📅Key dates
• Current AccuRx online form switches off: 1st February 2026
• Care Compass goes live: 4th February 2026
• Patients are asked to limit routine GP appointment requests from 19th January 2026 where possible

🗣️The practice will also hold two patient engagement sessions:
Thursday 22nd January 2026, 3pm – St Theresa’s Church Hall
Thursday 22nd January 2026, 6.30pm – Beacon Medical Centre

30/12/2025

The NHS is introducing MMRV vaccination into the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 January 2026 to replace MMR vaccination.

The new routine MMRV vaccine schedule will offer 2 doses with the first dose recommended at the 12-month appointment. The second dose will be offered at the new 18-month appointment. Older children will receive a second dose at 3 years 4 months.

09/12/2025

Beacon medical centre & Victoria cottage hospital opening times over Christmas & New year.