Bishops Close Medical Practice

06/02/2026

🗣️Northern Cancer Voices Focus Group 11 Feb 🗣️

Northern Cancer Voices, in partnership with CAJA Behavioural Scientists and the Northern Cancer Alliance, is holding an online focus group to better understand the barriers that prevent women from attending their first breast screening appointment.

Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Teams Link:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/31930354307801?p=AF0zRCfp5HNhS24VyZ
Meeting ID: 319 303 543 078 01
Passcode: wQ268QJ9

05/02/2026

02/02/2026

📌 Veteran Support

Support for armed forces personnel (Armed Forces Outreach Service) - Durham County Council

Our Armed Forces Outreach Service can provide help and support to all Forces personnel, reservists, Veterans and their families.

30/01/2026

28/01/2026

⭐️Dear Valued Patients, ⭐️

Thank you so much for the thoughtful cards and generous gifts you gave to the staff at Bishop’s Close Medical Practice. We have been happily munching our way through the biscuits and chocolates throughout December and January, and they truly brought much-needed cheer during the cold, dark winter months. We are extremely grateful for your kindness and support.

With best wishes,
The Team at Bishop’s Close Medical Practice
Jan 2026

23/01/2026

⭐️ Our Reception team are specially trained to help you get the right care from the right healthcare professional

HELP US TO HELP YOU 🫵

08/01/2026

⭐️ Wishing all our patients a joyful and healthy New Year ⭐️

👉 At Bishop’s Close Medical Practice, we offer a full range of health checks to support your long-term health and well being. These checks may include:
▪️Weight and BMI
▪️Blood pressure and pulse checks
▪️Blood tests

👉Patients with long-term health conditions are routinely recalled by the practice on an annual basis, or earlier, depending on individual need.

👉The aim of these health checks is to identify potential issues early. You will receive an invitation for this via text/letter.

❗️Chronic Disease Health Checks❗️
We provide regular reviews for patients with the following conditions:
▪️Hypertension and high cholesterol (on statin treatment)
▪️Diabetes
▪️Ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke
▪️Asthma and COPD
▪️Learning disability
▪️Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
▪️Rheumatoid arthritis and patients receiving immunosuppressant treatment (if not under hospital care)
▪️Severe mental illness and dementia

📍NHS Health Checks (for patients without any chronic health conditions)
▪️Ages 40–74: Every five years
Over 75 health checks (for patients without any chronic health conditions)
▪️Annually

10/12/2025

🎄🎅☃️
To all our valued patients,

Wishing you peace, joy, and excellent health during this Christmas and New Year holiday season. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your healthcare journey this year.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times 2025/26

⭐️Monday 22nd –Wednesday 24th December 2025: Open as usual
⭐️Thursday 25th & Friday 26th December 2025: Closed
⭐️Monday 29th –Wednesday 31st December 2025: Open as usual
⭐️Thursday 1st January 2026: Closed
⭐️From Friday 2nd January 2026 onwards: Open as usual

👉 Join Our Patient Participation Group in 2026
We are seeking volunteers to join our Patient Participation Group. Your surgery needs you—your views and ideas help shape the care we provide.

📌If you are interested, please contact Brian Wilson, Practice Manager, or email us at nencicb-cd.bishopsclosemp@nhs.net
We look forward to supporting your health and wellbeing throughout 2026 and beyond.

Bishop's Close Medical Practice

14/11/2025

🔥 Stay Warm and Well This Winter 🔥
Keeping your home warm during the colder months doesn’t just make you more comfortable — it can also help protect your health.
▪️Damp homes are linked to a 30–50% increase in respiratory problems.
▪️Hospital admissions for COPD are four times higher in winter than in summer.
We’re Here to Help
Warm Homes Campaign
Durham County Council’s Warm Homes Campaign offers free advice and practical support to help you:
▪️Access energy efficiency grants (for new boilers, insulation, and more)
▪️Manage energy bills
▪️ Tackle fuel poverty
📞 Call the Warm Homes Team on 03000 268 000
📧 Email: warmhomes@durham.gov.uk
Warm Home Discount
Eligible pensioners and low-income households may qualify for a £150 rebate on their electricity bill during the winter months.
👉 Visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme for full details and to check eligibility.
Recommended Temperatures
To stay healthy and warm, the council recommends keeping your home at:
▪️18°C to 21°C during the day
▪️ At least 18°C at night
Simple Ways to Keep the Heat In
Small changes can make a big difference:
Close curtains at dusk
▪️Use draught excluders and insulation
▪️Keep interior doors closed
▪️Use hot water bottles or heated blankets safely

Bishop's Close Medical Practice

The Warm Home Discount Scheme could take £150 off your winter electricity bill - eligibility, how to get your discount, deadlines.

12/11/2025

🌟 Leaner for Life is back! 🌟
Ready to make lasting changes for a healthier you? Join our FREE 12-week course starting September at multiple locations!
Learn how to:
✅ Lose weight and keep it off
✅ Make better lifestyle choices
✅ Change habits for good
📢 Hear what past participants are saying:
"The course has improved my understanding of how to implement changes in my thinking, habits and actions!"
"Excellent guidance to making better choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle and lower bodyweight!"
👉 To sign up or for more info:
📧 shirley.fidell@nhs.net
📞 07512330911