Old Town Surgery

30/03/2026

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/6wA450YzCk1
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/5zLA50YzCk4
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/5aLW50YzCk6
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/SF6f50YzCk5

28/03/2026

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

27/03/2026

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/3IGu50YyavP

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/LFkT50YyavT

26/03/2026

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/oCL850Yy18e

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/P4bI50Yy18a
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/fMHG50Yy18f
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/3VW150Yy18g
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/1Gi150Yy18h
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/PMGw50Yy18b
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/1j6850Yy189
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/naox50Yy18k

24/03/2026

Here’s what we have coming up in April! To book a place at any of the events below, email events@swindoncarerstogether.org.uk.

Please note, you must be a registered carer with Swindon Carers Together to attend our activities.

23/03/2026

Monthly Update: February at Old Town Surgery 🏥

It’s been another productive month! Here is a summary of the care provided to our patients throughout February:

3,753 total appointments were held.

This included 1,565 GP visits, 1,699 Nurse appointments, and 435 consultations with our Pharmacist.

Our team managed over 3,250 phone calls and processed 2,811 repeat scripts.

🚫 Missed Appointments: Sadly, 205 appointments were recorded as "did not attend." This is a significant amount of clinical time that could have been used for other patients.

Please remember to cancel if you can't make it—it really helps us help you!

23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

20/03/2026

🗣️ Tell us what's important to you about health, care and wellbeing in your community.

➡️ https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/neighbourhood-health/

20/03/2026

Missed Appointments Update: February 2026 🏥

Last month, we saw a high number of "Did Not Attend" (DNA) appointments across our three sites. When an appointment isn't cancelled, we aren't able to offer that slot to another patient who may need urgent care.

Here is the data for February:

Lawn: 182 missed appointments

Old Town Surgery: 205 missed appointments

Priory: 194 missed appointments

Total missed opportunities: 581

We want to say a huge thank you to the vast majority of our patients who attend their appointments on time. If you have an appointment you no longer require, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer it to someone else.

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/mM4l50Yvoqu

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/IVqS50Yvoqt
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/Esyy50Yvoqv
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/QvHu50Yvoqx

16/03/2026