Fort House Surgery

07/11/2025

📣Our Next Live Webinar is Coming Up!

What would you like us to cover?

We’ll be hosting our next live webinar at the end of this month. If there’s a topic or issue you’d like us to discuss, or any questions you’d like us to address during the session, please get in touch via our online contact form:

https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/h81020

We look forward to hearing from you!

24/10/2025

📌 New Patient Registrations

We are delighted that our planning application to increase our patient list size has been approved, meaning we can reopen our patient list.

We will continue to do this in a controlled and safe manner, with limited new registrations allowed.

We will reopen our patient list on a Wednesday morning at 9:00am for the following dates initially:

▪️Wednesday 29th October
▪️Wednesday 5th November
▪️Wednesday 12th November
▪️Wednesday 19th November

To check catchment eligibility and to register, please follow this link: https://www.forthousesurgery.nhs.uk/contact-us/register/

Once capacity has been reached, we will turn off the form and no more new patients can be accepted.

**Please note the new time of 9:00am for the forms to ‘go live’**

21/10/2025

❓❓ Fort House FAQs ❓❓

The next instalment of our FAQ series focuses on the commonly posed question – Can I Choose Who I See at the Surgery?

Here Dr Bates addresses this query and highlights the two principles of care here: Continuity & Access

◻️ Wherever possible we will always try to ensure continuity of care, and we are working very hard to improve this.

◻️ You are welcome to ask to see a particular clinician but we are always mindful of the safety issue that, if someone waits to see a specific professional, their medical condition may require more immediate attention.

◻️ In this case, if your preferred clinician is not available within a suitable timeframe as decided by our triaging team, then we will offer you an appointment with someone else.

🔹 Safety and access to the most appropriate timely care will always be our top priority.

17/10/2025

🌟 A big thank you to all our staff and volunteers for all their hard work at our Saturday Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinics this month.

💉 Appointments can still be made for the Flu vaccination.

15/10/2025

October is

A reminder to check your breasts regularly and be aware of anything that's new or different for you. For more information on checking your breasts: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/touch-look-check

If you notice any of these symptoms or changes, or have any concerns, please request an appointment: https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/h81020

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💕 Please share and help us spread this vital message 👇

October is the most important time of our year. A time for us to come together to raise awareness of breast cancer, and get checking our breasts.

We’re here to help you understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, so you can feel more confident in recognising any new or unusual changes in your breasts.

10/10/2025

is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of taking care of our mental health, as well as to highlight some of the specialist local support that is available.

If you want to improve your mental wellbeing, are feeling anxious or depressed, or life is too difficult right now, Healthy Surrey have a range of free and confidential services to support you:

https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/mental-wellbeing

Mind Matters are your local NHS provider offering free and confidential talking therapies to people aged 17+ registered with a Surrey GP. Their trained and accredited therapists will assess how best they can support you. They offer individual therapies, guided self-help online and group courses to help treat a wide range of mental health issues:

https://www.mindmattersnhs.co.uk/

Sport in Mind are a charity that uses sport and physical activity to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems. Sessions take place across Surrey every week and operate all year round:

https://www.sportinmind.org/surrey

The Lucy Rayner Foundation provide a range of mental health support services, including counselling and mental health support groups throughout Surrey. They passionately believe that mental health should be accessible to all and are strong advocates of raising mental health awareness, especially among young adults:

https://thelucyraynerfoundation.com/

The Mary Frances Trust provide free mental wellbeing support to Surrey residents (aged 16+) experiencing any kind of mental or emotional health issues through a variety of services. You can refer yourself or you can be referred by a professional, a carer or a family member:

https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/services-we-offer/

Mindworks Surrey are the children and young people's emotional wellbeing, mental health and learning disability service in Surrey. They offer a range of wellbeing and mental health services for young people:

https://www.mindworks-surrey.org/

You can of course also request an appointment here at the surgery if you are concerned, or would like advice, about your mental health:

https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/h81020

It’s good to talk…

08/10/2025

Did you know that women aged 50-70 registered with a GP are routinely invited for FREE NHS Breast Screening every 3 years?

📍Your local van will be located at St Peter's Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey KT16 0PZ

Over 6000 women are invited every month for screening but 35% do not attend.

Breast screening can help spot breast cancer sooner - please try and attend your appointment.

If you can't attend please call 0333 200 2062 and you will be offered an alternative appointment.

29/09/2025

Don't forget to pop in to our Men's Health Walk-In Clinic this evening 5.30-7.30pm!

Today is . Simple, early screening checks now can play a crucial role in lowering the risks of developing conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes in the future.

No appointment needed, just walk in!

📌 This service is available to patients currently registered with Fort House Surgery only

🚹 Men’s Health Walk-In Clinic – Save the Date 🚹

Save the date for our next Men’s Health Walk-In Clinic at Fort House Surgery on:

🗓️ Monday 29th September (World Heart Day)
🕠 5:30 – 7:30pm
📍 Fort House Surgery

In June we trialled our first Men’s Health Walk-In Clinic at the practice. It was a great success, giving men the opportunity to access important health checks & learn more about the wellbeing services available. Of those men who attended:

▪️ 11 were referred to Healthy Surrey
▪️ 3 had elevated cholesterol & were referred for further management
▪️ 2 had pre-diabetes & were referred to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme
▪️ 3 had elevated blood pressure & were referred for 24-hr monitoring

This World Heart Day, we are once again encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health. Early checks and simple lifestyle changes can play a vital role in lowering the risk of conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes.

Drop in to speak with a range of clinicians & to have some key health checks, including:

✅ Height, weight, BMI
✅ Blood pressure
✅ HbA1c (average blood sugar to check diabetes risk)*
✅ Cholesterol*
✅ PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)*

(*where eligible)

Please note: This service is available to patients currently registered with Fort House Surgery only.

No appointments needed – just walk in…

25/09/2025

🚹 Men’s Health Walk-In Clinic

All men benefit from regular health checks, but did you know that men from diverse ethnic backgrounds are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes,
• Hypertension and
• High Cholesterol

And that Black men are around FOUR times more likely to get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Dr Sitso Amankwah, one of the GP partners here at the surgery, shares why our Men’s Health Walk-In Clinic is a great opportunity for all men to have some key health checks and why we’re encouraging more of our patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to join us:

🗓️ Monday 29th September (World Heart Day)
🕠 5:30 – 7:30pm
📍 Fort House Surgery

Pop in to chat to clinicians and access screening checks such as:

🔹BMI
🔹Blood pressure
🔹HbA1c (average blood sugar to check diabetes risk)*
🔹Cholesterol*
🔹PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)*

*where eligible

These simple, early checks now can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions in the future.

📌 This service is available to patients currently registered with Fort House Surgery only.

No appointment needed, just walk in!

24/09/2025

📌 The Hive opens today from 2.30-4.30pm!

The Hive: A Social Space for Carers

A new exciting carers group is coming to Fort House in September!

If you are looking for a space to take a break, switch off and meet like-minded people, The Hive is for you.

📅 When: 24th September

⏰ Time: 2.30 – 4.30pm

📍 Where: Fort House Surgery

Activities will range from learning new creative skills to sitting and socialising with friends. First and foremost it will be a group where you can come, feel comfortable and meet people who understand.

For more information please contact the surgery on 01932 253055 or email forthousesurgery@nhs.net

Please note: The Hive is only open to patients currently registered with Fort House Surgery.

23/09/2025

📌 Free Community Event focused on Healthy Ageing - including advice and free activity taster sessions

Come along to the Healthy Ageing Event
📅 Wednesday 1 October 2025
🕚 11:30am to 1:30pm
📍 Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex
We’re working with local health and community partners to bring you an event focused on ageing well. Whether you're looking to stay active, connect with others, or get expert advice, this event has something for everyone.
🔍 What’s happening?
🔹 Healthy Ageing Information Hub – Drop in or book a 1-to-1 advice session: wellbeing@elmbridge.gov.uk
🔹 Free activity taster sessions with Places Leisure (mobility, strength and balance, table tennis, badminton and walking football (includes a free gift & guest pass)
🔹 Get expert advice on everything from assistive tech and falls prevention to mental health, legal support, exercise and inclusive cultural activities.
🔹 Meet reps from:
Age UK Surrey and Elmbridge Borough Council care and repair , Dementia Services and Connected Communities to help older people remain independent and supported
Citizens Advice Esher & District Citizens Advice Elmbridge West for legal matters
Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for Macmillan Cancer Support and Surrey Downs Health and Care (musculoskeletal issues)
Sport in Mind and Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex (exercise advice)
Connect to Support Surrey (Adult Social Care)
Mary Frances Trust (mental health)
The Counselling Partnership and Princess Alice Hospice (Compassionate Neighbours)
Walton Charity - advice with grants, accommodation, financial hardship, health and wellbeing and the team encouraging older people to share their knowledge, skills and interests in a friendly environment
🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/xhny50WXAKh

19/09/2025

📌 Don't forget that our new social group for carers starts next week! 😊

The Hive: A Social Space for Carers

A new exciting carers group is coming to Fort House in September!

If you are looking for a space to take a break, switch off and meet like-minded people, The Hive is for you.

📅 When: 24th September

⏰ Time: 2.30 – 4.30pm

📍 Where: Fort House Surgery

Activities will range from learning new creative skills to sitting and socialising with friends. First and foremost it will be a group where you can come, feel comfortable and meet people who understand.

For more information please contact the surgery on 01932 253055 or email forthousesurgery@nhs.net

Please note: The Hive is only open to patients currently registered with Fort House Surgery.