Wells City Practice

22/12/2025

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS:

The practice will be closed on the following days:

- Thursday 25th of December
- Friday 26th of December
- Thursday 1st of December

Other than this we will be operating normal opening hours. Patients are also reminded that we will not be taking any medical requests via Rapid Health on these days.

If you require urgent medical assistance over the festive period, please contact 111, or in life-threatening emergencies, call 999.

16/12/2025

Your Practice. Your Voice.
Join Our Patient Participation Group (PPG)

We’re looking for patients who want to help shape the future of our practice. Click this link to complete our online membership form https://www.wellscitypractice.nhs.uk/ppg_application.htm
What is the PPG?
The Patient Participation Group is a group of patients who work with the practice team to:
• Share patient views and experiences
• Help improve services and access
• Provide feedback on new ideas and changes
• Support better communication between patients and the practice
Who can join?
Any registered patient. No experience needed — just an interest in improving local healthcare.
What’s involved?
• Occasional meetings (some virtual)
• Surveys or feedback discussions
• Your voice helping to influence real change
For more information or to express an interest in joining the PPG, please click the link above, call the practice or email our Practice Manager at nickybillington@nhs.net

Apply to join our Patient Participation Group and make a meaningful difference to future healthcare services.

15/12/2025

Flu vaccination update:

We’ve now used up our remaining flu vaccine stock for patients under 65, aside from those who are already booked in — if you have an appointment, please still attend as planned.

Eligible patients under 65 who are not already booked can still have their flu vaccination at most local pharmacies.

We do have plenty of flu vaccines available for patients aged 65 and over. If you’re in this age group and haven’t yet had yours, please contact the practice to book.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep everyone protected this winter.

11/12/2025

We know that the Christmas period isn’t easy for everyone. If this time of year feels heavy or overwhelming, you’re not alone and there is support available.

If you need to talk to someone urgently over the holidays, you can contact any of the helplines below. The practice will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years' Day but other than that we will be here to help as normal.

09/12/2025

Dear patients,

From early next year, we’ll be updating how our patient lists are allocated across the GP team. All patients have a “usual GP” recorded on their medical record, and this is what we’ll be reviewing.

This change is purely administrative. It won’t affect the care you receive, the clinicians you can book appointments with, or how you access the practice. You will still be able to see any GP or clinician in the team.

We’re making this change because the administrative workload linked to each GP has grown in recent years, and at the moment it isn’t evenly shared. Reallocating our patient lists will help distribute this work more fairly and support the team in keeping things running safely and efficiently behind the scenes.

We’ll share more details early in the new year.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Wells City Practice

04/12/2025

There were a total of 200,028 attendances at A&Es across England from 1st November 2024 to 28th February 2025 with the following conditions:

-Nasal congestion (6,382)
-Earache (83,705)
-Sore throat (96,998)
-Ingrowing nails (3,890)
-Itching skin (8,669)
-Hiccups (384)

This is where Pharmacy First really helps. Your local pharmacist can assess and treat many common conditions on the spot, often much quicker than urgent care and without an appointment.

This isn’t about turning people away, it’s about getting you the right care first time so A&E can focus on genuine emergencies. And if it’s something that does need a GP, we’re here and we’ll always do our best to help.

02/12/2025

PATIENT NOTICE

We’re experiencing higher than usual staff absence at the moment, which may mean we have to cancel or move some appointments at short notice. We know this isn’t ideal, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience.

We’ll do everything we can to offer an alternative where possible, and we appreciate your patience while we work through this period.

Thank you for your understanding.

01/12/2025

Not sure how to manage your child's symptoms? The HANDi app gives clear, trusted NHS guidance for common childhood illnesses. Fast, expert advice designed for Somerset families.

27/11/2025

16 Days of Activism: Online Safety for Girls

Online abuse isn’t just an adult issue. Younger girls are increasingly targeted on social media, messaging apps and gaming platforms. This can include pressure to share images, unwanted contact from adults, bullying and threats — and it can take a real toll.

These experiences can impact confidence, sleep, mood, school performance and overall mental health. For some girls, the stress shows up physically too, with headaches, stomach aches or anxiety symptoms.

As a practice, we’re here to support families with these concerns. If a young person ever feels unsafe online, they can talk to us. We’ll listen, offer guidance and help them access the right support.

Keeping girls safe online is part of keeping them safe overall — and we all have a role in that.

26/11/2025

❄️ This winter, stay safe — skip steam inhalation.

Steam inhalation can cause serious burns, especially in children. And there’s no good evidence it helps colds or coughs.

Safer ways to feel better:
🥛Drink plenty of fluids
👃Try decongestant sprays or vapour rubs
😴Rest and let your body recover

Every winter, NHS hospitals treat children with painful burns from hot water spills. Don’t take the risk — steam inhalation does more harm than good.

25/11/2025

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This year’s focus is online and digital abuse. It doesn’t always look like the stereotypes. It can be controlling messages, pressure to share passwords, tracking someone’s movements through their phone, threats made over social media, or constant contact designed to wear someone down.

In primary care we often see the impact of this long before someone feels able to name it. Patients come in exhausted, anxious, low in confidence, or unsure why their relationship suddenly feels unsafe. Digital abuse can be hidden, but the effects show up in real life.

If something about the way someone is treating you doesn’t feel right, you can talk to us. You don’t need proof. You don’t need to decide anything before you speak to someone. We can listen, help you make sense of what’s happening, and point you toward support that’s safe and confidential.

No one should feel monitored, controlled, or frightened in their own life. If you need us, we’re here.

19/11/2025

Today is International Men’s Day.

It’s a reminder that men’s wellbeing matters — physical health, mental health, and everything in between.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, there are organisations offering support with a wide range of issues, from mental health to money worries to family pressures.

You can find a helpful list of services here:
https://ukmensday.org.uk/supporters/

And as always, if you need advice or support, our team is here to help.

There are lots of wonderful charities to support for International Men’s Day