Woodley Centre Surgery

04/12/2025

If you’re struggling to manage the increasing costs of living and are struggling with the choice of heating your home or feeding yourself or your family, there is support available from local food banks.

Food banks offer only enough food to last a few days, but Citizens Advice can offer support to help you get on top of the difficulties you’re facing.

https://wokingham.foodbank.org.uk/about/about-the-foodbank-network/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/food-bank/using-a-food-bank

03/12/2025

Do you know where is best to go.

Help the NHS this winter by choosing the right service for your needs.

02/12/2025

Losing someone we love changes us and how we see the world. Pain doesn’t fade, but as time passes, with support, compassion and strength, you can find that your hope returns, shaped by your memories.

This Grief Awareness Week, the focus is on growing with grief and how you can work towards a future where, although you will not forget, you can learn to smile again.

If you’re struggling with grief, please reach out: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw/

01/12/2025

Did you know?
💊Returning old or unused antibiotics to your local pharmacy for safe disposal will help limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 💊

Find your local pharmacy. 👀🔎
http://nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

29/11/2025

Winter is challenging for appointment availability due to increased illness in our patients.

We know that when you’re feeling unwell, it’s frustrating not being able to get an appointment at the time you would like it. Our team work very hard to manage the appointments we do have so that the most unwell patients can be seen quickly. This does mean that sometimes you will need to wait for an appointment if your condition is not urgent. If your condition changes, then do please contact the surgery to keep us informed.

We’d like to thank you for being polite to the members of our practice team. Our staff have feelings too, and your thoughtfulness and consideration when speaking to our staff members is appreciated.

28/11/2025

Prescribing of over-the-counter medicines 💊

You are encouraged to buy over-the-counter medicines to treat a range of minor common illnesses like coughs, colds, headaches, heartburn and indigestion.

Current NHS guidance advises GPs not to prescribe over-the-counter medicine – this ensures money saved can be spent on essential health services. Instead, you can self-care to treat minor common illnesses which includes:

• Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, (out of the reach of children and pets).
• Seek advice from local community pharmacists on:
- Managing short-term illnesses and minor conditions
- Or use the NHS Pharmacy First Service.

However, GPs will prescribe over-the-counter medicines to patients in some circumstances
such as those who need long term support and treatment e.g. paracetamol for arthritis.
For more details visit: https://staywell-bob.nhs.uk/over-the-counter-medicines/

27/11/2025

UTI? Your pharmacist can now provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions, without you seeing a GP.

Think pharmacy first.

nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

26/11/2025

Flu cases in England have tripled compared with this time last year and with the worst of winter only weeks away, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) is calling on people who are eligible - especially those at risk due to an existing condition - to get vaccinated without delay.

Flu vaccine helps protect against flu which can be a serious or life threatening illness. Booking your flu jab is simple: you can go via your GP surgery, local pharmacy, the NHS App or online. In the BOB ICB area, additional slots are now available at other locations e.g. mobile clinics, shopping malls, and local community centres to make it as convenient as possible. See all walk-in clinics and bookable appointments here: https://staywell-bob.nhs.uk/vaccine-clinics/

If you are eligible, join the millions of others who have had their free flu vaccine and make sure you get protected ahead of the festive season and stay strong this winter.

25/11/2025

25/11/2025

If you’re retired and struggling with costs this winter, check if you’re eligible for the winter fuel payment. If you were born before 22nd September 1959, you could get help to pay your heating bills for the winter of 2025 to 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

24/11/2025

It’s flu season again! 🤧🤒🦠

Did you know, if you’re feeling under the weather and need some help, you can access 111 in your NHS App? Check whether you need to access urgent medical care, or you may want to visit your GP following the steps in the app. If you’re not registered, now is the time to sign up! It’s never been easier.

Find out more about the NHS app by visiting: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/about-the-nhs-app/

This guide can help you navigate 111 in the app: https://youtu.be/mVzl9-X90yE

22/11/2025

Stay when getting out and about this winter with advice from Met Office and partners. Preparing your vehicle for winter and considering alternative plans in case of severe weather will ensure that you’re ready to get out and about safely.
More advice here: https://bit.ly/3UFakhu