Aberfoyle Medical Practice

20/01/2026

The NI childhood immunisation schedule is changing giving even better protection with the introduction of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

From January 2026, eligible children will be offered a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) - as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible. If you are unsure if your child is up to date with vaccinations the easiest way to check is to look at your child’s red book or speak to your health visitor or GP.

Find out more at www.nidirect.gov.uk/childhood-immunisation

23/12/2025

🧑‍🎄 Wishing all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2026!🧑‍🎄

🗓️ Please be aware of our reduced opening hours over the holiday period:

🎄 Thur 25 December - Closed
🎄 Fri 26 December - Closed
🎄 Mon 29 - Wed 31 December - Urgent calls only
🎄 Thur 1 January - Closed.
🎄 Fri 2 January - urgent calls only

19/12/2025

🌟'Strong Through Song' Program!🌟

Over eight weeks, patients from Aberfoyle Medical Practice, Clarendon Medical and Oakleaf GP practices attended sessions aimed at improving lung health.

Beyond physical improvements, the program fostered strong friendships, boosted participant confidence, and significantly lifted moods.

Keep an eye out for new groups thay will be running in the New Year.

04/12/2025

📢 Important Patient Notice

Due to the significant increase in demand and winter pressures, we are temporarily suspending all pre-bookable routine appointments until the New Year.

This decision allows us to prioritise urgent and on-the-day care so we can support those with the most immediate medical needs during this busy period.

We understand this may be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

30/10/2025

📢 Important Notice
Our EMIS computer system is currently down, and staff are unable to access patient medical records.

Please only contact the surgery in an emergency while we work to resolve the issue.

We will update you as soon as the system is working again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

27/10/2025

If you are interested in this contact the Practice and leave a message for Bernie or Aine from the Social Work Team and they will get back to you.

Thanks

08/10/2025

Living healthy while Aging Workshop will take place on Tuesday 21st October from 10am-12pm in Destined Foyle Road. Refreshments provided.

Social connection is vital at every stage of life, but especially as we get older.

This Positive Ageing Month, we’re encouraging everyone to take part in local Age Friendly events that build friendships, strengthen communities, and promote wellbeing.

Find out more: https://loom.ly/F1RZYKs

07/10/2025

Please use the link to self-book for our flu and Covid clinics commencing Saturday 11th October.

06/10/2025

If you have received an invitation please click the self book link for your appointment.

02/10/2025

Invites for 75 year olds and above and those 18-64 year old immunosuppressed have been sent out for the first Covid and flu clinics starting on Saturday 11th October. Please use the link provided to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Those eligible for the flu vaccine in the remaining categories will be called in due course. Please do not contact the practice as you will receive a text with a link to self book.

Pre-school vaccinations have already commenced and invites were sent 2 weeks ago- please contact the Health Centre if you have not already attended or booked an appointment for your 2-4 year old.

As a reminder the criteria for COVID vaccination eligibility has changed - we will only be inviting those eligible ad outlined by Public Health

The winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes will begin on 6 October 2025.

Vaccines provide the best defence against winter viruses.

People who are eligible for vaccination against flu or COVID-19 this year should make themselves aware of their own GP surgery’s or community pharmacist’s vaccination arrangements and work with them to get vaccinated.

For further information see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

02/10/2025

Our Primary Care Multi-disciplinary Teams and supported by the Derry Federation of General Practices is encouraging local women to attend a Menopause event on Thursday 16 October 2025 in the Ebrington Hotel.

Shona McEleney, GP Social Work Assistant, Glendermott Medical Practice, Waterside Health Centre said: “This is a great opportunity for local women to access menopause advice, support and resources to help them through the complex transition of menopause. We will have guest speakers on the night, information stalls and it will be ticket only event."

Register via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/menopause-event-tickets-1754127866669

Read more - https://westerntrust.hscni.net/menopause-event-at-ebrington-hotel/

02/09/2025

If you are eligible for the shingles vaccine you will receive a text with a link to self book.

From September people aged 18+ with a severely weakened immune system will be eligible for the shingles vaccination.

Currently the vaccine is available to those who are aged 65 and 70 on 1 September in addition to people aged 50 and over with severely weakened immune system. But from 1 September 2025, anyone who is aged 18 and over with severely weakened immune system (sometimes known as severely immunosuppressed) will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine.