Bideford Medical Centre

05/08/2026

August is National Immunisation Awareness Month, a great opportunity to learn more about the vaccines that help protect children from serious illnesses 💉💙

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect against infectious diseases and help keep our communities healthy 👍

The MMRV vaccine protects children against four illnesses:
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Varicella (chickenpox) 👶

These illnesses can sometimes lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, meningitis and other health problems ⚠️

The MMRV vaccine is offered as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme and helps provide important protection during early childhood 💙

Making sure your child receives their vaccinations on time helps protect them and those around them 🛡️

If you're unsure whether your child is up to date with their vaccinations, speak to your GP practice for advice 👍

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

04/08/2026

Living with Crohn’s or Colitis can affect much more than just your gut 💜

These lifelong conditions can impact work, education, relationships, and mental wellbeing – even when symptoms aren’t visible 💬

Around 1 in 120 people in the UK are living with Crohn’s or Colitis, yet many people still don’t fully understand the reality of these conditions 🤝

By raising awareness, we can help reduce stigma and support those living with invisible illnesses

Find trusted information and support here:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

03/08/2026

Think you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Your local pharmacy may be able to help 💊💙

UTIs are common infections that can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys. Symptoms can include:
• pain or a burning sensation when p*eing
• needing to p*e more often or urgently
• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• pain in your lower tummy ⚠️

Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, eligible women aged 16 to 64 with uncomplicated UTI symptoms may be able to receive advice and treatment directly from a pharmacist without needing a GP appointment 👍

Getting treatment quickly can help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from becoming more serious 💙

If symptoms are severe, you have a high temperature, back pain, are pregnant, or symptoms do not improve, you should seek further medical advice 🩺

Your pharmacist is highly trained and can advise on the most appropriate treatment for you 🤝

Find out more:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/
https://patient.info/kidney-urinary-tract/urinary-tract-infections

31/07/2026

Here are some facts about all the work we do on behalf of our patients (from 1st Apr – 30st Jun 2026).

31/07/2026

Do you know your heart age? ❤️

Your heart age may be older than your actual age depending on factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, weight and lifestyle ⚠️

The NHS Heart Age Tool is a quick way to learn more about your heart health and understand your future risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke 💙

Small healthy changes can make a big difference over time 🚶‍♀️🥗💧

Take a few minutes to check your heart age today 👍

Search: NHS Heart Age Calculator 🔍

29/07/2026

Pregnancy screening tests are offered during pregnancy to help check the health of you and your baby 💙👶

These tests can help identify the chance of certain conditions early on, allowing you to access the right care, support and information throughout your pregnancy 👍

Screening tests offered during pregnancy may include checks for:
• Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome
• sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
• infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis
• physical conditions identified during ultrasound scans 🩺

You’ll also be offered ultrasound scans during pregnancy, including the dating scan and the 20-week screening scan 👶

It’s important to remember that screening tests are your choice. Your midwife or healthcare team will explain each test, what it looks for and what the results may mean so you can decide what feels right for you 💫

If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your midwife or maternity team for advice and support 💙

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-tests/

28/07/2026

We are aware that the Trust is currently planning for a temporary suspension of births at North Devon District Hospital. Women who may be affected are being contacted directly by maternity services.

If you have questions about your care or birth plan, please contact the maternity triage team on 01392 406616 or speak with your midwife.

The Royal Devon has taken the difficult decision to begin planning for the temporary suspension of births at North Devon District Hospital from Tuesday 11 August 2026, due to insufficient medical cover available to safely maintain births. You can read the full announcement on our website. https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/services/maternity-and-obstetrics-birth-and-babies/nddh-birth-services-temporary-changes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTUg-ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBlOE42UWRua2lNRHJTZXYxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmoC6ewF2XloREhhYQ30-imb96LtaVo7_xILsk7Z7HpANPd3I5jXlZZCvmHI_aem_DfgkCdDms5wOpAFLhsIXHg
We have also set up a dedicated web page with helpful information and advice, which will be updated as our plans develop -
North Devon Maternity Services, Devon Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership, Royal Devon Maternity Hospital Exeter

27/07/2026

Have you changed your phone number, address or email recently? Keeping your contact details up to date with your GP practice is really important 💙

Having the correct contact information helps us:
• contact you about appointments or test results
• send important health updates and reminders
• make sure you receive screening invitations and vaccination information
• avoid delays in your care 👍

Incorrect or outdated details can sometimes mean missed appointments, missed messages or difficulty contacting you when needed ⚠️

If your details have changed recently, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make sure your records stay accurate 📞📧🏡

Thank you for helping us keep your information up to date 💙

27/07/2026

🌟 FREE health checks at the Woolsery Show today for Torridge Health PCN patients! 🩺✨

Are you visiting the Woolsery Show? Pop over to the Torridge Health stand and say hello to our team!

We’re offering free, walk-in health checks covering your ABCDs:

💙 Atrial Fibrillation
🩸 Blood Pressure
cholesterol Check
🌾 Diabetes risk

It only takes a few minutes, and we’ll upload your results directly to your GP record alongside providing personalized advice on the spot.

No appointment needed—just drop by!

25/07/2026

What's happening this summer and autumn for Crohns and Colitis?

Big Summer Skip Challenge ☀️ Ready to skip your way through summer? Take on the Big Summer Skip Challenge and help raise vital funds for people living with Crohn's and Colitis. Whether you're skipping solo, with friends or as part of a team, every skip helps support life-changing research, services and campaigning. Find out more and sign up today:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/challenges/big-summer-skip-2026

Run 60 Challenge 🏃 Challenge yourself this September! Take on the Run 60 challenge by running 60 miles throughout September while raising money to support everyone affected by Crohn's and Colitis. Whether you're an experienced runner or just getting started, every mile makes a difference. Find out more and register:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/challenges/run-60-miles-in-september-challenge

Cake & a Cuppa 🧁 Bake. Brew. Make a difference. Gather your friends, family or colleagues for a Cake & a Cuppa fundraiser and help support people living with Crohn's and Colitis. The best part? You can hold your event at any time of the year, making it easy to fit around your schedule. Find out more and download everything you need to get started:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/cake-a-cuppa