Unsworth Group Practice

18/06/2026

💉 Important update: MenB (Meningococcal B) vaccine programme

We are aware of recent updates regarding a new one-off MenB vaccination programme for young people in the UK.
Please note: this vaccine is NOT being provided by GP surgeries.

🧑‍🎓 Who is eligible for the new programme?
According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance, the temporary NHS programme (summer 2026) will offer the MenB vaccine to:

🎓 All Year 13 students (aged 17–18) in England

🏫 Young people under 25 who are starting university or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026
These groups will be offered two doses of the vaccine, spaced at least 4 weeks apart, with vaccinations delivered through community pharmacies and local NHS vaccination services.

📅 First doses are expected from July 2026, with second doses in August–September 2026.

🏥 Where to get it
If you are eligible, you will be contacted or invited to book via NHS systems, or you may be able to attend a participating community pharmacy or walk-in vaccination clinic depending on local arrangements.

👉 Please do not contact your GP surgery to request this vaccine, as it is not part of routine GP services.

🧠 Why this programme is being introduced
MenB (Meningococcal group B) is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis, which can develop rapidly and become life-threatening.

The programme has been introduced in response to recent increases in MenB cases among young people and outbreaks in the UK, with the aim of protecting those at highest risk in close-contact settings such as universities.

ℹ️ Other important information
This is a time-limited national programme
It does not replace the routine infant MenB vaccine programme
It is separate from the MenACWY vaccine, which is still routinely offered to teenagers and students

For full eligibility details, please visit the UKHSA blog:
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/12/who-is-eligible-for-the-new-one-off-menb-vaccine-programme/

18/06/2026

Looking for a simple way to boost your health and support a good cause?

Taking part in a walking challenge like “My WALK IT” can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing – while also raising awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis. 🚶

You don’t need to be an athlete – you can pick your distance and choose to do it in a day, a few weeks or the whole month of June. Every step you take is one towards a future free of IBD

Join here:
https://crohns-colitis-uk.sync.giving/mywalkit-2026/?utm_source=Social+Media&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=My+WALK+IT&utm_id=Redmoor+Health

17/06/2026

Know your skin. It could save your life 💙

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but spotting the signs early can make a big difference to treatment and outcomes 👍

A helpful way to check your moles is the ABCDE checklist:
• A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
• B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
• C – Colour: uneven or multiple shades
• D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or feeling (e.g. itching or bleeding)

You should contact your GP if:
• a mole becomes painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you notice a new or unusual mark or lump that doesn’t go away
• a mole changes or looks different from others

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas, so it’s important to check your skin regularly 👀

Find out more:
Melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/
Non-melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/what-is-non-melanoma-skin-cancer/

16/06/2026

Big congratulations to Julie 👏

🎉 Huge congratulations to Julie Wright, Social Prescribing Link Worker at Westhoughton PCN, on winning a ‘Who Cares?’ award from Bolton Carers Support, supported by Bolton News and Bolton CVS.

Julie was nominated, shortlisted and then went on to take home the award, a fantastic recognition of the care, dedication and difference she makes every day to local people and carers.

Anyone who knows Julie will know just how passionate she is about supporting others, and we could not be prouder to see her hard work recognised in this way.

👏 Well done, Julie. Thoroughly deserved!

15/06/2026

Men’s Health Week is a great time to learn more about cancers that only affect men 💙

Some cancers specifically affect men, including prostate, testicular and pe**le cancer. These cancers develop in parts of the male reproductive system and can affect people at different stages of life 👨‍⚕️

For example:
• Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland and is the most common cancer in men in the UK
• Testicular cancer often affects younger men and may present as a lump or swelling
• Pe**le cancer is rare but can develop on or under the fo****in

Treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, with support available throughout 💙

It’s important to know your body and speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection can make a big difference 👍

This message is inclusive of trans women and non-binary people (assigned male at birth), who can also be affected by these cancers and should feel supported to seek advice 💙

Find out more:
Men’s cancers information: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mens-cancer

14/06/2026

❤️ Give blood. Save lives.

Donating blood is one of the simplest ways you can make a life-saving difference. Every donation can help patients in emergencies, during surgery, or those living with long-term conditions 💉

It’s quick, safe and takes around an hour, but the impact can last a lifetime. In fact, one donation can help save up to three lives 🙌

Most people aged 17–65 who are fit and healthy can donate, and you’ll be fully supported through the process to make sure it’s safe for you and the patient 👍

Blood is always in high demand, and new donors are needed all the time to make sure there’s enough for everyone who needs it 💙

Ready to make a difference?

Find out more and register:
Give blood: https://www.blood.co.uk/

11/06/2026

We would like to make our patients aware that resident doctors will be taking industrial action from 7:00am on Monday 15 June 2026 until 7:00am on Friday 19 June 2026.

Some of our resident doctors at The Unsworth Group Practice will be participating in this industrial action.
Our surgery will remain open throughout this period, and we will continue to provide services to our patients. However, due to reduced staffing levels, our capacity will be affected, which could result in longer waiting times and some disruption to routine services.

Appointments will continue as normal unless you are contacted directly by us. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

At The Unsworth Group Practice, we recognise the vital contribution that resident doctors make to patient care and the NHS. We value their dedication and commitment to our patients, and we support our resident doctors during this period of industrial action.

Please continue to use NHS services appropriately:
Contact the surgery for routine and urgent primary care needs.

Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when the surgery is closed.

Call 999 or attend A&E only in life-threatening emergencies.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this period as we work to maintain safe and effective care for all our patients.

10/06/2026

Carers Week will take place from 8–14 June 2026, and this year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities💙

Across the UK, thousands of individuals and organisations will come together to help ensure unpaid carers are better understood, recognised and supported in everyday life 🙌

From schools and universities to workplaces, health and social care services, businesses and community groups, we all have a role to play in making our communities more carer friendly 🌍

Even small changes can make a big difference to carers’ daily lives and future opportunities 💫

Let’s work together to create real, lasting change and support those who care for others every day 💙

Find out how you can get involved:
Carers Week 2026: www.carersweek.org

10/06/2026

Mens Social Group ☕️

2-3pm on Wednesdays

FREE to attend .. meet others, have a brew & a chat

10/06/2026

. 8-14 June 2026

Carers week UK is an annual awareness campaign that recognises and celebrates the contributions of the UK’s 5-6 million unpaid carers.

Our friends at Senior Solutions Westhoughton are hosting a fabulous celebration for Carers with free entertainment this Friday 12th June 🩷🩷

Give them a call if you would like to join them 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻