Middle Chare & Woodlands Surgery

05/08/2026

📧 Help Us Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date

At Middle Chare Medical Group, we're encouraging all patients to ensure we have a current email address on record.

Having your email address allows us to send important practice updates and, where appropriate, communicate with you more efficiently.

You can update your contact details in any of the following ways:
✅ Through the NHS APP -
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help/profile/contact-details/
✅ Via our website: https://www.middlecharemedicalgroup.co.uk/clinics-and-services/your-record/keep-us-up-to-date/change-of-contact-details-form/
✅ By contacting the surgery directly ( Please call after 11am)

If you're unsure whether we have your correct email address, please get in touch and we'll be happy to check.

For your privacy, please do not post your email address in the comments. Instead, update it via the NHS App, our website, or by contacting the practice directly.

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

To update details like your name, address, phone numbers or email address: If you have moved to a new address, you will need to be in our catchment area to stay registered with our surgery.

05/08/2026

💚 Safer Sleep Saves Lives💚

Creating a safe sleeping environment is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

🌡️ Keep your baby's room at a comfortable 16–20°C.
👶 Check your baby's chest or the back of their neck to make sure
they feel warm, not hot or sweaty.
🛏️ Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in their own
clear, flat cot or Moses basket.
🚭 Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment.
🧢 Avoid hats indoors and loose bedding.

If you're worried your baby is too hot, too cold, or seems unwell, seek medical advice.

05/08/2026

Do you know what can make a difference to your risk of getting cancer?

Some things we can't change, such as age or genetics. But there's lots we can do to reduce our risk and live a healthier life.

tell us all we need to know 👉 wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics

05/08/2026

💙 Thank You for Your Feedback!💙

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete our Friends and Family Test.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us understand what we're doing well and where we can continue to improve. We're grateful for your kind words, suggestions, and continued support.

Every response helps us provide the best possible care for our patients and our community.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us – your voice really does make a difference.

04/08/2026

🏃‍♀️ Move More, Feel Better! 🚴‍♂️

Did you know children and young people aged 5–18 years should aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day across the week?

Being active isn't just about keeping fit – it helps to:
💙 Build confidence and social skills
💪 Strengthen muscles and bones
🧠 Improve concentration and learning
😴 Sleep better
😊 Boost mood and wellbeing
❤️ Maintain a healthy weight

The good news? It all counts! Walking, cycling, playing, swimming, dancing, sports, PE, climbing, skipping and active travel are all great ways to get moving.

Every little bit adds up. Encourage children to sit less, move more and make physical activity part of everyday life.

🌟 Aim for 60 minutes a day, spread across the week, and help build healthy habits for life.

04/08/2026

Thinking about quitting smoking but not sure you can do it? 🚭

The good news is there are more ways to quit successfully than ever before.

💙 Get free, friendly support from your local Stop Smoking Service.
💊 Use quitting aids and medications to help manage cravings.
📱 Access the FREE Smoke Free digital support tool – giving you the power to quit right from your phone.

You don't have to do it alone. Find the support that works for you and give yourself the best chance of quitting for good.

👉 Find your way to quit at www.FreshQuit.co.uk or sign up for support here: https://www.smokefreecountydurham.co.uk/sign-up/

04/08/2026

Stay safe in the sun this summer.

Protect your skin with sunscreen that's at least SPF30.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

Starting Solids Workshop will be running within Baby and Me session at Best Start Family Hub Durham

Tuesday 18 August, 1:00pm-2:30pm

Please contact Henry Team via email:
[email protected]

04/08/2026

Worry Worms and Trauma Teddies

A small gift from our local community, helping to brighten someone's day when they need it most.

During Police Activity Week, taking place from 3rd to 7th August 2026, the following items will be available at Burns Green, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QH:

🪢 Worry Worms
Suitable for both children and adults, these small handmade gifts are designed to bring a smile and provide comfort during difficult times in life.

🧸Trauma Teddies
Given by the Police and other Emergency Services, these teddies offer comfort and reassurance to children who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident.

Please visit the Police van to collect your Worry Worm or Trauma Teddy from the event organisers, PCSOs Adrian Richards and Louise Bridge.

If you are unable to attend Activity Week, you can email either of the organisers in the following weeks (subject to availability):
• Adrian Richards: [email protected]
• Louise Bridge: [email protected]

Collections can be arranged from Chester-le-Street Police Station, and delivery may be possible for residents of the Chester-le-Street area.

Our sincere thanks go to Jan and her friends from County Durham, who spend their time throughout the year knitting and crocheting these wonderful items. Their dedication keeps them busy after work and supports this excellent cause, helping to bring comfort to many people in our community.

Thank you for your generosity and support. ❤️