Handbridge Medical Centre

18/06/2026

📢 Have We Got Your Up-to-Date Contact Details? 📢

The NHS is increasingly using email, text messages and phone calls to communicate important information about your healthcare, including appointment reminders, test results, health screening invitations and other important updates.

✅ Please help us keep your records up to date by ensuring we have your correct:

- Mobile phone number
- Home telephone number
- Email address

Having the correct contact details on your record helps us and other NHS services contact you quickly when needed and reduces the risk of important communications being missed.

You can update your details in any of the following ways:
📞 Call us: 01244 680169
📧 Send us an email
📱 Update them via the NHS App
💻 Submit an Admin PATCHS request
🏥 Visit our reception desk in person

Even if your details have only changed recently, please let us know as soon as possible.
Thank you for helping us keep your records accurate and ensuring you receive important updates about your healthcare.

16/06/2026

💚 New Wellbeing Programme for Adults in Chester & West Cheshire 💚

Are you feeling isolated, struggling with your mental wellbeing, lacking confidence, or finding it difficult to be physically active?

Chapter Mental Health has launched BELONG Boost – a FREE 12-week programme designed to support adults to improve their wellbeing through gentle physical activity, peer support and community connection.

Participants can enjoy:
🚶 Weekly guided wellbeing walks
💻 Online movement sessions that can be done from home
🎾 Opportunities to try new activities such as racquet sports, paddle sports, climbing and cycling

BELONG Boost is designed for people who may be experiencing:
✔️ Anxiety, low mood or poor mental health
✔️ Social isolation or loneliness
✔️ Low confidence
✔️ Financial barriers
✔️ Low activity levels

No previous experience of sport or exercise is needed, and participants can take part at a pace that feels right for them.

The programme aims to help people:
💚 Improve their mental wellbeing
💚 Become more physically active
💚 Build confidence
💚 Reduce feelings of isolation
💚 Connect with local activities and support networks

📅 The programme starts in the last week of June.

To find out more or register your interest, visit:
🌐 https://chaptermentalhealth.org/belong-boost/

Places are limited and will be allocated on a rolling basis.

Move your way — boost your day Feeling stuck, low, anxious, isolated, or like your get-up-and-go has got up and gone? BELONG Boost is a free 12-week activity and wellbeing programme from Chapter, helping adults in Chester and West Cheshire build confidence, connection and feel-good movement — o...

16/06/2026

💙 Ovarian Cancer Support in Your Community 💙

Living with ovarian cancer can sometimes feel isolating, but support is available.

The Let's Connect programme offers opportunities for people affected by ovarian cancer to connect with others who understand their experiences through local groups, community meet-ups and online support.

Whether you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, are supporting a loved one, or would like to find out more about the support available, this service can help you build connections and access a supportive community.

Please see the flyer for more information.

15/06/2026

📢 Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2026 📢

Cervical Screening Awareness Week runs from 15th–21st June and aims to raise awareness of cervical screening and its role in preventing cervical cancer.

Cervical screenings, also known as smear tests, detect early signs of cervical cancer and high-risk HPV infection (human papillomavirus) before cancer develops. Cervical screening can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers by identifying abnormal cell changes or high-risk HPV early.

If you have received an invitation for your routine cervical screening test, please contact us to arrange your appointment at a time that suits you. You can also book select cervical screening appointments using the NHS App.

For more information about what happens during cervical screening, visit the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/what-happens/

Please help us spread awareness by liking, sharing, or commenting below. 💜

Find out more about how cervical screening is done and what happens at your appointment.

11/06/2026

💙 Carers Week 2026 💙

This week, we recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of unpaid carers in our community.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs help because of illness, disability, mental health needs, or addiction. Many people don’t see themselves as carers – but if this sounds like you, you’re not alone.

At our practice, we are committed to supporting carers. If you are a carer, please let us know so we can:

✅ Add you to our carers register
✅ Offer support, advice, and signposting to local services
✅ Help you look after your own health and wellbeing

Being a carer can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. You deserve support too.

📞 Contact reception or speak to a member of the team to find out more.

Find out more here 👉 www.carersweek.org

10/06/2026

📢 Important Notice
The surgery will be closed today from 13:00 for staff training.
We will reopen tomorrow at 08:00 as usual.

If you need medical advice or assistance while we’re closed, please contact NHS 111 by:
📞 Calling 111 📱Using the NHS App
🚨 As always, dial 999 in an emergency.

Thank you for your understanding!

Services the NHS provides if you need urgent or emergency medical help

31/05/2026

🟦 Diabetes Prevention Week: Final Day 🟦

As Diabetes Prevention Week comes to an end, we’ve been sharing how small steps can make a big difference to your future health 💙

We’ve highlighted how age, background, weight, and pregnancy-related diabetes can all increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes — but the most important message is: you can take action today.

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as being over 40.

And, did you know that people from certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others.

Find out your risk, it could be the most important thing you do today.
riskscore.diabetes.org.uk

💡 It only takes a few minutes to check your risk – and it could be the first step towards a healthier future.

29/05/2026

🟦 Diabetes Prevention Week 🟦

Did you also know about gestational diabetes?

If you’ve had high blood sugar during pregnancy, it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The good news is that support is available to help you reduce that risk. 💙

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme could help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have gestational diabetes (high blood sugar levels during pregnancy).
Find out more: www.england.nhs.uk/healthier-you/gdm-self-referral

Taking action now can make a difference for your future health.

28/05/2026

📩 Don’t miss important messages from your GP – turn on NHS App notifications

We sometimes send important information to patients directly through the NHS App, such as appointment updates, clinical messages, or health reminders.
To make sure you don’t miss anything, it’s important to:
✅ Turn on notifications in the NHS App
✅ Check your messages regularly

Watch this short video to see how to turn on and view messages from your GP practice in the NHS App 👇
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHQ32Lu2C0

Having the NHS App set up helps you stay informed and up to date with your care.

This video explains how to receive messages from your trusted healthcare providers and turn on notifications in the NHS App. For more information about messa...

25/05/2026

🟦 Diabetes Prevention Week 🟦

Did you know that small changes can make a big difference to your health?

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as carrying excess weight. You can significantly reduce your risk by making small lifestyle changes with support from the Healthier You programme. Check your risk today: riskscore.diabetes.org.uk

Taking just a few minutes to check your risk could be the first step towards a healthier future. 💙

If you're at risk, support is available to help you make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes.