Madeley Practice

09/09/2026

NHS Cervical Screening Self Testing

This is being gradually introduced for patients who are classed as non-responders for their cervical screening.

The invitation group is 30-65 years who have not attended following previous invitations, because is the group identified most at risk (ladies under this age are likely to have had their HPV vaccination)
There will be a gradual roll out to this group and it is not something that you can opt into and cervical screening with the practice nurse if still the gold standard (as some cancers are not HPV positive).

In short if you are due cervical screening please book with the nurse.
If you are concerned and would like to discuss things first you are very welcome to have an initial appointment.

If you are very worried or anxious and are in the group above you are likely to be called but we do not get a list of patients and we cannot opt you into the self testing.

09/09/2026

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲.

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
These free helplines are there to help when you're feeling down or desperate.

Unless it says otherwise, they're open 24 hours a day, every day.

You can also call these helplines for advice if you're worried about someone else.

𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝟭𝟭𝟭
Call 111 – 24 hours every day

𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀 – 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲
Call 116 123

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 (𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗠)
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Visit the webchat page

𝗣𝗮𝗽𝘆𝗿𝘂𝘀 – 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝟮𝟰𝟳
Call 0800 068 41 41
Text 07860 039967
Email [email protected]

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 – 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵
Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill

𝗦𝗢𝗦 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 – 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲
Call 0808 115 1505 – 8pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight Saturday and Sunday
Email [email protected]

07/09/2026

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health conditions. The good news is that it's easy to check and, if needed, it can often be managed with lifestyle changes or treatment.

During Know Your Numbers! Week, everyone is encouraged to find out their blood pressure reading. Whether you're 20 or 80, knowing your numbers is one of the best ways to take control of your health. This year's theme is "You know your age, do you know your numbers?"

You can have your blood pressure checked:
💙 At your GP practice
💙 At many local pharmacies
💙 At home using a validated blood pressure monitor

If your blood pressure is high, don't panic. Your healthcare team can support you with advice, lifestyle changes and treatment if needed. Small changes, such as eating less salt, being more active and maintaining a healthy weight, can make a big difference. 🌿🚶

Don't wait for symptoms – because there often aren't any. Know your numbers and take control of your heart health today. ❤️

Find out more:
https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week/

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆. 🤰💙

Regular physical activity can help you adapt to the changes happening to your body, support your overall wellbeing and prepare your body for labour. 🏃‍♀️

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, you can usually continue with your normal daily physical activity or exercise for as long as you feel comfortable. Activities such as walking, swimming and pregnancy-friendly exercise can all be great ways to keep moving. 🚶‍♀️🏊‍♀️

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
• Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards.
• Keep well hydrated, particularly during warmer weather. 💧
• Avoid exercising in very hot conditions.
• Don't exhaust yourself – you should still be able to hold a conversation while exercising.
• Avoid activities where there's a risk of falling or being hit.
• After 16 weeks, avoid exercising while lying flat on your back for long periods.

If you weren't active before pregnancy, don't suddenly begin strenuous exercise. Start gently and build up gradually. 👍

Every pregnancy is different, so speak to your midwife or healthcare professional if you're unsure which activities are suitable for you. 💙

NHS pregnancy exercise advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/

02/09/2026

Need advice about a common health condition? Your local pharmacy could be your first stop 💊💙

Highly trained pharmacists can provide expert advice, recommend treatments and, for some common conditions, offer NHS treatment through the Pharmacy First service without you needing to see a GP first 👍

Pharmacy First can help with seven common conditions, including:

• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)

Pharmacists are also available to help with many other everyday health concerns, including coughs, colds, hay fever, aches and pains, digestive problems, medicines advice, healthy living support and more 🌿

If your condition needs further assessment, your pharmacist will make sure you're directed to the right NHS service. They can also identify when symptoms may need urgent medical attention ⚠️

Choosing Pharmacy First can help you get expert advice more quickly while helping to keep GP appointments available for people who need them most 💙

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

01/09/2026

Persistent gut symptoms should never be ignored 💜

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and early diagnosis can make a big difference

Symptoms can include ongoing diarrhoea, stomach pain, blood in poo, weight loss, and extreme tiredness 💬

Many people delay getting help due to embarrassment or uncertainty, but getting checked early is important 🤝

Find out more about symptoms and standards of care here:
https://www.whatsupwithmygut.org.uk
https://ibduk.org/ibd-standards

31/08/2026

What's on at North Staffs Carers in September 2026

31/08/2026

Trying for a baby? Understanding your menstrual cycle and when you ovulate can help you identify the days when you're most likely to become pregnant 👶💙

Ovulation usually happens around 10–16 days before your next period starts. This is when an egg is released from the o***y and is available to be fertilised 🥚

Because s***m can survive in the body for several days, there is a "fertile window" during each cycle when pregnancy is more likely to occur 📅

An ovulation calculator can help estimate when you may be ovulating based on the length of your menstrual cycle, making it a useful tool if you're trying to conceive 👍

Remember that every person is different, and factors such as stress, illness and irregular periods can affect ovulation 💫

If you've been trying to get pregnant and would like further advice, speak to your GP or healthcare professional 💙

Try the ovulation calculator here:
https://patient.info/pregnancy/ovulation-calculator

28/08/2026

With the Bank Holiday approaching, it's important to know how to access NHS services if you need help over the long weekend. 💙

Many GP practices will be closed on Bank Holiday days, but there are still a range of NHS services available if you need medical advice, treatment or urgent care. 🏥

✅ Use NHS 111 online for medical advice and support
✅ Call 111 if you need urgent medical help but it's not an emergency
✅ Visit your local pharmacy for advice on common illnesses and minor injuries
✅ Use NHS online services to manage prescriptions and access health information
✅ Call 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening emergencies only

If you take regular medication, remember to order any repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the Bank Holiday to avoid running out. 💊

Planning ahead can help you enjoy the long weekend and ensure you know where to turn if you need healthcare support. ☀️

Find NHS services near you:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/

Get help from NHS 111:
https://111.nhs.uk/

Learn how pharmacies can help:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/