West Street Surgery - Dunstable

27/08/2026

26/08/2026

🌟 GaitSmart at West Street Surgery – helping patients move better and prevent falls

Since introducing GaitSmart, we’ve seen fantastic engagement from our patients, along with some really encouraging improvements in walking and mobility.

One of the things that makes GaitSmart so effective is its simplicity. It provides objective information about how someone is walking, while presenting the results in a way that is easy for patients to understand. This helps people become more involved in their own mobility and take an active role in improving it.

We’ve been able to support a wide range of patients — including those recovering from injuries, patients waiting for physiotherapy or surgery, people recovering from joint surgery and joint replacements, and many patients who simply want to walk better, feel stronger and improve their confidence. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

It’s this work, and the positive feedback from our patients, that gave us the wonderful opportunity to present our experience at the 3rd World Falls Congress this year, hosted by the British Geriatrics Society.

Our GaitSmart programme is delivered by a PCN Care Coordinator, making it a practical and accessible way to assess mobility, identify changes and support patients who may be at risk of falls.

The British Geriatrics Society has published our poster, “Integrating GaitSmart® into Primary Care: A Novel Approach to Falls Prevention”, which shares more about what we’ve been doing at West Street Surgery and the results we’ve seen.

👉 Patients, families and anyone interested in finding out more can read about our work here:
Read the West Street Surgery GaitSmart presentation on the British Geriatrics Society website https://www.bgs.org.uk/integrating-gaitsmart%C2%AE-into-primary-care-a-novel-approach-to-falls-prevention -form

We’re incredibly proud of what our patients have achieved and delighted to be able to share our experience with others working in falls prevention, mobility and healthy ageing. 💙

Interested in having a GaitSmart Assessment? Just call the surgery and we will book you in.

Integrating GaitSmart® into Primary Care: A Novel Approach to Falls Prevention Abstract ID 4704 Authors' names Emma Debbage Author's provenances West Street Surgery Abstract category Clinical Quality Abstract sub-category CQ - Clinical Effectiveness Conditions Falls View DOI Abstract IntroductionOl...

17/08/2026

Did you know that around one in every ten medicines handed out are not needed or used? Millions of pounds are wasted across Central East each year on unused medicines, including inhalers, pain medication and creams. By only ordering what you need we can make sure NHS resources go where they are most needed.

💊 Managing your medicines safely

A few simple steps can help you stay on top of your medicines and avoid unnecessary waste:

✅ Ask your GP surgery for a medication review if you haven’t had one recently.
✅ Tell your healthcare professional if you’ve stopped taking any medicines or have concerns about your prescriptions.
✅ Check what medicines you already have at home before ordering more.
✅ Only request the medicines you actually need on your repeat prescription.
✅ If you’re admitted to hospital, take your medicines with you in a clearly labelled bag, along with your repeat prescription list if possible.
✅ Keep medicines secure and out of reach of children and pets.
✅ Store medicines at the correct temperature, especially during hot weather.
✅ Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

💙 Taking a few extra moments to check your medicines can help keep you safe and reduce medicine waste.

12/08/2026

🌟 Three apprentices. Three Distinctions. Three inspiring journeys. 🌟

We’re incredibly proud of Sammi, Maisie and Shanice, who have all achieved a Distinction in their Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship! 🎓👏

Their achievements are a wonderful example of what can happen when talent is given the opportunity to grow, supported by great colleagues, tutors and families.

At West Street Surgery, we believe apprenticeships are about more than gaining qualifications — they’re about building confidence, developing skills and creating brighter futures. 💙

A huge congratulations to all three! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next. 🌟

Read their inspiring journeys here: Three Apprentices, Three Distinctions, Three Inspiring Journeys at https://weststreetsurgery.org.uk/news/three-apprentices-three-distinctions-three-inspiring-journeys/

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10/08/2026

🌑 Solar Eclipse Safety – Protect Your Eyes 🌑

With an upcoming solar eclipse, we’d like to remind our patients that looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.

👁️ Please remember:
• Never look directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse.
• Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
• Use purpose-made solar eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the appropriate safety standard.
• Do not use homemade filters, cameras, binoculars or telescopes to look at the Sun unless they are fitted with a suitable solar filter designed for that equipment.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and supervise children when viewing the eclipse.

If you are unsure whether your eclipse-viewing equipment is safe, don’t use it.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/23/how-to-watch-the-solar-eclipse-safely-this-summer/

Enjoy this fascinating event safely and help protect your eyesight. ☀️👓

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK. It's a rare and exciting event that many people will be keen to watch. But looking directly at the Sun without the right protection can cause permanent damage to your

05/08/2026

💙 Hospice at Home Volunteers – Supporting Families Across Dunstable and Surrounding Areas

Did you know that Hospice at Home Volunteers is a local charity providing free practical, social and emotional support to people living with a life-limiting illness and to their families and carers? Their dedicated volunteers help ensure that no one has to face this journey alone.

Their support is tailored to each family's individual needs and may include:
💙 Providing companionship and a friendly face.
💙 Sitting with a loved one so carers can take a well-deserved break.
💙 Accompanying clients to the shops or on outings to a favourite place.
💙 Offering emotional support and signposting to additional sources of help.

All volunteers are fully trained and DBS checked, and while they don't provide nursing or personal care, they offer something just as valuable – time, compassion and reassurance when it matters most.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this wonderful free service, or if you're interested in becoming a volunteer and making a real difference in your community, please get in touch with Hospice at Home Volunteers.

Together, we can help ensure every minute matters. 💙

Their volunteers cover Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and surrounding areas. Visit

Previous Next Hospice at Home follow specific safety guidelines to ensure our face to face visits are safe for everyone Volunteers Our volunteers are friendly caring people who may have experienced the need for help and support themselves and understand the need for discretion and privacy. Click her...

29/07/2026

📢 Good news! More people are now becoming eligible for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of NHS weight management treatment.

If you are eligible, there is no need to contact the practice. We will review patients and contact those who meet the eligibility criteria directly. Please keep an eye out for a text message inviting you (if eligible) to attend an education session with our Specialist Nurse.

During the session, you'll learn about:

✅ What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
✅ Who is eligible for treatment
✅ The benefits and possible side effects
✅ What to expect if you start treatment
✅ The importance of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and ongoing support throughout your journey

These education sessions are an important first step in helping you make an informed decision about treatment.

Thank you for your patience as we work through eligible patients. We look forward to supporting those who are suitable for this treatment.

17/07/2026

GP Practices are not offering the Men B vaccine. You will need to find a local participating pharmacist. More information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-children/

14/07/2026

West Street Surgery are invited to join our chair yoga classes at the Grove View Health Hub.