Topsham Surgery & Glasshouse Medical Centre

19/08/2026

Edited due to the poster being difficult to read, details within the post.

Volunteers needed for a knee MRI study run by the University of Exeter! 🦵✨

See their flyer for further details and contact information.

What is the study about?

This study aims to investigate the potential clinical application of MRI scanning techniques in measuring changes in the cartilage of the knee caused by Osteoarthritis (OA).

Who can participate?

Symtomatic participants aged 40 to 60 years with history of osteoarthritis, and have no restrictions to performing knee MRI (such as metal implants).

Why participate?

Participating in this study will not deliver direct benefit to you, however the information we collect from this study will help improve our understanding and optimizing of MRI techniques and their contribution to the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

Compensation

Participants will be compensated £50 for their time and effort.

Number of visits

Participating in this study will involve one visit lasting one hour. We will find dates and times that suit you.
Location: Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre, Exeter (MGNC)

The procedure

Both knees will be scanned using a range of advanced MRI sequences.

The MRI data will then be analysed to determine the potential clinical application of MRI scanning technology in measuring knee cartilage changes caused by OA.

More information contact the research team at
1. [email protected] (Phone number: 07393812449) (Aliah alqahtani, PhD student)

2. [email protected] (Dr Jon Fulford)

IRAS ID 357322 v 3.0, 28th November 2025

17/08/2026

Stings and Bites

Insect bites and stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But they can be very painful or itchy, and sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction. If you think a bite or sting has become infected, see a pharmacist.

Sometimes there may be something left in your skin, you can usually remove it yourself. Find out how to do this, and what to do if you get bitten or stung at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/.

Some people may experience an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and need urgent medical treatment. Symptoms include:

*Swelling of the throat and tongue
*Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or breathing very fast
*Feeling tired or confused, faint or dizzy
*Cold skin, or blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if the person has brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet

If you, or someone you are with has some of these symptoms after a bite or sting, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you have an adrenaline auto-injector pen, follow the simple instructions on the side to use it.

To find out more, visit: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/about-anaphylaxis/what-to-do-in-an-emergency/.

Find out about some of the most common insect bites and stings, how to treat them and when to get help.

12/08/2026

Staying Safe in the Sun

This year we are experiencing a very hot summer in the UK. Heat and UV rays can have a significant impact on all our health, causing short-term illness and discomfort, long-term health problems and diseases, and, where care is not taken, or in at-risk groups, death.

Excessive heat can cause heatstroke. Get immediate medical help if someone has the symptoms of heatstroke. You can see the symptoms and what you can do to help and avoid heatstroke at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/.

To stay safe in the sun, follow these handy tips:

*Use plenty of 4-star, 30+SPF sunscreen, even if you have dark skin
*Remember to reapply sunscreen when you have been swimming
*Stay in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm
*Wear UV-protective sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, and loose, long-sleeved clothes to protect your skin and eyes and stay cool
*Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

Learn more about sunscreen and staying safe, and take a fun quiz to find out how much you know at https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48609398

Find out about heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can happen if you get too hot during hot weather.

11/08/2026

10/08/2026

Ordering Prescriptions for Your Holiday

When you go on holiday, as long as you are not going to be away for more than three months, you can order extra medication in advance. Make sure you order your repeat prescriptions early, so that you have your medication in plenty of time. You may be asked to provide dates or evidence of your travel before your medication is issued.

When you travel:
*Keep your medication in your hand luggage in case you need it, or in case your suitcase is lost or delayed
*If you are travelling abroad, check before you leave whether your destination country has any restrictions on the medication you are taking
*Bring your prescription details with you and have them ready in case you are asked to show them

Find out more at

Heading away this summer? Order repeat prescriptions before your holiday at least seven days before travelling and stay safe in the hot weather.

07/08/2026

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, 1st–7th August

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) aims to empower parents by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Breastfeeding saves the lives of both babies and mothers, and also supports nutrition, development and lifelong health. Breastmilk is a low-cost, locally available nutrition, so it also encourages equality.

This awareness week, everyone is invited to understand and share what is working in countries that are reporting good breastfeeding progress, to help promote a more equal and sustainable start in life for babies worldwide, and a reduction in poverty and better food security for them and their families.

Find out more, and learn about the hashtags you can use to increase awareness on social media at:

will focus on tracking progress and evaluating breastfeeding impact on nutrition, food security and poverty reduction with highlights of successful implementation and lessons learnt. In 2026, the WBW-SDG campaign will enter its third cycle and will focus on tracking progress in Thematic Are...

07/08/2026

TODAY:
Services, including appointments and phone lines will be running from Glasshouse Medical Centre from 3pm whilst work is undertaken at Topsham.

06/08/2026

Services, including appointments and phone lines will be running from Glasshouse Medical Centre from 3pm whilst work is undertaken at Topsham.

29/07/2026

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) Awareness Month, 1st–31st July

Group B Streptococcus is a bacteria which is usually carried harmlessly by adults, with no symptoms. But during childbirth, it can be passed to babies – and in rare cases, cause serious health conditions or even death.

However, most group B Strep infections are preventable, so this Awareness Month aims to save lives by educating about how GBS is carried, how it can be transmitted during childbirth, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk.

Information about GBS can be found at https://gbss.org.uk, and you can see more information, fundraising toolkits, and a fun quiz on the Group B Strep International website: https://www.groupbstrepinternational.org/gbs-awareness.html

July is International Group B Strep Disease Awareness Month