Ouse Valley Practice

22/06/2026

Critical Incident Declared – East Surrey Hospital

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has declared a Critical Incident due to very high demand at East Surrey Hospital, particularly across emergency care services. This has been exacerbated by the high temperatures we are experiencing.

Please help us help you by ensuring care is available for those most in need by using the right service:

- Use local pharmacies
- Your GP
- Walk-in centres (Crawley UTC, Caterham MIU, East Grinstead MIU and Horsham MIU)
- The NHS App or NHS 111 for urgent advice
- Only call 999 or attend A&E in a life-threatening emergency

Some non-urgent appointments may need to be rescheduled. Please continue to attend unless you are contacted. Urgent and cancer care remain our prioritised.

If you have a loved one ready for discharge, your support in helping them return home safely is appreciated

Thank you for your support. Read more here - https://bit.ly/4w7WztM

19/06/2026

📢 Don't Put It Off – Book Your Cervical Screening Today 💜

Cervical screening (sometimes called a smear test) helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk HPV before any cell changes develop.

If you're feeling nervous or have questions, our team is here to help.

18/06/2026

Thursday 18th June

Due to GP Sickness/ Absence today we have very limited same day / emergency appointments.

Please consider other options before contacting the practice for an appointment.

Please utilise services such as Pharmacy First, NHS 111, Minor Injury Units or the Urgent Treatment Centre.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/hospitals/minor-injuries/

https://111.nhs.uk

Many thanks

12/06/2026

Due to GP Sickness today we have very limited same day / emergency appointments.

Please consider other options before contacting the practice for an appointment.

Please utilise services such as Pharmacy First, NHS 111, Minor Injury Units or the Urgent Treatment Centre.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/hospitals/minor-injuries/

https://111.nhs.uk

Many thanks

11/06/2026

Did you know, you can get extra support in your caring role when you register your carer status at your GP surgery?

This Carers Week, we're calling for the 235,000+ unpaid carers in Surrey and Sussex to take this extra step and make sure they're getting the help they're entitled to.

https://orlo.uk/dSIvY

Action for Carers Surrey
Care for the Carers
Carers Support West Sussex
The Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove

08/06/2026

May 2026 - Another busy month at Ouse Valley Practice.

3% of our appointments this month were not attended by patients. This may not seem a lot, however, based on working days in May this on average equates to 5 appointments per day.

Please can we remind patients to cancel appointments in advance where possible.

Thank you

27/05/2026

Diabetes Prevention Week

Every 2 minutes, someone in the UK finds out they have Type 2 diabetes.
Many people do not realise they are at risk until symptoms appear, but small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Find out your risk in just a few minutes by searching:
🔎 “Know Your Risk” - https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/

26/05/2026

Although many of us welcome it, some people are more at risk of becoming unwell during hot weather.

Look out for others who may struggle to keep cool and follow NHS heatwave advice: https://orlo.uk/ChfI3

18/05/2026

Our access and data overview for April 2026.

In comparrison to last month we delivered 16% more Face to Face appointments, which we know are often a preference to patients - however, this sadly resulted in 60 more appointments on last month that were not attended by patients.

If you are unable to attend your appointment with the practice, please contact us on "01444 405750" and choose option 1 to leave a message to cancel your appointment - if this is done in good time before your appointment we will be able to offer this to another patient.

30/04/2026

Things you can do to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high ....

DO:
-Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
-Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
-Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen of
-Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
-Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

DON'T
-Do not cut grass or walk on grass
-Do not spend too much time outside
-Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
-Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
-Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen

🌻 The pollen forecast is high for the next few days

🤧 If you're struggling with hay fever symptoms, pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter remedies