Ouse Valley Practice

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

27/04/2026

Like other local surgeries, we will be closed from 12:30pm on Tuesday 28th April to allow our staff to attend mandatory training.

If you need urgent medical advice while we are closed, please call 01293 698088. For non-urgent medical advice, you can visit 111.nhs.uk

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999 or go straight to the nearest emergency department.

Normal opening hours will resume on Wednesday 29th April 2026.

21/04/2026

⚠️ IT issues in GP practices in Surrey and Sussex

Some GP practices across Sussex, Surrey and Kent are being affected by IT issues preventing them from accessing some clinical systems. We are aware this is causing disruption for GP practices and technical teams are working urgently to resolve issues.

GP practices are still open as normal, but some are experiencing issues with connecting to the internet. Please continue to contact your practice and attend your appointments as you normally would, unless your GP surgery contacts you directly.

Thank you for your understanding and kindness towards practice staff, who are doing their best to support patients during this time.

17/04/2026

Sadly, we continue to experience intermittent IT and Phone line issues at the practice. This is a wider NHS Sussex Issue and we are working with local IT teams to resolve this.

Thank you for your patience this week as we are aware this has been ongoing for the last 48 hours.

15/04/2026

This is a snapshot of what has been going on in our practice over the month of March.

Thank you to our patients who have reduced the number of missed appointments this month.

We have recieved 344 more online requests in March compared to January, as well as an additional 1,296 calls to the practice compared to February.

Thank you to the practice team for the support they offer our patients.

10/04/2026

**Covid 19 Vaccinations - Spring Booster 2026 Update **

We are very pleased to share that; we will be offering COVID-19 Spring Booster vaccinations to patients registered with Ouse Valley Practice.

We are currently finalising clinic arrangements and will contact eligible patients directly once these are confirmed, with a direct booking link to appointments at the surgery.

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine this spring if you:

• Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 30 June 2026)
• Are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment (please note we are only administering vaccines for over 18's at Ouse Valley Practice)
• Live in a care home for older adults

Health conditions and treatments that mean you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. You may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine if you have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.

This can include if you:

•Have or had blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
•Have had an organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant
•Have HIV
•Have a genetic disorder that affects your immune system, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
•Are having or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy
•Are taking steroid medicine (depending on the dose)
•Are having long-term immunosuppressive treatment for a condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), scleroderma or psoriasis

**This list is a summary and does not include everything. Speak to the Practice or Hospital specialist if you're not sure if you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine**

30/03/2026

Dear Patients - please see notification below

In response to the continued high levels of Norovirus across our hospital, sustained demand in our Emergency Department, and the challenges we are facing moving patients around the site in line with necessary infection control measures, the Trust has declared a Critical Incident.

Please only use our Emergency Department (ED) for serious or life-threatening emergencies. For all other urgent health needs, consider these alternatives:
- Your GP
- NHS 111 - online or by phone, available 24/7
- Your local pharmacy – expert advice for several ailments through Pharmacy First https://bit.ly/4duHKcu
- Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital
- Minor Injuries Units at Caterham Dene, Horsham Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital
Choosing the right service helps us keep ED free for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us help you.

Find out more - https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/latest-news/trust-declares-critical-incident-due-norovirus-outbreak