Helston Medical Centre & Porthleven Surgery

14/08/2026

Wondering when your baby might arrive? 👶💙

The NHS Due Date Calculator can give you an estimated due date based on the first day of your last menstrual period 📅

While only a small number of babies arrive exactly on their due date, knowing your estimated due date can help you plan for appointments, prepare for your baby's arrival and understand your pregnancy timeline better 👍

Your due date may be adjusted later based on your dating scan, which usually takes place between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy 🩺

Remember, every pregnancy is different and babies can arrive before or after their estimated due date 💫

If you think you may be pregnant or have questions about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP or maternity team for support 💙

Try the NHS Due Date Calculator here:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/

12/08/2026

As temperatures rise, it's important to know the signs of hyperthermia and heat-related illness ☀️💙

Hyperthermia happens when your body becomes too hot and struggles to cool itself down. If left untreated, it can become serious and may require medical attention ⚠️

Signs to watch for include:
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed 😵
• Muscle cramps 💪
• Swollen feet or ankles 👣
• Feeling sick, weak or unusually tired 🤒
• A rapid pulse or fast heartbeat ❤️

You can help reduce your risk by:
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day 💧
• Staying in the shade where possible 🌳
• Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day ☀️
• Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing 👕
• Checking on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people 👥

Babies, young children, older adults and people with long-term health conditions can be particularly vulnerable during hot weather 🌡️

If symptoms become severe, worsen, or do not improve, seek medical advice promptly 🩺💙

12/08/2026

Digital Help Sessions – Free support to help you get online and manage your health digitally

🗓️ Reminder:
These sessions take place every last Wednesday of the month.

📍 Helston Library, Trengrouse Way, TR13 8AG
🕐 Drop in any time between 13:00–16:00

Get help with:
• Setting up and using the NHS App
• Ordering prescriptions online
• Viewing your GP health record
• Using library computers if you don’t have a device at home

💡 No need to book – just drop in!

Please share with friends, neighbours, or loved ones who aren’t on Facebook – everyone is welcome! 💙

10/08/2026

Have you shared your feedback with the Friends and Family Test? 💙

The NHS Friends and Family Test is a quick and anonymous way to tell us about your experience 👍

Your feedback helps us understand what we're doing well and where we can improve 💬

Every response helps us improve services and provide the best possible care for our patients 🏥

If you've recently used our service, we'd love to hear from you 💙

Search: NHS Friends and Family Test 🔍

10/08/2026

📞 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀

Due to staff shortages within our reception team, there may be a longer wait than usual when calling the practice.

Our team are working hard to answer calls and help patients as quickly as possible, and we really appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Thank you for bearing with us. 💙

10/08/2026

📢 Please note that throughout the month of August, our dispensary will be closed daily between 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and kindly ask that you plan your visit around these times.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

08/08/2026

🌊 WE’RE HIRING! Join Our Award-Winning Pharmacy Team 🌊

Isles of Scilly & South Kerrier Primary Care Network is looking for dedicated individuals to join our amazing, supportive team! We are currently recruiting for:

💊 Pharmacist

💊 Pharmacy Technician

If you want to make a real difference in our beautiful island and coastal community while enjoying a fantastic work-life balance, we would love to hear from you!

✨ Why join us?

Flexible hours available (Full-time or Part-time considered)

Competitive salary aligned with ARRS funding (dependent on experience)

Excellent career development with ongoing training and support

Work in a collaborative, award-winning primary care team in a great location

📩 How to apply:

Send your CV and supporting letter to [email protected] today!

🌐 Find out more about current vacancies here:

https://www.helstonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/practice-information/current-job-vacancies/

07/08/2026

Ever wondered how many calories your body uses just to keep you alive? 💙

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs each day to carry out basic functions such as breathing, circulating blood, regulating temperature and supporting your organs 🫀🫁

Knowing your BMR can help you better understand your energy needs and can be useful if you're looking to manage your weight, improve your fitness or make healthier lifestyle choices 👍

Your BMR is influenced by factors such as:
• age
• s*x
• height and weight
• muscle mass
• overall health 🏃

While BMR is only one part of the picture, understanding it can help you make more informed decisions about your nutrition and activity levels 💪🥗

Use the Patient Info BMR Calculator to find out more about your body's energy needs 💫

Find out your BMR here:
https://patient.info/healthy-living/basal-metabolic-rate-calculator

06/08/2026

🚭 A friendly reminder that we are a smoke-free practice, including outside areas.
Thank you for helping us keep our environment clean, safe and comfortable for patients, visitors and staff 💙
💡 Thinking about cutting down or quitting? Support is available:

If you're thinking of quitting smoking, the support of one of our advisors means you're three times more likely to quit and stay smokefree. Our free support is available across Cornwall.

05/08/2026

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿?

Barnardo's Exceed is running a series of free online DICE Parenting Programme drop-in sessions every Thursday from 10am–12pm throughout August.

Each session focuses on a different topic, including:
📅 6 August – Understanding the teenage brain and risk-taking.
📅 13 August – Child exploitation and how to spot the signs.
📅 20 August – Digital dangers, social media and online safety.
📅 27 August – Practical parenting advice, communication and support.

Join the sessions that interest you most or attend them all.

To find out more or register your interest, visit:
👉 https://www.barnardos*xceed.org.uk/