Sheepcot Medical Centre

03/09/2026

** URGENT NOTICE** The problem has now been solved - Our Patient Appointment Triage Forms are now switched back on

17/08/2026

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/.

17/08/2026

Water Safety

An average of 328 people in the UK and Ireland lose their lives to accidental drowning every year, and many more have accidents in and around water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has produced the Water Safety Code to help keep you safe this summer, follow the four simple steps:

Stop and Think
Wear bright colours, check for danger and follow safety signs.

Stay together
Never swim alone, keep young children in arm’s reach, tell someone where you’re going.

In an emergency, call 999
Call 999, don't enter the water yourself, instead: Phone. Float. Throw

Phone 999

Throw something to them that floats

Encourage them to Float to Live

Float to Live
Tilt your head back – Keep your airway clear and your ears under the water
Relax and breathe – Fight the urge to panic, try to get your breathing under control
Spread your limbs – Extend your arms and legs to stabilise yourself in the water
Scull if needed: Gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
Wait for help – It is normal if your legs sink (everyone floats differently)
Once your breathing is steady, signal for help or swim to safety

There are lots of resources, posters, information and ways to get involved in spreading water safety awareness at https://www.rlss.org.uk/staying-safe-in-on-and-around-the-water.

17/08/2026

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 https://www.essex.icb.nhs.uk/news/order-repeat-prescriptions-before-holiday/.

17/08/2026

Summer Stress for Parents

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for parents. Trying to find childcare or activities can be time consuming and expensive, and some parents feel guilty at not being able to give their children ‘the best summer ever’. So what can you do to make your summer less stressful?

Avoid expensive theme parks and attractions. Why not consider:
Small, local animal sanctuaries and attractions that may have much cheaper entry
Free play parks, water play areas, woodland, beaches and riversides
Local cafes, which sometimes have a free play area
Paddling pools, sand pits and garden sports
Cooking or gardening together
Arts and crafts
Play dates, picnics, meet-ups in parks with family and friends
When you need to work, look for cheap local activities being run by schools, churches and youth groups. A lot of camps can be paid for with your Tax-Free Childcare account, so you can get up to 20% off the cost.

If you are struggling with stress, or any other mental health difficulties, the charity Mind has lots of resources specifically aimed at parents. To get ideas, reassurance, help and support, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campai...es/supporting-parents-during-school-holidays/.

17/08/2026

Keeping Active Over the Summer

Exercising can be difficult or even dangerous when the weather is very hot, and can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or the medical emergency heatstroke. But we know it is important to stay active, so how can you and your children exercise safely this summer?

Choose your time – Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
Be careful in water – Open water can still be very cold, and can cause our bodies to go into cold water shock. Enter the water slowly, don’t swim alone, and if you go into shock, lie back in the water with your ears submerged and float to save yourself.
Choose an indoor activity – Many sports centres have air conditioning to keep you cool.
Make a shady space – Create shade with sheets, parasols and sails to keep children out of direct sun while they play outside.
Cool down afterwards – following exercise with wet towels, cool drinks, and sitting in the shade, maybe with a fan, is a good way to make sure you don’t stay too hot for too long.
Find out more about exercising safely at https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20260618-how-keep-exercising-when-its-really-hot and see some family activity ideas at https://purephysiotherapy.co.uk/staying-active-during-the-summer-holidays-with-kids/.

Scientists say it is important to find ways to exercise when temperatures soar to protect your long-term health. Here's how you can keep going when things hot up.

17/08/2026

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.

17/08/2026