Friern Barnet Medical Centre

30/04/2026

Sun safety guidelines ☀️

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer. In the UK up to 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.

No matter where you are, whether at home or on holiday, it’s important to protect your skin when the sun is strong. The sun is often strong enough to cause damage in the UK between mid-March and mid-October, even when it’s cold or cloudy.

Use the UV index to find out how strong the sun's UV rays will be - if it is 3 or above it best to use the safety tips.

By using these three steps together, you can protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely:

✅ Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK.
✅ Cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses.
✅ Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Use it generously, reapply regularly and use together with shade and clothing.

Stay safe during warmer months ☀️

29/04/2026

Hospital patients can now check appointments in the NHS App

It's now possible for patients at all NHS hospital trusts in England to check referrals and appointments through the NHS App 📲

Patients can also use the app to reschedule or cancel appointments, helping cut the number of missed appointments.

Please follow the link to see more information https://www.england.nhs.uk/.../hospital-patients-can-now.../

28/04/2026

We are pleased to share details about a fantastic, fully-funded

NHS Low Vision Service* available to our patients in Barnet, delivered by the RNIB! 👁️✨

If you or a loved one are experiencing sight loss that affects daily activities, this service offers specialist advice and equipment to help maintain independence and quality of life.

What does the service offer?
Specialist Assessments:* Includes free long-term loans of optical magnifiers and spectacles 👓

Tech Support: Help with adapting everyday technology like phones and tablets 📱

Tailored Eye Care: Enhanced, routine NHS eye tests specifically tailored for adults with learning disabilities or autism 🧩

Extra Support:
Peer support courses, emotional support, and advice from an on-site Eye Care Liaison Officer 🤝

Who can use this service?
Adults (Aged 18 or over) living in Barnet (and the wider NCL area).
Anyone living with visual impairment (you do not need to be officially registered as sight impaired).

Please note: You must have had a routine eye test within the last 12 months to access the low vision side of the service.

How to self-refer:
You do not need to wait for a GP appointment to use this service—you can refer yourself directly!

Priority cases are usually seen within just one week.
Phone - 020 7391 2241 📞
Email - [email protected] 📧
Location: Grimaldi Building, 154a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JE

Accessibility:
The building is fully accessible, step-free, and neurodiverse-friendly. Home visits can also be arranged for those eligible for domiciliary care.

27/04/2026

☀️ Early Spring Bank Holiday reminder ☀️

Make sure you’re prepared this Spring bank holiday – order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, and check the opening hours of your local services.

Pharmacies and GP practices will be closed over the bank holidays, so ordering early will help ensure you have the medication you need.

If you need urgent help, access NHS 111 by using the NHS App, going online or calling.

ℹ️ https://111.nhs.uk

27/04/2026

22/04/2026

📢 NOTICE: BRIEF CLOSURE TOMORROW

Dear Patients,

🛠️ On Thursday, April 23rd, our practice will be closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for essential maintenance.

📵 During this hour, both the practice and our phone lines will be unavailable.

We’ll be back open and ready to help at 2:00 PM.

20/04/2026

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition like social anxiety, OCD or PTSD, treatment is available.

NHS Talking Therapies are effective, confidential, and free treatments delivered by trained professionals, and can take place in-person, on the phone, or as an online course.

You can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk

20/04/2026

Hello from Friern Barnet Medical Centre! 👋

​We are always looking for ways to improve your care, and we’re excited to share that we are now using a secure tool called *Heidi AI* during consultations! 🩺✨

*​What is Heidi AI?*
Heidi is a helpful medical assistant that assists our doctors with note-taking. Instead of looking at a computer screen and typing while you speak, your clinician can now focus entirely on you. This means more eye contact, undivided attention, and a much more personal conversation during your visit. 🗣️🤝

*​Your Privacy & Data Security* 🔒
We take your confidentiality very seriously. Here is how Heidi protects your information:

​🎙️ No recordings are saved: Heidi transcribes our conversation live to help write the medical notes, but no audio recordings are ever stored.

​🛡️ Highly Secure: The system is fully NHS and GDPR compliant, with strict access controls so only your clinician sees the notes.

​🇬🇧 UK Hosted: All data is safely stored right here in the UK to ensure maximum security.

*​You Are in Control* 🛑
Your consent is completely up to you! If you would prefer that we do not use Heidi during your appointment, simply let your doctor know when you walk in. You have the absolute right to refuse its use, and it won't affect your care in any way.

14/04/2026

April is IBS Awareness Month.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

It can be very frustrating to live with and have a big impact on your everyday life.

Find out more, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/