Mercheford House

Mercheford House Patient-focused GP Practice providing exceptional healthcare and diverse services.

Carers Week will take place from 8–14 June 2026, and this year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities💙Across the...
10/06/2026

Carers Week will take place from 8–14 June 2026, and this year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities💙

Across the UK, thousands of individuals and organisations will come together to help ensure unpaid carers are better understood, recognised and supported in everyday life 🙌

From schools and universities to workplaces, health and social care services, businesses and community groups, we all have a role to play in making our communities more carer friendly 🌍

Even small changes can make a big difference to carers’ daily lives and future opportunities 💫

Let’s work together to create real, lasting change and support those who care for others every day 💙

Find out how you can get involved:
Carers Week 2026: www.carersweek.org

08/06/2026

Looking to make healthier choices but not sure where to start? The NHS has you covered 💙

The NHS Healthy Living website is packed with trusted advice, tools and support to help you take control of your health and wellbeing. From eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight, to getting active, improving sleep and boosting your mental wellbeing, everything is in one place 👍

It’s all about making small, simple changes that can make a big difference over time. Whether you want to move more, eat better, drink less alcohol or quit smoking, there’s guidance and support to help you every step of the way 💪

You’ll also find helpful tools like fitness apps, weight loss plans and mental wellbeing support to keep you motivated and on track 📱

Start your journey to better health today 🌱

Explore here:
NHS Healthy Living: https://healthyliving.nhs.uk

05/06/2026

Worried about how much screen time is too much for your child? You’re not alone 💙

New UK guidance helps parents and carers build healthy screen habits for children under 5 in a simple, realistic way 👍

For younger children:
• Under 2s – avoid screen time where possible, except for shared activities like video calls or looking at photos together
• Ages 2–5 – aim for no more than 1 hour a day, and less if possible ⏱️

It’s not just about time, but how screens are used. Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content and watching together can support learning and development 📺

Too much screen time can take away from the things that matter most at this age, like sleep, play, and time spent talking with parents and carers 🧸

Try setting simple boundaries like no screens at mealtimes or before bed, and swap screen time for activities like reading, playing, or chatting together 📚

Find out more:
Screen time guidance for under 5s: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/

03/06/2026

Think that insect bite might be infected? Your pharmacy should be your first stop 🦟

With the NHS Pharmacy First service, you can get expert advice and treatment for infected insect bites without waiting for a GP appointment 💊

Pharmacists can assess your bite and recommend the best treatment to help it heal quickly and safely 👍

Watch out for signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, pain, or if the bite is getting worse after a couple of days 🚨

This service is available for adults and children aged 1 and over, making it quick and easy to access care when you need it 👨‍⚕️

Search: Pharmacy First infected insect bites 🔍

Enjoying the sunshine? Make sure you’re protecting your skin properly ☀️Sunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t be your...
01/06/2026

Enjoying the sunshine? Make sure you’re protecting your skin properly ☀️

Sunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defence. Wearing suitable clothing, spending time in the shade, and avoiding the sun when it’s strongest (11am–3pm) can all help reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage 🌤️

When choosing sunscreen, look for:
• SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVB rays
• At least 4-star UVA protection or a UVA symbol in a circle
• Broad-spectrum protection covering both UVA and UVB ☀️

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen generously about 20–30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating 💧

Even water-resistant sunscreen needs reapplying, as water and towels can remove it more easily than you think 🌊

Find out more:
NHS sun safety advice: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
Choosing the right sunscreen: https://patient.info/features/skin-conditions/how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and support is available to help you every step o...
31/05/2026

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and support is available to help you every step of the way. The NHS Quit Smoking app provides a free, structured 28-day programme with practical tools, encouragement and personalised advice to help you stop for good. 💙🚭📱✨

Using the app can help you:
• Track your progress and stay motivated 📊💪
• Manage cravings and triggers with practical tips 🧠✨
• See how much money you’re saving 💷💙
• Get daily support and encouragement when you need it most 🌿📱

With the right support, quitting becomes much more achievable, and even small steps can lead to lasting change. 🚭💙✨

Get free NHS quit smoking support: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Download the NHS Quit Smoking app: https://nhsquitsmoking.app.link/better_health_quit_smoking

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk ...
27/05/2026

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s never too late to start, and even small amounts of movement can make a difference. 💙🚶‍♂️✨

For older adults, the NHS recommends:
• Being active every day, even with light activities 🌿💙
• Aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking 🚶‍♀️✨
• Doing strength exercises at least twice a week to keep muscles strong 💪🩺
• Including balance and flexibility activities to reduce the risk of falls ⚖️🌱

Activities like walking, gardening, swimming or gentle exercise classes can all help improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reduce loneliness and support independence.

Find out more about staying active as you get older: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes...
25/05/2026

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes. The most common symptom is blood in your p*e, even if it only happens once or is not painful, and it should always be checked by a GP.

Other symptoms to look out for include:
• Pain, burning or stinging when passing urine 💧⚠️
• Needing to p*e more often or urgently 🚽⏱️
• Repeated urinary infections 🔁🩺
• Pain in the lower tummy or back 🤕✨
• Feeling very tired or losing weight without trying 💙📉

These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but it’s important not to ignore them. Getting checked early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Learn more about bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/
Read detailed information from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer

Looking to connect with others who understand life with Crohn’s or Colitis? 💜Join one of our upcoming virtual social eve...
23/05/2026

Looking to connect with others who understand life with Crohn’s or Colitis? 💜

Join one of our upcoming virtual social events – a friendly and supportive space to meet others, share experiences, and connect from the comfort of home 💬

📅 Young Adults – Tues 26th May at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/young-adults-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987064938722?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 North of England – Mon 1st June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-of-england-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987058184520?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 Friends & Family – Wed 10th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friends-and-family-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987603565770?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 South West – Mon 15th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987617982892?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 It Takes Guts – Sun 21st June at 10.30am
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/it-takes-guts-virtual-social-event-tickets-1988079623672?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, advice, or simply a chance to chat with people who get it, we’d love to see you there 💜💬

22/05/2026

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Even small changes can make a big difference, helping to reduce your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 💙⚖️✨

Losing just a small amount of weight, around 5–10% of your body weight, can have significant health benefits, including improving blood pressure, cholesterol and energy levels.

Simple ways to work towards a healthier weight include:
• Eating a balanced diet and making healthier food choices 🥗🌿
• Being more active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Setting realistic, achievable goals 📊✨
• Making small, sustainable changes over time 💙🌱

The NHS Better Health programme offers free tools, apps and a 12-week plan to help you build healthier habits and stay on track.

Start your journey to a healthier weight: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Address

Mercheford House, 28 Elwyn Road
March
PE159BY

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+441354656841

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