The Market Cross Surgery

09/09/2026

💜 PMOS Awareness Month

This month, we’re raising awareness of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS.

PMOS is a common hormone condition that can affect periods, fertility, hair growth, skin, weight and mood. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

🌸 Irregular or absent periods
🌸 Excess hair growth or hair loss
🌸 Acne or oily skin
🌸 Difficulty getting pregnant
🌸 Weight changes or tiredness

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about PMOS, submit an Anima. 💜

Find out more on the NHS website:

Find out about polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously called polycystic o***y syndrome, including what the symptoms are, how it’s diagnosed and what the treatments are.

08/09/2026

Help us keep ultrasound appointments running on time 💙
We’re seeing an increasing number of patients arriving late for obstetric ultrasound appointments. We’re working to better understand the reasons for this, but there are some simple things you can do to help us keep appointments running smoothly for everyone.

⏰ Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
🚗 Plan ahead for your journey and parking. Our car parks can be particularly busy at peak times, so please allow extra time. If you’re concerned about finding a space, you may wish to arrange for someone to drop you off. Your partner can still join you in the scan room once your scan has begun.
📍 Allow time to find the department. If you haven’t visited us before, Antenatal Ultrasound is on the first floor at the rear of West Suffolk Hospital.

If you know you’re going to be late, please contact the Ultrasound Department by calling 01284 713259 as soon as possible to let us know.
Thank you for helping us reduce delays, keep appointments running smoothly and provide timely care for more families. 💙

08/09/2026

❤️ Know Your Numbers! Week ❤️

Do you know your blood pressure numbers?

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, but if left untreated it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health problems.

🩺 Knowing your blood pressure is an important step towards protecting your health.

This Know Your Numbers! Week, why not get your blood pressure checked?

📅 If you’re invited for a blood pressure check or health review at the surgery, please make sure you attend.

You can also check your blood pressure at home or use a validated machine at a local pharmacy.

💙 Know your numbers. Take control of your health.

🔗 NHS – High blood pressure:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

🔗 Blood Pressure UK:
https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/

Our vision is for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height or weight and take steps to keep them healthy, both now and in the future.

07/09/2026

Our August 2026 Data

From 141 to 88 appointments not attended is a great acheivement... lets see if we can keep it up for September!

56 of the 88 appointments not attended were Nurse appointments, if you are not able to attend or the issue has resolved, please remember to cancel your appointment so we can offer it to someone else :)

07/09/2026

Urological Cancer Awareness Month

This month, we’re raising awareness of urological cancers, including cancers of the bladder, kidneys, prostate and testicles.

⚠️ Know the signs and speak to us if you notice something that isn’t normal for you:

🩸 Blood in your urine or semen
🚽 Changes in urination, such as difficulty passing urine or needing to go more often
🤕 Persistent pain in your back, side or lower abdomen
🧔 Changes or a lump in a testicle
⚠️ Unexplained weight loss or ongoing tiredness

These symptoms can have many causes and don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s important to get them checked.

📅 Don’t delay — submit an Anima to the Surgery if you’re concerned. Early diagnosis can make a real difference.

🔗 NHS – Cancer:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/

🔗 Macmillan Cancer Support:
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support are here to help. Get information and support about cancer.

07/09/2026

📢 Practice Closure Notice for Staff Training 📢

From 12.30pm – 18:30pm on Thursday 10th September, this practice will be closed for important clinical education and training purposes:

Emergency cover will be provided, please telephone 111 to access these services:

Telephone triage
Face-to-face appointments

Repeat prescription requests will not be able to be collected during these times so please ensure you collect in the morning or the next working day.

04/09/2026

🎗️ Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

This month, we’re raising awareness of gynaecological cancers and the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms.

Gynaecological cancers include cancers of the womb, ovaries, cervix, v***a and va**na.

⚠️ Please speak to us if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you, such as:

🩸 Unusual va**nal bleeding or bleeding after the menopause
💧 Unusual va**nal discharge
🤕 Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
🎈 Bloating that doesn’t go away
🚽 Changes in bladder or bowel habits
💗 Pain during s*x
🌸 Changes to the v***a or va**na

Early diagnosis can make a real difference. Don’t feel embarrassed — we’re here to listen and help.

📅 Remember to attend your cervical screening appointments when invited. If you think you may be overdue a screening, or missed your last reminder, its not too late to book! Please call us on 01638 713109 so we can advise.

🔗 NHS – Gynaecological cancers:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/

🔗 Macmillan – Gynaecological cancers:
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/gynaecological-cancers

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we’ll listen.

03/09/2026

📣 It's not too late to sign up for our Menopause Clinic this Monday!

Please let us know if you are interested here: [email protected]

For anyone interested, we have a date for our next Menopause Clinic!

Please register your interest at [email protected]

02/09/2026

🩸 Vascular Disease Awareness

This month, we’re raising awareness of vascular disease and the importance of looking after your circulation.

🚶‍♀️ Leg pain when walking that improves with rest?
🦶 Cold, numb or discoloured feet?
🩹 Wounds that are slow to heal?

These can be signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Don’t ignore the symptoms — submit an Anima if you’re concerned.

❤️ You can help protect your vascular health by staying active, not smoking, eating well and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

🔗 Find out more on the NHS website:

Read about peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common condition in which a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles.

31/08/2026

💜 31 August – International Overdose Awareness Day 💜
Today we recognise International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, support those affected, and help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use.
Overdose can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. By raising awareness, encouraging open conversations and helping people access support, we can save lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol use, help is available. Speaking to your GP is a positive first step, and there are confidential local and national support services that can help.
Useful sources of information and support include:
💙 NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
💜 We Are With You – https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
💚 FRANK – https://www.talktofrank.com/
If someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, or you think they may have overdosed, call 999 immediately.

Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK