Friary House Surgery

09/09/2026

💙 Know Your Numbers! 💙

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it's sometimes known as the "silent killer." The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked regularly.

There are simple lifestyle changes that can help keep your blood pressure healthy:

✅ Cut down on salt
✅ Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
✅ Exercise regularly
✅ Drink alcohol in moderation

Small changes can make a big difference to your heart health and overall wellbeing.

If you haven't had your blood pressure checked recently, why not make it a priority? Early detection and management can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions.

📍 Speak to your GP practice, local pharmacy, or healthcare professional about getting your blood pressure checked.

💙🩺❤️

25/08/2026

01/08/2026

💜 World Breastfeeding Week 2026 💜
Every breastfeeding journey is different, and every family’s experience is unique.
Whether you're preparing to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, combination feeding, or looking for support and advice, help is available. No question is too small, and you don't have to navigate your feeding journey alone.
This World Breastfeeding Week, we're sharing resources from Start for Life to help parents and carers access trusted information on topics such as:
👶 Breastfeeding support
🥛 What you eat and drink while breastfeeding
🤱 Feeding concerns and common questions
💜 Where to get help when you need it
For more information and support, visit BestStartInLife.gov.uk or scan the QR code on the poster below.
💜👶🤱

11/06/2026

💙 Men’s Health Week | 15–21 June 💙
Next week is all about raising awareness of both mental and physical health and encouraging open conversations.
We want to remind our community that it’s okay to talk and that support is available. Whether you’re looking after your physical wellbeing or struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone.
📞 You can reach out to:

Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7 support)
Text “BEAMATE” to 85258 for free confidential support

Let’s support each other, check in on friends and family, and help break the stigma around men’s health. 💬

03/06/2026

💛 Loneliness Awareness Month 💛
This month, we're joining the conversation about loneliness and reminding everyone that feeling lonely is something many people experience at different times in their lives.
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. It can have a significant impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing, but it's important to remember that you are not alone.
Small connections can make a big difference. Whether it's a phone call to a friend, a chat with a neighbour, joining a local group, or simply reaching out for support, every connection counts.
If you're feeling lonely, please know that support is available. Talking to someone you trust or reaching out to local community services can be an important first step.
Let's use this month to check in on one another, start conversations, and help build a more connected community. 💙

26/05/2026

📢 Important Update for Friary House Patients
From 1st June 2026, Friary House Surgery will no longer be able to carry out blood tests requested by hospitals, specialists, or other external healthcare services.
We will continue to provide:
• Blood tests requested by our own clinicians
• Blood tests for patients under a Shared Care Agreement
If your blood test has been requested by a hospital consultant, specialist nurse, or another external clinician, the requesting service will now need to arrange this for you. Patients should attend:
• Outpatient Phlebotomy Service – Derriford Hospital
• Windsor House, Tavistock Road, Derriford, Plymouth
This includes blood tests linked to:
• Surgical procedures
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Medication monitoring or medication changes
💙 Why is this changing?
This decision has been made to improve patient safety and ensure your results are reviewed by the correct clinical team. When external tests are taken at the surgery, results automatically come back to our GPs — even when they weren’t the ones who requested them. This can cause delays, confusion, and risks to patient care.
By directing these tests back to the requesting service, we can make sure:
• Results go straight to the right specialist
• Follow‑up is handled by the correct team
• Your care remains safe, coordinated, and consistent
We understand this may be inconvenient for some patients, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we make this important change.
From 1st June 2026, any patient advised to have a blood test by a specialist will be signposted back to the requesting service.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.

19/05/2026

👣 A little reminder… May is still Take to Your Feet Month! 👣
We’re halfway through the month, so it’s a great time to add a few extra steps into your day. A short walk, a gentle stretch outside, or even a lap around the garden can make a real difference to your health and wellbeing.
Every step counts, and it’s never too late to start.
🌼 Keep moving, keep smiling, and look after yourself this May.

06/05/2026

👣🌼 TAKE TO YOUR FEET THIS MAY! 🌼👣
(Yes… we’re talking to you. And your slippers.)
May has arrived, and with it comes our annual reminder that moving a little more can make a big difference,to your mood, your health, and even your ability to find your glasses (because somehow they’re always in the last room you walked to).

This month, we’re inviting all our patients to join us in adding a few extra steps into the day. Nothing dramatic... no marathons, no Lycra, no need to suddenly become the next Olympic hopeful. Just simple, everyday movement:
• A wander to the shop instead of driving
• A lap around the garden while you’re waiting for the kettle
• A stroll with a friend
• A gentle walk after dinner
• Or even pacing the hallway while deciding what to watch on TV (yes, that counts)
Every step helps your heart, your joints, your mind, and your overall wellbeing. And honestly, after the winter we’ve had, a bit of fresh air might do us all some good.
So throughout May, let’s get moving...at your pace, in your shoes, on your terms.
Whether you’re a power walker, a slow stroller, or someone who only moves quickly when the toast pops up, you’re welcome in this challenge.
Share your walks, your favourite routes, your step count victories, or even your “I tried but it rained” moments. We’d love to cheer you on.
Let’s take to our feet this May and feel better together.

16/04/2026

🌸Pregnant? Here’s your gentle nudge to get protected!🌸
Growing a tiny human is hard work, so let your vaccines do some of the protecting for you.
Throughout pregnancy, there are a few important vaccines that help keep you and your baby safe, and this handy timeline shows exactly when they’re offered.
💉 Whooping cough – usually around your 20 week scan
💉 RSV – from 28 weeks
🍂 Flu vaccine – offered in autumn/winter, at any stage of pregnancy
These vaccines help protect your baby from the moment they arrive, giving them the best possible start.

If you’re unsure what you’re due or want to chat it through, our team is always happy to help.
Let’s keep you and your little one safe and Strong 👶