Tower House Practice

04/11/2026

💉 PROTECT YOUR CHILD – THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS ❤️

Giving your child their vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health and wellbeing.

Vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect children against many serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including measles, polio, whooping cough, tetanus and many more.

Why are childhood vaccinations so important?

👶 Help protect your child from serious infectious diseases.

❤️ Reduce the risk of severe illness, complications and hospital admissions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Help protect family members and the wider community, including babies who are too young to be vaccinated and people who cannot receive certain vaccines for medical reasons.

🛡️ Help prevent diseases from spreading and protect future generations.

Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced and are continuously monitored to ensure they remain safe and effective. Some children may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm/leg or feeling a little unwell, but these are usually short-lived.

📅 OUR CHILDHOOD VACCINATION CLINICS

Our Practice Childhood Vaccination Clinics are held every Thursday, with both AM and PM appointments, and are run by our lovely Practice Nurses, Sister Twambley and Sister Dunbar.

If you are unable to attend the appointment date you have been given, please speak to our friendly Reception Team, who will be happy to help arrange an alternative appointment.

💙 Please don't delay your child's vaccinations. Keeping your child's immunisations up to date is one of the best ways to give them protection now and in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's vaccinations, please speak to a member of our Practice Team.

A little protection today can make a lifetime of difference. 💉❤️

04/11/2026

💊 Make managing your repeat prescriptions easier with the NHS App! 📱

Did you know you can order your repeat prescriptions quickly and securely using the NHS App – without needing to fill in paper prescription slips.

Switching to ordering your medication online is a simple way to make life easier while helping us reduce the amount of paper prescriptions we use.

🌿 Why use the NHS App?

✅ Less paper, less waste: No need to print or hand in paper prescription requests. Help us reduce paper use and support a more environmentally friendly NHS.

✅ Order anytime, anywhere: Request your repeat medication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without waiting for the surgery to open.

✅ Track your requests: See whether your prescription is awaiting approval, approved or rejected, all within the app.

✅ Choose your pharmacy: Nominate or change your preferred pharmacy to suit your daily routine.

✅ Keep track of your medication: View your medicines record to help you keep on top of what you need and avoid ordering medication unnecessarily.

✅ Improved patient safety: Digital ordering provides a clear list of your repeat medications, helping to reduce the risk of mistakes, confusion and duplicate requests that can sometimes happen with handwritten or verbal requests.

✅ Digital convenience: Where available, use your digital prescription barcode when collecting your medication, helping to reduce the need for paper.

🌍 Lower environmental impact: Ordering prescriptions online helps reduce paper use, printing and unnecessary journeys to the surgery, supporting a more sustainable approach to healthcare.

📲 Getting started is easy!

1️⃣ Download the free NHS App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.

2️⃣ Register or log in using your NHS account.

3️⃣ Select Prescriptions at the bottom of the screen.

4️⃣ Tap Order a prescription, select the medication you need, check your nominated pharmacy and submit your request.

🌍 Small changes can make a big difference!

By choosing the NHS App for your repeat prescriptions, you can save time, avoid unnecessary trips to the surgery and help us reduce paper waste.

This video explains how to request a repeat prescription in the NHS...

04/11/2026

🩺 Help us keep an eye on your blood pressure – home blood pressure monitoring

Tower House Practice may invite you to complete a 7-day home blood pressure (BP) monitoring programme using the secure Blinx PACO digital link.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home helps us gain a clearer picture of your blood pressure over time and supports us in providing the right care for you.

📱 How does it work?
1. The practice will send you a secure link by text message or email.
2. Click the link to open the digital health form.
3. Enter your patient details, ensuring they match the information held by the practice.
4. Record your blood pressure readings every morning and evening for 7 consecutive days.
5. Submit your completed readings using the digital form, following the instructions provided by the practice.

❤️ Getting an accurate blood pressure reading

To help ensure your readings are as accurate as possible, please follow these simple steps:

✅ Avoid smoking, caffeine, eating or exercise for at least 30 minutes before taking a reading.

✅ Make sure you have used the toilet before starting.

✅ Use the same arm each time – ideally the arm previously used by your GP or nurse.

✅ Wear loose-fitting clothing so the cuff can be positioned correctly.

✅ Sit quietly and rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading.

✅ Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.

✅ Support your arm on a table or surface, keeping it relaxed and level with your heart.

✅ Keep still and avoid talking while taking your reading.

📊 How many readings should I take?

• Take at least TWO readings, 1–2 minutes apart.
• Do this every morning and evening for 7 consecutive days.
• If your first two readings are very different, take a further 2–3 readings.
• Record the numbers exactly as they appear on your monitor – please do not round them up or down.

🎥 Need help using your blood pressure monitor?

Watch this helpful video demonstrating how to take your blood pressure at home:

https://youtu.be/AXCFcftkric

🛒 Where can I get a blood pressure monitor?

Monitors are available from local pharmacies, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, manufacturers and online retailers such as Amazon and John Lewis. Please ensure you purchase a validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor.

📩 What happens next?

Once you have completed your 7-day monitoring, please return your paper blood pressure diary to the practice if you were unable to access the Blinx PACO link, along with your monitor if you have borrowed one.

If you have not discussed your results or heard from the practice within 2 weeks of returning your readings, please contact us.

🤝 WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

We understand that using a digital link or taking your own blood pressure readings at home may feel unfamiliar at first.

If you are unable to access the Blinx PACO link, a paper home blood pressure diary can be provided by the practice.

If you need any support or assistance accessing the Blinx PACO link, completing the form, using your monitor or recording your readings, please don't hesitate to contact the practice. Our friendly team will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us to support your health and wellbeing.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/11/2026

November 1–30, 2026, marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, with various global and national organizations hosting events focused on awareness, education, and advocacy throughout the month. 💜

04/11/2026

💙 MEN'S HEALTH MATTERS – LET'S TALK ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER 💙

Did you know that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the UK, with the risk increasing as men get older. Raising awareness, recognising potential symptoms and understanding the importance of early diagnosis can make a real difference.

🔵 What is a PSA blood test?

A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.

A raised PSA level can indicate a prostate problem, including prostate cancer, but it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Further assessment may be needed to establish the cause.

🔵 Who should consider speaking to their GP?

Men aged 50 and over who are concerned about their risk of prostate cancer should speak to their GP about whether a PSA blood test may be appropriate.

It is important to understand your individual risk, ask questions and make informed decisions about your health.

💙 Let's break the stigma around men's health.

Too often, men put their health concerns aside or delay seeking medical advice. Talking openly, attending appointments and taking an active interest in your health could make all the difference.

Don't ignore your health. Don't put off the conversation. Early diagnosis saves lives.

📲 Find out more about prostate cancer, risk factors and testing:
https://prostatecanceruk.org

📞 Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses: 0800 074 8383

Look after yourself. Check your risk. Encourage the men in your life to do the same.

04/11/2026

💗 CERVICAL SCREENING SAVES LIVES – DON'T IGNORE YOUR INVITATION! 💗

Cervical screening (smear tests) is an important part of looking after your health. It helps detect high-risk HPV and changes to cervical cells that could potentially develop into cervical cancer if left undetected.

If you receive an invitation for cervical screening, please make attending a priority.

We understand that having a cervical screening test can feel uncomfortable, embarrassing or worrying for some people. However, your health matters, and taking a few minutes to attend could make a life-saving difference.

🌸 Remember:

Don't ignore your cervical screening invitation.

Contact your GP practice to book your appointment.

Attend regularly when invited.

If you have any concerns or questions, speak to your healthcare professional.

Cervical cancer can often be prevented through regular screening and HPV vaccination.

💗 Your health is important. Your screening matters. Your future matters.

When invited, don't delay – BOOK YOUR CERVICAL SCREENING APPOINTMENT.

04/11/2026

DON’T MISS YOUR ANNUAL HEALTH REVIEW! 🩺

If you have a long-term health condition, you’ll be invited to book your Annual Chronic Disease Review around your month of birth.

📅 When you receive your invitation, please book your appointment.

At your review with our GPA/ Practice Nurse you’ll have:
🩸 Your blood tests
📋 Your full annual review
💬 A chance to discuss your health

Following your appointment and blood tests, our Practice Nurse Team will review everything. If needed, we’ll send you a booking link for a Face-to-Face or Telephone appointment with a Practice Nurse.

🌟 Your annual review is an important part of keeping your condition well managed and making sure you get the right support.

Look out for your invitation around your birthday month! 🎂💙

04/11/2026

💙 LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES STARTS WITH YOUR ANNUAL REVIEW! 💙

If you have diabetes, attending your annual diabetes review is one of the most important things you can do to protect your long-term health.

Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, diabetes can affect your body silently over time. Raised blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol can increase your risk of serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, sight loss and foot problems.

Your annual diabetes review helps us identify potential problems early, monitor your health and ensure you are receiving the right care and support.

🩺 WHAT DOES YOUR ANNUAL DIABETES REVIEW INCLUDE?

Your review is a comprehensive health check and may include:

✅ Blood pressure check – to monitor your heart and kidney health.

✅ Weight and BMI – to support your overall health and wellbeing.

✅ Smoking status – with support available to help you stop smoking.

✅ Foot examination – checking circulation, pulses, skin condition and nerve sensation to identify potential problems early.

✅ HbA1c blood test – to assess your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–3 months.

✅ Cholesterol test – to assess your heart and cardiovascular health.

✅ Kidney function blood tests (eGFR and creatinine) – to monitor how well your kidneys are working.

✅ Urine albumin (ACR) test – to detect early signs of kidney damage.

✅ Additional blood tests, where appropriate, including full blood count, liver function, thyroid function, vitamin B12 and folate.

👁️ DON'T FORGET YOUR DIABETIC EYE SCREENING!

Your annual diabetic eye screening is a separate but equally important appointment. It involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy, which may not affect your vision in its early stages.

❤️ WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

Your annual review helps to:
• Identify complications before symptoms develop.
• Reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications.
• Monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working.
• Review your medication and make changes if needed.
• Give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns and receive personalised advice and support.

REMEMBER: You don't have to feel unwell to need a diabetes review!

Early detection, regular monitoring and the right support can make a real difference to your health and quality of life.

📅 If you are due or overdue your annual diabetes review, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment.

Let's work together to keep you healthy and reduce the risk of complications.

💙 Your health matters. Don't miss your annual diabetes review!

03/11/2026

Some people take part in health and care research because they want to help others.
People have different reasons for taking part. It is also fine to decide that research is not for you.
Taking part is always your choice.
What do you think about health and care research? What would make it easier or harder to take part?
Tell us in our short Runcorn survey: https://tinyurl.com/4u67dchu
Or if you want to hear about research you could take part in?
Find out more and sign up with Pathway to Research: https://tinyurl.com/3dzs7pcm
You can still say no to any study.

03/11/2026

Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2026 will be celebrated from November 1 to 30, aimed at promoting lung health, early detection, risk-reduction strategies, and offering support to those affected by lung cancer. 💚🌍