Packers - Virginia Water Medical Practice

28/07/2026

SKIP THE RECEPTION QUEUE AND BEAT THE 8am RUSH

From Monday 3rd August you will be required to use our online triage system to secure a GP appointment or same day response.

The new system is called Rapid Health.

It will be available on our website, and will assess requests for GP and Advanced Clinical Practitioner appointments (both urgent and routine). This system will enable us to prioritise appointments ensuring our patients receive the right care at the right time.

You will be presented with some questions about your problem and afterwards, you will be given the option to book an appointment, without the need to ring the Practice.

For further information please visit our Website, where you can find a list of Frequently Asked Questions about this new system.

Thank you.

Virginia Water Medical Practice website by Livi

13/07/2026

Practice Closure - 14th July 2026 from 1pm-6.30pm

Patient safety is of the highest importance to us, and it is vital that we ensure all our staff are trained to high standards so that we can continue to offer high levels of care. The surgery will be closed to conduct important training on the above date.

If you need medical assistance, please call 111. Should you require immediate emergency attention, please dial 999.

We thank you for your understanding.

Virginia Water Medical Practice

09/07/2026

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affect the digestive system.

Symptoms aren’t always visible, but they can have a significant impact on daily life.

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Support and information is available from https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

08/07/2026

***NEW ONLINE TRIAGE SYSTEM***

Dear Patients,
On Monday 3rd August, we will be going live with Rapid Health, our new online triage system. It will be available on our website for booking GP and Advanced Clinical Practitioner appointments.

You will be presented with some questions about your problem and afterwards you will be given the option to book an appointment without the need to ring the practice.

Please visit the following link to view some Frequently Asked Questions about the new system: www.packerssurgeryvirginiawater.nhs.uk/about-us/news/4113/

Thank you,
Virginia Water Medical Practice

Virginia Water Medical Practice website by Livi

08/07/2026

Helping children build healthy habits early can support their wellbeing now and in the future 💙

Healthy habits don’t have to mean big changes. Small steps each day can make a real difference 👍

Some simple ways to encourage healthy habits include:
• eating meals together as a family
• drinking more water instead of sugary drinks
• reducing screen time and encouraging active play
• getting enough sleep
• involving children in shopping and cooking 🍎

Children often learn by example, so positive role modelling can help encourage healthy eating, movement and balanced routines 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Healthy habits are about supporting overall wellbeing, confidence and long-term health rather than focusing on weight alone 💫

Good sleep is also important for growing children, helping with learning, mood and energy levels 😴

Remember, every family is different and small, realistic changes are often the easiest to maintain 💙

Find out more:
https://www.eufic.org/en/healthy-living
https://patient.info/healthy-living/obesity-overweight/childhood-obesity

01/07/2026

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection caused by a virus. It can spread through close physical contact with someone who has mpox symptoms, including rashes, blisters or scabs 🤝

Symptoms can include:
• a rash with blisters or sores
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• swollen glands
• tiredness 🤒

The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, mouth or ge***al area. Some people may only have a few spots, while others can develop more widespread symptoms 👀

Most people recover within a few weeks, but it’s important to avoid close contact with others if you think you may have mpox and seek medical advice 👍

Vaccines and treatments may be available for some people who are at higher risk or have been exposed to the virus 💉

If you develop symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has mpox, contact a healthcare professional for advice 📞

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/
https://patient.info/infections/monkeypox-virus

29/06/2026

Antibiotics are powerful medicines – but they don’t work for everything 💊

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat them. This means infections can become harder to treat, last longer, and in some cases become more serious ⚠️

One of the biggest causes of antibiotic resistance is using antibiotics when they aren’t needed, such as for colds and flu, which are caused by viruses – not bacteria ❌

To help keep antibiotics working:
• Only take them if prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Always complete the full course
• Never share antibiotics or use leftovers

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, and we all have a role to play in protecting these important medicines for the future 🌍

Find out more:
Antibiotic resistance: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antibiotics/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resistance/

27/06/2026

Have you served in the Armed Forces? Please let us know 💙

If you are a veteran, reservist or currently serving, telling your GP practice means we can make sure you receive the right support and access to services designed especially for the Armed Forces community 👍

This could include priority access to certain NHS services for conditions related to your service, as well as additional support for your health and wellbeing 🇬🇧 (nhs.uk)

Simply let our team know about your service history so we can record it on your medical notes and help tailor your care appropriately 🤝

Your service matters, and so does your health 💙

Find out more:
Armed Forces community NHS support: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/

24/06/2026

Struggling with hay fever? You’re not alone 🌼

Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen that can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and throat, and coughing 🤧

While there’s no cure, there are lots of ways to manage your symptoms and feel more comfortable 👍

Simple things that can help include:
• Keeping windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high
• Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors
• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen 🌤️

A pharmacist can also help by recommending treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops to ease your symptoms 💊

If your symptoms are severe or not improving with treatment, it’s important to speak to your GP for further advice 👨‍⚕️

Find out more:
NHS hay fever: https://ow.ly/RBZ150ZeAZ4
Hay fever treatments: https://ow.ly/kluX50ZeAYR

23/06/2026

The Met Office has issued extreme heat warnings as temperatures are expected to rise significantly across parts of the UK, with the potential for record-breaking June temperatures.
Hot weather can affect anyone, but older people, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions are particularly at risk.

To stay safe:
☀️ Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
💧 Drink plenty of water and avoid becoming dehydrated
🏠 Keep your home as cool as possible by closing curtains and blinds
👒 Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat when outdoors
👵 Check on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable friends
🚑 Seek medical advice if you or someone else becomes unwell due to the heat

Please take care of yourself and others during this period of hot weather.

For the latest forecasts and weather warnings, visit the Met Office:
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/red-extreme-heat-warning-issued-with-june-temperature-records-forecast-to-break