Whickham Practice

30/09/2026

🚗 Car Park Safety Notice 🚗

A fuel spill has been identified in our patient car park and is affecting a significant portion of the area. We have reported this and Estates are attending as soon as possible to clean and make the area safe.

If you are visiting the practice today, please be extra cautious when walking through the car park, as some surfaces may be slippery.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this issue is resolved.

28/09/2026

We still have appointments available at the Practice for free Flu and Covid Vaccines for eligible patients. You can book online via the NHS App, patient access or via reception. Housebound patients will be contacted.

Please note patients eligible for Covid Autumn Boosters:

●Adults aged 75 years and over.
●Residents in care homes.
●Patients who are immunosuppressed.

Book your appointment today.

24/09/2026

📱 Help Us Keep in Touch with You - Download the NHS App Today! 📱
We'd like to encourage all our patients to download and use the NHS App.

The NHS App allows you to:
✅ Receive messages and notifications from the practice
✅ Order repeat prescriptions
✅ View your GP health record
✅ Check appointments and test results
✅ Access NHS services all in one place

💷The NHS App is secure, reliable, and helps us reduce the costs associated with sending SMS text messages. Every patient who uses the NHS App helps us save money that can be used to support patient care.
Once you've downloaded the app, please make sure that notifications are switched on so you don't miss important messages from us.

📲 Download the NHS App:
🍎 Apple devices: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
🤖 Android devices: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

Thank you for helping us reduce costs and continue providing the best possible service to our patients.

18/09/2026

Not sure where to go when you need urgent medical care? An Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) could be the right place. 🏥💙

Urgent Treatment Centres provide medical care for illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. They can help you get the right treatment without visiting A&E. 👍

You may be able to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre for:
🩹 Minor burns and scalds
🤕 Sprains and strains
🦴 Minor broken bones and fractures
✂️ Cuts and wounds that may need stitches
🌡️ Minor infections and illnesses
🐜 Insect bites and stings
👂 Ear and throat infections
🤒 Fever or minor head injuries

Always call 999 or go to A&E if someone has a life-threatening emergency, such as:
🚨 Chest pain or suspected heart attack
🚨 Signs of a stroke
🚨 Severe breathing difficulties
🚨 Serious injuries or heavy bleeding
🚨 Loss of consciousness

If you're unsure where to go, NHS 111 can help you find the right service for your needs. 📞

Getting the right care in the right place helps NHS services care for everyone more efficiently. 💙

Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-visit-an-urgent-treatment-centre/

18/09/2026

If you're eligible, you can now get your free MenB vaccine.

MenB can cause serious illnesses like meningitis and septicaemia.

You may be eligible if you are:
✅ 17 to 18 years old and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
✅ Under 25 and starting university or moving into residential further education for the first time

Eligible 17 to 18-year-olds born between these dates can book online if they’re registered with a GP in England. Eligible under-25s can get vaccinated at a participating pharmacy – no GP registration is needed.

You'll need 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, for the best protection.

Find out if you're eligible and how to get vaccinated: https://www.nhs.uk/book-menb

11/09/2026

09/09/2026

30/08/2026

We have appointments available now at the Practice for free Flu and Covid Vaccines for eligible patients. You can book online via the NHS App, patient access or via reception. Housebound patients will be contacted.

Please note patients eligible for Covid Autumn Boosters:

●Adults aged 75 years and over.
●Residents in care homes.
●Patients who are immunosuppressed.

Book your appointment today.

18/08/2026

💙 A Kind Reminder 💙

Our team is here every day to help and support our patients, and we are proud to care for our community. 🏥✨

Sometimes clinicians may run late due to dealing with a patient who needs urgent care, a complex consultation, or an unexpected emergency. Similarly, our reception and administrative teams may have just finished supporting someone who is distressed, vulnerable, or facing difficult circumstances. ❤️

While we understand that waiting can be frustrating, and that we cannot always give you an immediate response with queries, we kindly ask that all members of our team are treated with patience, respect and kindness😊

💙 Please remember:
✅ Be courteous to staff and other patients
✅ Be patient when services are busy
✅ Treat others as you would like to be treated

❌ Swearing
❌ Racism
❌ Verbal abuse
❌ Threatening behaviour
❌ Violence or aggression
will not be tolerated towards any member of our team.

Every member of staff works hard to provide the best possible care and service 🌟

Thank you for your understanding, patience and support. Together, we can help make our practice a safe and welcoming place for everyone. 🤝💙