St Catherine's Surgery News

Welcome to St Catherine's Surgery News

St Catherine's Surgery has been serving the local community for over three decades, providing quality primary care to families across the area. This news hub keeps you informed about practice updates, health campaigns, and stories from our community.

Whether you're looking for seasonal health advice, information about new services, or simply want to stay connected with what's happening at your local surgery, you'll find it here. We believe informed patients make healthier choices, and we're committed to sharing knowledge that matters to you and your family.

Latest Practice Updates

Our practice has recently extended opening hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to accommodate patients who find it difficult to attend during standard hours. Evening appointments are now available until 19:30, offering greater flexibility for working families.

The new online prescription ordering system has been well received by patients, with over sixty percent now managing their repeat medications digitally. This service saves time and reduces waiting room congestion, making the process smoother for everyone.

We've also welcomed two new practice nurses to the team, both bringing specialist experience in chronic disease management and preventative care. Their arrival means shorter waiting times for routine appointments and more capacity for health checks.

Seasonal Health Advice

As we move through the colder months, our clinical team reminds patients about the importance of flu vaccinations, particularly for those over sixty-five, pregnant women, and anyone with underlying health conditions. Walk-in flu clinics are held every Wednesday afternoon without the need for an appointment.

Winter can be challenging for those managing respiratory conditions. If you have asthma or COPD, ensure your inhaler technique is correct and that you have an adequate supply of medication. Our practice nurses are available to review your inhaler use and provide advice on managing symptoms during cold weather.

• Keep warm: heat your home to at least 18 degrees
• Stay active: gentle exercise helps circulation
• Eat well: hot meals and plenty of fluids
• Check medications: ensure you have enough supplies
• Know when to seek help: contact us early if symptoms worsen

Community Health Initiatives

Our walking group continues to meet every Saturday morning at the park entrance, welcoming anyone who wants to improve their fitness in a friendly, social setting. The walks are gentle-paced and suitable for all abilities, with routes varying between two and four miles.

The practice has partnered with the local library to host monthly health talks covering topics like diabetes prevention, mental wellbeing, and managing long-term conditions. These free sessions are open to everyone and provide an opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed environment.

A new telephone support line for mental health has been established in collaboration with local counselling services. Patients can access initial advice and be signposted to appropriate resources, reducing waiting times for those needing urgent support.

Patient Stories

One patient shared how the diabetes prevention programme helped them make lasting lifestyle changes. After attending six sessions and working with the practice dietitian, they lost two stone and significantly reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They now volunteer as a peer supporter, encouraging others to take part.

Another patient described how telephone consultations during the pandemic opened up access to healthcare they had previously struggled with due to mobility issues. The practice continues to offer telephone and video appointments alongside face-to-face consultations, ensuring everyone can access care in the way that suits them best.

A young family praised the support they received from the health visiting team after the birth of their first child. Regular check-ins and accessible advice gave them confidence during those early weeks, and they felt genuinely supported throughout the process.

Looking After Your Wellbeing

Physical health and mental wellbeing are deeply connected, and we encourage patients to think about both. Simple steps like regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and staying socially connected can make a real difference to how you feel.

If you're struggling with low mood, anxiety, or stress, please reach out. Speaking to your GP is often the first step towards getting the right support, whether that's talking therapies, medication, or self-help resources. There's no need to wait until things become overwhelming.

Local resources include walking groups, community centres offering activities for all ages, and online resources for managing stress and improving sleep. Our reception team can provide information about services available in the area.

Prescription and Appointment Reminders

Please allow 48 hours for repeat prescription requests to be processed. Ordering online through our patient portal is the quickest method, and you'll receive a notification when your prescription is ready for collection or has been sent to your nominated pharmacy.

If you need to cancel an appointment, letting us know as soon as possible means that slot can be offered to another patient. You can cancel online, by phone, or by texting the number provided in your appointment confirmation.

Missed appointments cost the practice valuable time. Last month alone, over forty appointments were missed without notice. Each missed slot is an opportunity lost for another patient who needs care, so please contact us if you can't attend.