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January Newsletter
News from the surgery
In this, the fourth edition of the Waterfield House Surgery Newsletter, you will find the latest news from the surgery.
- Waterfield House Surgery (WHS) is recruiting a new Business Support Apprentice in the New Year! If you know someone interested in a paid Business Admin Level 3 course with hands-on experience, contact the surgery.
- The PCN have relocated a Musculoskeletal (MSK) first contact physio to be based in WHS on a Wednesday reducing the need to travel for assessment.
Flu Cases Are Rising – Get Vaccinated Today
- Flu cases are surging, with hospital admissions up by 70%, putting huge pressure on the NHS. Protect yourself and others by getting your flu vaccine now.
- Flu vaccines are quick, easy, and available at GP practices, pharmacies, and local events. Let’s keep each other safe and help ease the strain on our healthcare system this winter.
Don’t wait – book your flu vaccine today!
Track Your Prescriptions Easily with the NHS App
- Wondering if your prescription is ready or sent to the pharmacy? With the NHS App, you can check instantly!
- Watch this short video to see how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hsk_grMPHE.
- Using the app saves you time and reduces pressure on the surgery and pharmacy. Try it today!
Note: Pembury Pharmacy now uses Payden Hub in Maidstone for routine repeats – please allow extra time for processing
Smear Test Myths – Busted!
In England, nearly two women die each day from cervical cancer. Cervical screening (smear tests) helps detect changes in cervical cells early, preventing cancer from developing. Sadly, myths often stop people from booking. Let’s tackle them:
- Myth 1: Smear tests are painful.
Truth: Most people feel slight discomfort, but it’s usually quick and manageable.
- Myth 2: Only sexually active people need a smear test.
Truth: HPV (a key cause of cervical cancer) can spread through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, not just sex.
- Myth 3: A smear test checks for cancer.
Truth: It looks for abnormal cell changes, allowing treatment before they become cancerous.
- Myth 4: I don’t need a smear test if I’ve had the HPV vaccine.
Truth: The vaccine protects against some HPV strains, but regular smear tests are still essential.
Cervical screening saves lives – book your test today! Contact reception to book or request a booking link.
Waterfield in numbers
October to December 2024
Total number of patients: 6,438
Calls: 12,025
Appointments Offered: 11,605
Face to Face Appointments offered: 6,556
Home Visits: 398
Clinical Letters processed: 5,306
Prescription items issued: 57,129
Did not attend booked appointment: 246
The Patient Participation Group
The Patient Participation Group (PPG) wishes you all a happy and healthy 2025!
Why not start the year by coming along to our next meeting? It will be held at 19.00 on Wednesday 8 January 2025 in Waterfield House.
The PPG is looking for somebody to take over the role of Chair from Trudy Donachie. Could this be you?
The role is not onerous and involves:
- Chairing Waterfield House PPG meetings.
- Reviewing minutes, screen presentations and newsletters prior to publication.
- Attending Zoom meetings with other local PPG Chairs every two months.
- Being the point of contact for Kent and Medway communications for distribution to PPG members.
- Issuing invitations for training and presentations.
Watch out for Norovirus
Norovirus, also called the 'winter vomiting bug', is a stomach bug that causes vomiting & diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually subsides in about two days.
Kent News
Kent Dementia Friendly Awards Celebrate Local Heroes
The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards 2024, held during the Kent Living Well with Dementia Show, celebrated the incredible efforts of individuals and groups creating inclusive communities for those affected by dementia. Judged by people with lived experience and their carers.
Kent & Medway Unite to Spread Suicide Prevention Message
People who have found their way back from suicidal thoughts & feelings because someone listened are sharing their survival stories in a moving film to help others. Made by arts charity Living Words to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10 Sept 2025), 'Living Warriors: Keep Talking’ has been funded by a Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme grant.
The film re-unites several individuals who took part in Living Words’ Living Warriors suicide prevention project five years ago.
Visit:
NHS News
Change NHS
- The NHS has been there for us for over 76 years but to make sure it is here for the next 76 years Change NHS needs your help and wants to have the biggest ever conversation about its future.
- Whether you have a lot or a little to say, your views, experiences and ideas will shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England.
- This is open to everyone. If you are a member of the public or someone who works in health and care in England.
- Visit to tell us how the NHS needs to change. Change.nhs.uk will remain open until at least March 2025.
- The website will evolve over that period and the conversation will continue until the publication of the government’s new 10-year plan for health which is likely to be in late spring 2025.
Volunteer for the NHS
NHS England has launched a new website to help you find and apply for local health-related volunteering opportunities. It’s free, easy to use, and designed for everyone. Discover the benefits of volunteering and apply in minutes!
Visit NHS volunteering website
Noticing is Caring – Report Adult Abuse
Abuse can happen to any adult, anywhere, and it takes many forms. This includes self-neglect or being harmed by someone else – whether it is a partner, relative, friend, carer, or neighbour. Abuse may happen once or repeatedly.
Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility.
- If you’re worried about an adult and think they need police help, call 101.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Visit here for advice or more information (available in multiple languages).
By speaking up, you could make a difference.
Embrace a Healthier Version of You with NHS Support
You might be surprised to learn that the NHS offers fantastic free resources to help you achieve your “Healthier You” goals:
- Free NHS 12-week weight loss plan app for everyone who wants to lose weight.
- Set achievable goals, plan healthy meals, track your progress, and find tips to become more active and burn more calories.
- NHS Digital Weight Management Programme: Available to adults over 18 with a BMI of 30+ (or 27.5+ for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds) who have diabetes. A GP or pharmacist referral is required.
Explore a range of initiatives, including:
Published: Jan 10, 2025