November 2025 Newsletter

News from the surgery

Patient Needs Groups (PNG)

At a recent meeting of the Waterfield House Patient Participation Group (PPG), we were pleased to share an important update regarding the introduction of Patient Need Groups (PNG) at our surgery. These groups are designed to help healthcare professionals across Kent and Medway deliver more tailored and effective care. By identifying patients with the greatest needs, the PNG initiative ensures that appropriate attention and support are provided where it’s most needed.

Learn more about Patient Need Groups

Mental Health Navigators

If you or someone else you know is looking to support in improving their overall well-being then our Mental Health Navigators will be able to help you by connecting you with community resources.

Learn more about Mental Health Support

Community Pharmacy

There is more to Community Pharmacy than meets the eye! In addition to dispensing and supply of medicines, each day thousands of patients in Kent & Medway visit pharmacies for several clinical services: Pharmacy First - Clinical Conditions and Minor illnesses, Blood pressure monitoring, Oral and Emergency Contraception, Support with Medicines on hospital discharge, Help stop smoking, and Flu and COVID vaccinations. Pharmacy First is an option to make things quicker and easier if you have one of the seven common conditions, without you needing to make an appointment with a GP.

More information about Community Pharmacy

Supporting the NHS Flu Immunisation Campaign

NHS England have reported that “Early flu wave could lead to ‘long and drawn out’ Winter for NHS” The flu season has hit the NHS more than a month earlier than usual, with cases three times higher than this time last year. NHS teams are ramping up efforts on its autumn/winter flu vaccination campaign to prevent further spreading of the virus, with 12.2 million flu vaccines delivered so far this 
autumn (12,219,568).

Waterfield House Surgery has played an active role in the 2025/26 flu vaccination campaign, with 49% of eligible patients receiving their flu vaccine. We extend our sincere thanks to our patients for their commitment to protecting themselves and others, helping to reduce the impact of the flu virus. We strongly encourage the remaining 51% of eligible patients who have not yet received their free 
flu vaccine to come forward and get vaccinated.

Waterfield in numbers

July to Sept 2025

Total number of patients: 6,444

Calls: 12,246

Appointments Offered: 9,256

• Digital Appointments offered: 2,953
• Telephone: 605
• Face to Face Appointments: 5,469
• Home Visits: 324

Clinical Letters processed: 5,650

Prescription items issued: 56,546

Did not attend booked appointment: 154 

Check and cancel appointments

There is now a check and cancel appointments facility available on the phone system whereby patients can check the 
dates and time of their appointments and cancel appointments if no longer needed

The Patient Participation Group

• The PPG have a new Chair. Nigel Stratton has kindly agreed to take over the role of Chair from Trudy Donachie. The PPG and the Surgery would like to thank Trudy for her dedication to the role that she has held over many years. 
• New members to the PPG would be most welcome. Our next Quarterly meeting will take place on 14th January 2026. The meeting starts at 7pm- venue Waterfield House Surgery.

Covid Vaccination winter 2025 Campaign

The NHS is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to those at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus. If you are aged 75 or over, in a care home for older adults, or if you or your child have a weakened immune system, please make an appointment for your vaccine as soon as possible.

Everyone eligible for the jab will be contacted via text, email, NHS App messages or letters, but you don’t need to wait for an invite to book – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 now 
to book your appointment. Please note that you can now receive your Covid vaccination at Pembury Pharmacy

Free Park and Ride Service

Park and Ride is a free, more sustainable way to visit Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. 

1. Park your car at the free car park (London Road for Maidstone Hospital, and Knights Park for Tunbridge Wells Hospital) 
2. Jump on the free shuttle bus to the hospital 
3. Get the bus back to your car.

More information about the Park and ride - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Need Urgent Medical Help

Stop Think Choose!

The NHS is encouraging patients across Kent and Medway to choose the right service for their condition and help ease the pressure on emergency departments. Knowing the right place to go when you need help will assist you find the treatment you need, faster.

The Stop Think Choose website lists a range of treatment options, including a map of pharmacies and details of urgent care services in Kent and Medway.

Visit the Stop Think Choose website to find out more.

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, 18 to 24 Nov.

18th to 24 November

Antibiotic resistance can happen when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic, and some survive. When bacteria become resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them, which can result in infections that are hard to treat.

Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern. Help preserve their efficacy for when they’re really needed!

• Always take antibiotics as prescribed
• Never miss a dose
• Complete a course in full
• Vaccinate yourself and your family

Keep antibiotics for when they’re really needed. You could save a life.

Bladder cancer

Same symptoms, different story

• Did you know symptoms of bladder cancer can be overlooked, particularly in women?
• Symptoms of bladder cancer can overlap with the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI), especially where blood in pee is caused by a UTI or gynaecological issues, including menopausal/post-menopausal symptoms.
• While it is unlikely to be bladder cancer, it’s best to see your GP or call 111 if you are experiencing any of the symptoms. Early cancer diagnosis saves lives.

More information on Bladder cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (November)

• Pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages, which can mean it often gets missed. When symptoms do appear, they’re the same in men and women and often vague or intermittent so diagnosis is difficult.
• Understanding and knowing the symptoms to look out for can help medical professionals investigate early. As with most cancers, catching this early on can help outcomes and survival rates
• Some of the symptoms:
  • Unexplained upper abdominal pain
  • Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Indigestion, bloating or early fullness after small meals
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially after fatty foods
  • Fatigue or general weakness
• If you’re worried, please make an appointment via our online request form.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

NHS App

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computers - including prescriptions and appointments.

Published: Nov 3, 2025