Welcome to the latest of our weekly newsletters. We regard it as a priority that all patients at our Adlington, Buckshaw, Croston, Eaves Lane Chorley and Lostock Hall surgeries are kept fully informed of news relevant to them. We hope these updates continue to prove useful.
Breast Screening – An Important Message
The NHS in England has this week launched a new phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign to encourage women to attend their breast screening appointment when invited.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in England and regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself – it saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years.
You'll automatically get your first invitation letter for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53 so when you receive it, save the date, it could save your life.
Search ‘NHS breast screening’ to find out more.
The 111 and Pharmacy First Service
While you should always make a Clinician appointment if you have concerns, using the 111 or Pharmacy First service for less serious complaints eases the pressure on appointment slots.
The 111 service operates 24 hours a day and is staffed by fully qualified health professionals who can if needed arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
And importantly, it can also now be used for mental health issues.
In addition, you can also use the Pharmacy First service which is available at any local pharmacy registered with the scheme. The pharmacist can suggest treatments and even offer prescription medicine for some conditions without you needing to make a GP appointment.
The service can be used if you are suffering from impetigo, infected insect bites, earache, sore throat, sinusitis, urinary tract infections or shingles.
Please note if the issue is an emergency, you should always call 999 or go to A&E.
March is Endometriosis Action Month
Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women in the UK, yet so many are still unaware of the condition and its impact.
It occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can change and cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
March is Endometriosis Action Month 2025, and aims to ensure endometriosis is better understood by the public and better explained to patients by all healthcare practitioners.
You can read more about endometriosis by clicking here.
Norovirus
Cases of norovirus are high in the area, and if you have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs, you may well have the bug.
If so, you should rest up and drink plenty of fluids, and you’ll hopefully start to feel better after around 48 hours.
It’s best to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection, and don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
Washing your hands frequently and cleaning surfaces will also help stop spreading infections.
If you experience symptoms but have other health issues, please see a GP.