Welcome to the latest of our weekly newsletters. We regard it as a priority that all patients at our surgeries in Adlington, Buckshaw, Croston, Eaves Lane Chorley and Lostock Hall are kept fully informed of developments and news which may be of interest to you. We hope these regular updates continue to prove useful.
MMR vaccination programme
NHS England has launched a major drive to invite those youngsters not fully vaccinated against measles to come forward and book an appointment.
Measles is one of the world's most infectious diseases and cases are continuing to rise across England and in the North West.
Having two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect your child and help prevent it spreading, especially to those most vulnerable.
The MMR vaccine is safe, and since it was introduced in the 1960s it is estimated to have saved more than 4,500 lives.
The vaccine is free on the NHS whatever your age and you can now contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
In addition, The Broadway Pharmacy, Market Walk, Chorley, PR7 1DE is now offering the MMR vaccine to children aged from 5 to 11 who are overdue a vaccination.
The facility, which is the same site recently used in the Covid vaccination programme, is accepting walk-ins only and you do not need to make an appointment.
The issue of pork ingredients, known as ‘porcine gelatine,’ in some vaccines has raised concerns among some groups but UKHSA and NHS England has produced a leaflet, which you can access via this link, advising the alternatives available.
For more information on all issues re Measles and the MMR vaccine, visit: Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Temporary Closure for Staff Training
We would like to thank all our patients for their co-operation and understanding when all our surgeries were temporarily closed for staff training on Tuesday afternoon, March 5.
This essential training takes place periodically on a nationwide basis across the NHS and we hope it will help us provide the highest possible standards of service for our patients which is as always our top priority.
No-Smoking Day
This national event takes place next Wednesday, March 13. Please call in at any of our surgeries for advice and information of how to quit smoking and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Ukraine and Homeless Appeals
Thank you for your recent donations to both the Chorley Support for Ukraine and Chorley Homeless Group appeals.
We are continuing to accept donations of toiletries, sanitary products, baby items, pet food, non-perishable food items, shoes, clean duvets, blankets, coats or sleeping bags.
You can drop them off at any of our surgeries during opening hours and we will ensure they are transported to the appeal collection point.
As usual, mark your bags accordingly if you’ve a preference as to which appeal you wish your items to go to.