Primary Care 24

30/10/2026

Diabetic eye screening is a test that looks for an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy that can be caused by diabetes.

If you have diabetes and you're aged 12 or over, you'll get a letter every 1 or 2 years asking you to have diabetic eye screening.

What happens during diabetic eye screening:

Your diabetic eye screening appointment will last around 30 minutes.

1. You'll be asked to read some letters on a chart.
2. Eye drops will usually be put in your eyes to make your pupils larger. These may sting briefly and make your sight blurry.
3. When the drops start working, you'll be asked to look into a camera.
4. Photographs will be taken of the back of your eyes. There will be a flash when a picture is taken.
5. You can go home when the test is finished. You will not get your test result on the day.

For more information, you can visit the NHS website and search 'diabetic eye screening' or contact your GP if you have not yet received your invite letter.

29/10/2026

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a test to check if there's a swelling in your aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen).

AAA screening is offered to all men over the age of 64. During the year you turn 65, you'll get a letter inviting you for a pre-booked abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening appointment.

The letter is usually sent 3 to 6 weeks before the appointment.

AAA screening usually takes place at GP surgeries or health centres, and sometimes hospitals.

For more information visit https://ow.ly/wrCh5101fuw

27/10/2026

Black History Month is an opportunity to honour the achievements, history and culture of black people and their invaluable contribution to society and the healthcare system. It’s also an opportunity to connect; inspire and empower future generations.

This years theme is ‘Honouring Our Communities’ and we want to thank our PC24 colleagues who make a difference and show such dedication and care everyday, you are greatly appreciated!

Swipe through to read more about black history within the NHS ➡️

26/10/2026

Cervical screening saves thousands of lives each year.

The test takes around 10 minutes or less and checks for cell changes in your cervix.

All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every 5 years. You’re in control throughout; you can ask questions, request a smaller speculum, try a different position, or pause or stop the test at any time.

Make your appointment when you get invited or if you have missed your last one, contact your GP practice or visit https://ow.ly/3jWR50ZYYHT

23/10/2026

The clocks go back on Sunday 25th October.

The darker days and colder weather can impact your mood and wellbeing.

Now is a great time to get that flu jab you have been putting off, start batch cooking some healthy foods, and increasing your vitamin D intake.

Swipe through for other ways to boost your mood, now that the days are getting shorter.

For more information about flu jabs: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

For healthy recipes, check out our blog: primarycare24.org.uk/health-news-uk/

22/10/2026

Do you know the 4Ts?

Knowing the signs of type 1 diabetes can help early detection and ensure it is managed well to help you live a healthy life.

If you or someone you know are showing signs of type 1 diabetes, get in touch with your GP practice.

20/10/2026

Families are urged to book their free flu vaccine for young children, ahead of the October half term.

With winter viruses already beginning to circulate and temperatures starting to fall, we're encouraging parents and carers of children aged two and three years old to help protect them from flu this winter.

The vaccine is given as a quick and painless nasal spray and is available for eligible children through their GP practice or a pharmacy that offers NHS children’s flu vaccination.

Find out more below, or search 'NHS flu vaccine'.

20/10/2026

The earlier bowel cancer is found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.

If you or someone you know is having these symptoms, it is best to get them checked.

Contact your GP practice to book an appointment today. Visit https://ow.ly/r0hu50ZYYWU for more information.

19/10/2026

Using fake online pharmacies puts you at risk of serious harm.

More people than ever are buying medicines online, but fake online pharmacies can dispense medicines that are inappropriate, ineffectively dosed, or even counterfeit. These counterfeit medicines could include seriously dangerous substances such as cement and even arsenic.

This is why it's vitally important to make sure that any pharmacy you use is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

✅ How to check an online pharmacy:

1. Find the pharmacy's GPhC registration number on its website.
2. Search for the pharmacy on the official GPhC register.
3. If the pharmacy is not listed, do not use it.

Taking one moment to check a pharmacy's registration could save your life.

Find out more about the dangers of fake online pharmacies >> https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/how-check-online-pharmacy-register

19/10/2026