Holland House Surgery

05/11/2026

💉Flu and COVID vaccine appointments for those who are eligible are available on the 19th November and the 25th November 2026.

☎️ Call today to arrange 01253 229470

04/11/2026

Flu season is here – simple habits can help stop germs spreading. 🧼

Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as viruses. Use soap and water and wash for around 20 seconds, cleaning your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, your fingertips and your thumbs.

Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is a good alternative.

Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, bin it, then wash your hands. 🤧

NHS advice on how to wash your hands:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

Difference between cold and flu: https://patient.info/features/infections/difference-between-cold-and-flu

31/10/2026

⚠️ A Gentle Reminder About Using AI for Medical Advice ⚠️

We understand that many patients are now using AI tools to search their symptoms before contacting the surgery. While these tools may provide general information, they should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

When attending a GP appointment, please tell your doctor your own symptoms, concerns, and experiences, rather than presenting a list of diagnoses or test requests generated by AI. The best way for a GP to assess your condition is to hear directly from you, ask relevant questions, and use their clinical judgement to determine the most appropriate investigations or treatment.

AI systems do not have access to your full medical history, medications, previous test results, or individual circumstances. As a result, the information they provide may be incomplete, misleading, or incorrect.

Sadly, there have been reports of individuals suffering serious harm and even death after following AI-generated medical advice, including cases where people were advised to stop prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Stopping medication without medical guidance can be extremely dangerous and may have serious consequences.

✅ If you are worried about a symptom, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

✅ Never stop, start, or change prescribed medication based solely on information from AI or the internet.

Thank you for helping us ensure that appointments remain focused on your individual health needs and allow our clinicians to provide the safest and most effective care possible.

Holland House Surgery 🩺💙

30/10/2026

Do you know how many calories your body needs each day? 🍎

Calorie needs are different for everyone. Your age, s*x, height, weight and activity levels can all affect how much energy your body needs each day.

The Patient.info Calorie Calculator can give you a personalised estimate of your daily calorie needs based on these factors. It can help you understand approximately how many calories you may need to maintain, lose or gain weight. 🥗

Remember, a calorie calculator provides an estimate rather than an exact target. Your metabolism, body composition, health and individual circumstances can all affect your energy needs. If you have a health condition or need personalised dietary advice, speak to a healthcare professional or dietitian. 🩺

Try the Patient.info Calorie Calculator:
https://patient.info/healthy-living/calorie-calculator?utm_source=chatgpt.com

30/10/2026

🕒We understand waiting times at the hospital can be long and you may wish to leave and go home.

🏥It is really important that you get the right help at the correct setting as not everything can be assessed and treated at the Surgery. Your life/quality of life may depend on this.

Please watch and share this video and advice with family and friends

If you, or someone you love, has been sent to hospital urgently - b...

29/10/2026

🩸 Blood Test Requests - Important Information 🩸

We would like to politely remind patients that attending a nurse appointment for a blood test does not mean additional blood tests can be requested on the day.

Your GP will have review your medical needs and request any blood tests that are clinically required before your appointment. The blood test form is created based on the investigations your GP feels are necessary.

Unfortunately, our nursing team are unable to add extra blood tests at the appointment unless these have been specifically requested by a clinician in advance.

If you feel that further investigations or additional blood tests may be needed, please submit a PATCHS request for a GP to review. This ensures that any additional tests are appropriate and that the correct forms can be completed before your appointment.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us to provide a safe and efficient service for all patients. 💙

Holland House Surgery 🏥

28/10/2026

How healthy is your heart? An NHS Health Check can help you understand your risk of cardiovascular disease. ❤️

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease and stroke. Your risk can be influenced by several factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, age and family history. Some factors cannot be changed, but there are important steps you can take to reduce your overall risk.

An NHS Health Check is a free check of your cardiovascular health. It usually includes checking your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as discussing your family history, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use and other factors that may affect your health. 🩺

High blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no symptoms, so having them checked can help identify potential problems before you know anything is wrong.

NHS Health Checks are generally offered every five years to eligible people aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain pre-existing conditions. If you're eligible but haven't been invited, you can contact your GP practice. 💙

NHS Health Check information:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-health-check/

26/10/2026

Breast screening can help find breast cancer before you notice any signs or symptoms. 🎀

NHS breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to look for breast cancers that may be too small to see or feel. Finding breast cancer earlier can mean treatment is more likely to be successful.

If you're eligible for NHS breast screening, you'll be invited when it's time for your appointment. When you receive your invitation, please take the time to read the information provided and arrange your screening.

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice a new lump, changes to the size or shape of your breast, ni**le or skin changes, or anything else that is unusual for you, do not wait for your next screening invitation – contact your GP. 💗

NHS breast screening information:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/

23/10/2026

‼️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Apologies but due to sickness leading to being extremely short staffed we have no one available to answer in coming calls this afternoon, 23rd Oct, from 1pm.

Please use Telephone Assist to submit your requests should you be unable to use Patchs.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes and thank you for your understanding