May Activity Update

Posted on June 30th, 2026

Waiting room display boards

You may have noticed that our waiting room notice boards look much more organised, up to date, and visually appealing. This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful Patient Participation Group (PPG) volunteers. Over the past few months, our volunteers have spent time reorganising the boards, updating information, adding clear headings and creating a more welcoming and accessible display for everyone. We are already receiving positive feedback from both patients and staff who have noticed the improvements. We would like to say a huge thank you to our volunteers for their time, commitment and support! Interested in getting involved? If you would like to take part in future PPG projects and help make a difference to our practice, please contact us at: oh.ppg@nhs.net

Managing Heatwaves

As we experience more periods of hot weather, it is important to take extra care, particularly for older adults, young children and people with long-term health conditions. During hot weather, remember to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, wear loose, light clothing and keep your home cool by closing curtains during the day and opening windows when temperatures fall. Check in on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours, and seek advice if you or someone else develops symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea or a high temperature, as these may be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. For more information and advice, visit the NHS website

Steroid Injection Appointments

Steroid injections are not routinely available at most GP practices, and many patients would need to be referred to hospital services, which often involves a long wait. We are proud to offer this service to patients at Orchid House Surgery. As only specially trained GPs can provide these injections, appointments are limited and are booked from a waiting list. Patients are added to the waiting list if the GP deems a steroid injection is an appropriate course of treatment. If your symptoms worsen or change while you are waiting for a steroid injection, please submit a SystmConnect request so that a GP can provide you with interim advice.  Learn more.

NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service

To make accessing contraception quicker and more convenient, pharmacies now provide the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. If you are looking to start the contraceptive pill, continue your current oral contraception, or need advice about your contraception options, you may be able to visit a participating pharmacy without needing to book a GP appointment.

Pharmacists are specially trained to provide confidential consultations, assess your suitability for oral contraception, and supply the contraceptive pill where appropriate. Many pharmacies can also provide emergency contraception and offer advice on sexual health.

For more information on the service, visit the NHS website.