Camrose, Gillies, Hackwood and Beggarwood Patient Participation Group

16/06/2026

🧠 Don’t Wait to Hear Better — Your Brain Depends on It

Hearing loss isn’t just about your ears… it’s about your brain health too.

🔍 Key facts:
• Even mild hearing loss increases strain on the brain
• Waiting too long may mean lost opportunity to protect memory and thinking
• Staying connected helps reduce isolation and cognitive decline

📊 What the research shows:
A major study found people at higher risk of dementia who used hearing aids had ~48% slower cognitive decline.

👂 The simple message:
✔ Get your hearing checked early
✔ Don’t “wait until it’s bad”
✔ Use hearing aids if recommended

📍 How to get a FREE NHS hearing test (Basingstoke area)

Find local information and options here:
https://cghppg.weebly.com/hearing.html

• Free NHS hearing tests are available
• Local guidance and services are listed on the page
• Early checks can make a real difference

✅ Bottom line:
Looking after your hearing is looking after your brain. Act early.

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

More than 173,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have already received their spring COVID-19 vaccination this year. By protecting those most at risk from serious illness, our vaccination programme is helping people stay healthy and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions — a key part of the 10 Year Health Plan's focus on prevention.

Those eligible are people aged 75 and over, care home residents, and those who have an increased risk of getting seriously ill due to having a weakened immune system. Local GP and our Clinical Director, Dr Charlotte Hutchings, said: “Thank you to those of you who have come forward to have their spring COVID-19 vaccination. Our campaign continues until June 30, and the last date to book into a slot is June 29, so there is still some time yet to have your vaccination if you are eligible.

“It does take about one-to-two weeks for the COVID-19 vaccination to become active, so the sooner you get it the better. The vaccine provides protection that lasts for some months, so we recommend people take up the offer of seasonal boosters to improve their immunity.”

Anyone unsure whether they are eligible for a vaccination, or who needs support with booking an appointment, can contact the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Further information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including eligibility criteria and booking options, is available through the NHS website and NHS App.

15/06/2026

Thankyou to Cliddesden Primary School for enabling the practice to reuse / recycle this unwanted chair at St Andrews Surgery Reception enabling our frailer patients to wait in a more suitable chair, at no extra cost to the NHS budget. This is one of the improvements we’ve discussed with the practice management, and a practical way the patient group can support patients and the practice by sourcing and relocating the chair. Small changes can all add up to better care.

15/06/2026

💪 Exercise is Good for Everyone – Every Condition 💪

Physical activity isn’t just about fitness or weight loss. It’s one of the most effective ways to improve and protect your health.

Regular exercise can help prevent or manage many common conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, depression, anxiety, COPD, asthma, dementia, and some cancers.

Many people living with long-term conditions worry that exercise might make things worse. In reality, the right activity can often help improve symptoms, increase confidence, and support independence.

Whatever your age, ability, or health condition, focusing on the foundations of fitness can make a big difference:

✅ Strength
✅ Stamina
✅ Balance

Every movement counts. You don’t have to run a marathon or join a gym. Small, regular amounts of activity can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing.

Looking for local activities in the Basingstoke area or simple exercises you can do at home?

👉 Visit www.cghppg.weebly.com/exercise-for-health

Find local opportunities, practical advice, and resources to help you get moving and stay active.

13/06/2026

🧶 National Knit in Public Day 🧶

Knitting isn’t just a relaxing hobby — it’s a powerful way to support your wellbeing, wherever you are.

✨ Health & wellbeing benefits of knitting:
• Reduces stress and anxiety through calming, repetitive motion
• Promotes mindfulness and helps quiet a busy mind
• Improves focus, coordination, and fine motor skills
• Supports memory and cognitive wellbeing
• Encourages social connection when knitting in public or with groups
• Can help lower heart rate and promote relaxation

So this National Knit in Public Day, take your needles outside, enjoy the fresh air, and stitch a little calm into your day 🌿

👋 Looking to join a friendly local community of make?
Try Oakley Stitchers

https://www.oakleystitchers.org.uk

10/06/2026

No you may not need to see your GP for hearing issues or tests - full details here https://cghppg.weebly.com/hearing.html

1. Direct to NHS Audiology (Self-Referral)
Best for: Fast NHS care without a GP appointment

NHS hearing assessment
Free NHS hearing aids if needed
Tinnitus and balance support
□ 01962 824437
□ [email protected]

2. NHS Hearing Test at Specsavers
Best for: Convenient high-street access

Free hearing test
NHS referral for hearing aids if eligible
Direct access available
□ 01256 479429
□ Book at Specsavers

3. NHS Hearing Test at Scrivens (Tadley)
Best for: Local community clinic

Free hearing test
NHS hearing aids if eligible
No GP needed for many adults
□ Holmwood Health Centre, Tadley
□ 0118 981 1744
□ Scrivens Hearing Care

4. GP Referral
Best for: Complex symptoms or all ages

Full NHS assessment
Free hearing aids if needed
Other places offering FREE hearing checks (not NHS)
Boots Hearingcare
□ 0345 270 1600
Leightons Hearing Care
□ 01256 463484

See your GP urgently if you have:
Sudden hearing loss
Hearing loss in one ear only
Ear pain, discharge, or bleeding
Dizziness or neurological symptoms
Don’t wait – help is available
You don’t need a GP referral for most hearing assessments

Act now. Hear better. Live better.

10/06/2026

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