St James and St Osyth Surgery

23/07/2026

08/07/2026

🎾 Game. Set. Check your balls.

While you're watching Wimbledon this summer, take one minute to check yourself too.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 49, but when it's found early it's highly treatable.

Get to know what's normal for you and speak to your GP practice if you notice:
🎾 a lump or swelling
🎾 a change in size, shape or firmness
🎾 pain or discomfort
🎾 a feeling of heaviness in the sc***um.

Checking regularly only takes a minute and could make all the difference. This Wimbledon, don't just watch the balls. Check yours too.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/1C325

07/07/2026

Heading off to university or residential college this autumn?

If you’re eligible, make sure you get your MenB vaccine to help protect yourself against meningococcal B (MenB) disease before you go.

Online booking opens from Monday 13 July 2026 for young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, so don’t wait to book your appointment.

Although MenB is rare, it can become serious very quickly and can cause meningitis or blood poisoning (septicaemia). Students living in shared accommodation are at increased risk because the bacteria can spread through close contact.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are currently in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008)
• Are under 25 and starting university for the first time this autumn
• Are under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time this autumn

The vaccine is available from 159 community pharmacies across Essex, and you’ll need two doses for the best protection.

Even if you’ve already had the MenACWY vaccine, you should still have the MenB vaccine if you’re eligible, as it protects against a different strain of meningococcal bacteria.

Look out for your NHS invitation via the NHS App, text message, email or letter.

Visit our website to book your appointment, check if you’re eligible and find one of the 159 pharmacies across Essex offering the vaccine near you: https://www.essex.icb.nhs.uk/news/protect-yourself-against-menb-before-university/

29/06/2026

26/06/2026

22/06/2026

🔴⚠️ A Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued across the Midlands and southern England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups. Northern England is under an Amber alert.
For further information, visit the data dashboard:
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat?type=heat

22/06/2026

🌡️ ☀️ Did you know some medications can make it harder for your body to stay cool in hot weather?

Certain medicines, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics (“water tablets”) and antihistamines, can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

This week, make sure you:

💧 Stay hydrated
🆒 Keep cool
🤝 Check in with those who may be more vulnerable

The heat can affect anyone, but older people, those with long-term health conditions and people taking certain medications may be at greater risk.

Enjoy the sunshine safely, and if you have any concerns about your health or medication, speak to your GP, pharmacist or mental health team.

05/06/2026

Need help using the NHS App?

Free support is available at libraries across Essex to help you get online and access NHS services with confidence.

Essex Libraries staff can help you:

✔ Set up an NHS account
✔ Download and use the NHS App
✔ Order repeat prescriptions
✔ View appointments and test results
✔ Access trusted NHS health information
✔ Build your digital skills

Libraries also offer free computer access, free Wi-Fi and one-to-one support sessions in a friendly, welcoming environment.

If you need help setting up an NHS account, please bring:

📱 A mobile phone
🔢 Your NHS number

Whether you’re new to digital technology or just need a helping hand, support is available to help you access NHS services in a way that works for you.

Find out more and book a support session at your local library. See link in comments for more info.



Essex County Council

22/05/2026

Warm weather can be enjoyable, but it’s important to take care in the heat — especially if you take certain medications, including some SSRIs and antipsychotics, which can affect how the body regulates temperature.

Please remember to:

💧 Stay hydrated
🆒 Stay cool
🤝 Seek support if you need it

Hot weather can affect anyone, but older people, people with long-term health conditions, and those taking certain medications may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

So whether you’re heading to the Essex coast, relaxing in the garden, or making the most of the sunshine, please enjoy the warmer weather safely.

If you feel unwell or need support, speak to your GP, pharmacist or mental health team.