Old Bridge Surgery PPG

16/10/2026

Young people who have recently started university or residential college are being reminded that it is not too late to get a free meningitis B (MenB) vaccination.
The bacteria that cause MenB can spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, and living closely with other people. Young people starting university are at a higher risk because they are often meeting lots of new people and living in shared accommodation.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed, at least 28 days apart, and eligible young people are encouraged to book as soon as possible to receive maximum protection. The first dose can be given until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are essential for protection.
If you're eligible, you can book your 1st or 2nd dose online or over the phone.

13/10/2026

🙏Help stop the spread - infectious winter illnesses like flu and norovirus (nasty vomiting and diarrhoea bug) are on the rise!
🤧If you feel unwell - best advice is to stay home, get cosy, kept warm, hydrated and please don’t visit people who may be at risk if they get unwell, in hospital or care homes.
🧼 💦 Washing your hands and your children’s will help stop the spread.
🤧 Read this family winter illnesses advice: https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/2025/01/21/treating-childrens-winter-bugs-illness-or-injuries/

11/09/2026

There are lots of places where you can get help for illness and injury. Do you know where is best this autumn?
➕ Pharmacy 💚
A pharmacy can help with a wide range of minor illness, and provide all sorts of services and advice. Most now offer the Pharmacy First service which provides treatment for 7 common conditions, without the need for a GP appointment.
Find your nearest open pharmacy 👀⬇️
https://www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy
🤕 MIU 🦴
Minor Injury Units are for help with injuries that need urgent attention but are not a life or limb emergency. Always check open times, x-ray and live wait times before you go: https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/miu-waiting-times/
Think:
✂️ cuts that need stitches
📷 suspected broken bones
🔥 minor burns and scalds
👁️ eye problems
Open evenings and weekends, x-ray services, no appointment needed.
Always check open times, x-ray and live wait times before you go:

If you need help for something non-urgent and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open, or if you're unsure of what service you need, use NHS 111 online for help 24 hours a day. You can also call 111.

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

💜 Is someone you love ready to leave hospital?
If your loved one is medically ready to leave hospital, there are some practical things you can do to help:
🚗 Could you collect them from hospital?
If it is safe and possible, support from family or friends can help get loved ones home sooner.
🏠 Could you help get things ready at home?
Perhaps with shopping, food, heating, or making sure they have what they need for their first few days at home.
🤝 You don't have to do everything alone.
Depending on your loved one’s needs, there may be support available to help them get home safely.
This could include:
🏥 Hospital care at home — some people may be able to continue receiving NHS care and support in their own home. Ask the ward team whether this could be suitable.
💜 One-off Personal Health Budgets — in some circumstances, a one-off payment may be available to help put practical support in place to enable someone to return home safely. This could include things such as additional care or practical help at home. Ask the ward team whether this may be an option for your loved one.
🤝 Community support — the Cornwall Community Gateway can help you understand what local support may be available.
📞 Call the Cornwall Community Gateway: 01872 266383. Open 8am–8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
💬 It’s okay to ask: “When is my loved one going home, and how can I help?”
Once someone has had the hospital care they need, getting home to familiar surroundings can help them recover, regain independence and get back to the things that matter to them.
Getting home from hospital is a team effort. Families, friends, hospital staff and local services can work together to make sure the right support is in place. 💜
🔗 Find out more about going home from hospital: https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/.../helping-get-you-home-for-lunch/
👉 Discharged from hospital: https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/when-am-i-going-home-information.../
👉 Help with costs; https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/2025/10/02/a-helping-hand/
Please share with anyone who has a loved one currently in hospital. 💜

09/08/2026

31/07/2026

Visiting Cornwall? Take a look at our summer NHS advice & share to friends or family visiting:
➕ Think Pharmacy First 💚
A pharmacy can help with a wide range of minor illness, and provide all sorts of services and advice. Most now offer the Pharmacy First service which provides treatment for 7 common conditions, without the need for a GP appointment.
Find your nearest open pharmacy 👀⬇️
https://www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy
🤕 MIU 🦴
Minor Injury Units and the Urgent Treatment Centre (West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance) are for help with injuries that need urgent attention but are not a life or limb emergency.
Always check open times, x-ray and live wait times before you go: https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/miu-waiting-times/
They can help with:
✂️ cuts that need stitches
📷 suspected broken bones
🔥 minor burns and scalds
👁️ eye problems.
Open evenings and weekends, x-ray services, no appointment needed.
💻 Unsure? Use NHS 111 online 📱
If you need help for something non-urgent and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open use https://111.nhs.uk
🚑 In an emergency 📞
Always call 999 or visit the emergency department if it is a genuine emergency that is life- or limb-threatening, such as chest pain, major blood loss, loss of consciousness.

19/07/2026

Did you know the pharmacist can help with 7 common conditions, meaning you don’t need to see your GP?
There are more than 90 pharmacies in Cornwall that can offer medical advice and help on the following health conditions…
• Earache (age 1 to 17)
• Sinusitis (age 12 and over)
• Sore throat (age 5 and over)
• Infected insect bite (age 1 and over)
• Impetigo, a skin infection (age 1 and over)
• Shingles (age 18 and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (age 16 to 64)

15/07/2026

Hot weather can affect medicines and how your body responds, posing extra risks if you’ve got a pre-existing condition. Medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. Some medicines can make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. More info here . . .
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dont-let-this-heatwave-affect-your-medicines-three-important-tips-from-the-mhra
To stay safe in the heat: Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you’re out and about. Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn

27/06/2026

OUCH! 🐝
Here are some helpful tips on what to do if insects bite or sting you this summer . . .
➡️ http://nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/