Lakenheath Surgery

30/05/2026

We want to inform patients of an important change regarding the return and disposal of household sharps bins.

Under the new Norfolk & Suffolk ICB (Integrated Care Board) contract arrangements, our clinical waste provider is no longer able to collect or dispose of patient sharps bins unless specifically commissioned to do so. As a result, our dispensary department is unfortunately no longer able to accept returned sharps bins from patients.

Patients who use sharps bins for needles, lancets, or injectable medications will now need to use alternative disposal arrangements within the local area.

Please note that handling and disposal of household sharps waste is not part of normal pharmacy essential services and instead falls under local authority commissioning arrangements.

For patients living in Lakenheath, Mildenhall and the surrounding West Suffolk area, information regarding clinical household waste and sharps disposal can be found via West Suffolk Council:
https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/bins/electrical-and-hazardous-waste.cfm

West Suffolk Council currently advises that full sharps bins may be accepted at the following pharmacies:
• Croasdales Pharmacy, Bury St Edmunds
• Haverhill Pharmacy, Haverhill
• Lords Pharmacy, Newmarket

Patients are advised to contact the pharmacy before travelling, as services may change.

Sharps bins should never be placed in household or recycling waste bins.
https://www.gov.uk/request-clinical-waste-collection
We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause as a result.

20/05/2026

Due to staff absence on Thursday 21st May the dispensary will be open the reduced times of 10-12 and 4-6.

We will not be able to answer any questions regarding medication, the hatch will be open for collections only.

We will be open as normal on Friday.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

20/05/2026

If you are having chest pains please call 999.

If you are having a mental health crisis call 111 and select option 2, or attend A&E if you feel that you need to be in an immediate place of safety.

If you or a relative has fallen and needs help please call 999.

These services are available 24/7.

If you have an injury a Minor Injuries unit (such as Ely MIU), or the nearest hospital to you can provide you the most suitable care. these facilities are able to offer x-ray and clean and stitch or dress wounds, including offering antibiotics if appropriate.

If you have dental pain or abscess you need to contact your dentist. NHS 111 can offer contact details for an emergency dentist should you not be registered with one.

20/05/2026

11/05/2026

Over the coming weeks we are having some updating and improvement works at the surgery, both behind the scenes and in clinic rooms.

While we will be doing everything we can not to disrupt patients we hope you will understand should you be inconvenienced by any noise or works.

25/04/2026

If you are over 75 and would like your Covid vaccination please come to the surgery before 2.45pm today (Sat 25th April)

23/04/2026

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION***

PRACTICE CLOSURE FOR STAFF TRAINING
From 12:30 to 18:30 on
Tuesday 28th April 2026

This practice will be CLOSED for important clinical education and training purposes:

Emergency cover will be provided. Please telephone 111 to access these services:
• Telephone triage
• Face-to-face appointments at Drovers House in Bury St Edmunds.

Prescription requests will not be dealt with during these times, so please ensure sufficient notice is given to enable your practice to provide these for you prior to practice closure dates.

21/04/2026

Covid Vaccinations are available at the surgery on Saturday 25th April.
Please contact reception if over 75 years old and would like an appointment.