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Honeywall Medical Centre Autumn Newsletter
Autumn 2026
Welcome to our Honeywall Medical Centre Autumn Newsletter!
Practice update
We are excited to share some new updates within the organisation to our patients.
Prebookable clinics
From 7th September 2026, we are increasing pre-bookable appointments across various sites and clinics for non-urgent conditions. These can be booked throughout the day, so you can skip the 8am queue!
Digital services
We also have the option of requesting an online appointments which is proving more and more popular with our patients for routine appointment requests. You can submit this by the NHS APP or by visiting our website
We have seen a large increase in patients signing up to the NHS APP. This allows you to order prescriptions, view hospital appointments, view your records, test results and much more. We have trained NHS APP Champion staff at the surgeries, so if you would like any support setting this up, you can pop in to the surgery or call the surgery and we will be happy to help.
We continually review our call wait time and appointment capacity across the organisation to ensure we are giving our patients the best possible care and experience.
Autumn/winter vaccination programme
Flu Vaccinations
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
How to get the flu vaccine
Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2026.
Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2026.
You will be able to get a flu vaccine from your GP surgery
COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It's usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine?
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026 at your GP practice.
RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life. It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses, such as:
These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening. Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Who should have the RSV vaccine?
You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:
- you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're born
- you're aged 75 or over
- you're aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or have a long-term lung condition (this does not include asthma that is under control)
- you live in a care home for older adults
How to get the RSV vaccine
There are different ways to get the RSV vaccine.
If you're pregnant
- You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.
- Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour.
- Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.
If you're aged 75 or over
- Your GP surgery will contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.
- If you’re aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or long-term lung condition
- Your GP surgery will contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.
Keeping well this winter
To stay well this winter, stay warm by layering clothes and keeping your home heated, eat nutritious food, and remain active indoors and outdoors. Additionally, practice good hygiene, manage your mental health by staying connected, and ensure you have necessary medications and vaccinations.
- Ensure you have a well stocked cupboard with medications that you can obtain from your local pharmacist including paracetamol, cough and cold mixtures.
- Make sure you have enough prescription medication. You can order these more conveniently through the NHS App and this will be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy without needing to come to the surgery in this cold weather. If you would like support accessing the NHS App please contact the surgery and we will be more than happy to ask one of our NHS Champions to contact you.
Stay warm
- Wear several layers of thin clothing, both indoors and outdoors, and don't forget warm socks and gloves.
- Keep your home heated to a comfortable temperature and close windows on cold nights to avoid breathing in cold air.
- Eat at least one hot meal a day and drink hot drinks regularly to help you stay warm from the inside.
Stay active
- Move around frequently indoors and try to get outside for a walk or other enjoyable activities, but avoid sitting for more than an hour at a time.
- If you are exercising outside, wear multiple thin layers to generate body heat.
Protect your health
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you are eligible.
- Keep necessary medications on hand and make sure they are up to date. Consult with your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure what you need.
Look after your mental health
- The winter months can affect your mood, so it's important to look after your mental wellbeing.
- Stay social and check in with friends, family, and neighbours.
- Try to get as much natural light as possible.
- If you are feeling down, speak to someone you trust or contact a healthcare professional.
The NHS app
There have been several updates with the NHS App since the last newsletter; here is a brief overview of these changes:
- Simpler Navigation: The updated app now features three main, easy-to-use areas: Home, Messages, and Profile.
- Everything in One Place: While there is no longer a single “GP health record” section, all the information is still there and easier to find by selecting direct options for prescriptions, appointments, test results, vaccinations, health conditions, and documents.
- Updated Profile Area: In the profile section patients can view their NHS number, update their personal details or health choices, and manage health services for family members or people they care for (proxy access).
- Prescription/Medicine: All users can now see the full list of their repeat prescriptions, including those that are currently unavailable to request. Extended the ability to view and track prescription statuses to 30% of pharmacies. Ready-to-collect prescription notifications are now live with 16% of pharmacies, helping patients to collect their medicines sooner.
- E-Referrals: Patients referred by their GP to hospital services through e‑RS will receive two automated updates on the NHS App: one confirmation that the referral has been received and is being processed, followed by confirmation when the receiving provider has accepted it. The change is intended to give patients clearer visibility and reassurance at the start of their referral journey.
Reminder: Monday 21st September 2026 to Monday 5th October 2026 inclusive, Keele Students will be at Apsley Surgery in the morning for patients to attend for help and support.
PPG!
We have a fabulous well established PPG within Loomer Medical Partnership, with patients representing different GP Surgery sites as part of this group. We are now looking to bring any patients from Honeywall Medical Centre who would be able to give up a few hours of their time to attend meetings approximately four times a year. We are always looking at ways to improve our services for you. We rely on patient feedback whether this is good feedback or whether not so good.
Our times are flexible for meetings, and are currently run rotational at all our sites, which is lovely for all to see a different surgery too. We can also arrange for you to attend on Microsoft teams if you are unable to attend in person.
If you would be interested in joining our group please contact reception who will pass your details on.
Come along and help us improve our services for you. We look forward to inviting you to our fabulous group.
Visit our patient participation group page
Patient feedback
by Ruth Matthews
We value all our patient feedback, whether it is a good experience or if there are areas which we can improve on.
You can leave your feedback in many ways:
- Google review
- Directly at our practice
- Completing our friends and family cards
- Online consultation - via the “admin” link
If you feel you would like to talk and discuss your experience whether this a good experience or something that did not go as well as expected, you can arrange to speak to our Practice Patient Manager at the surgery or we can arrange a face to face meeting.
Social media
Did you know we have a Facebook page?
We are always trying to communicate better with our patients, and we are trying to update all our patients as best as we possibly can. We will add any updates on facebook as well as our quarterly newsletter. If you see something you like give us a wave or if there is something you would like to see more of on facebook, just let us know
Bank holiday closures for 2025 to 2026
You can view our bank holiday closures on our events and closures calendar
If you require medical attention when the surgery is closed please call 111 who will be able to assist you. Please note if your medical need is life threatening, then you need to contact 999.
Published: Oct 2, 2026