Spring Street Surgery

📢 Important Update: Resident Doctors Strike Action

Please be aware of upcoming industrial action by Resident doctors scheduled from 7th April to 13th April.

NHS services will be significantly busier than usual during this period. To help us ensure those in critical need get the care they require, we ask you to:

Use NHS 111 online as your first port of call for non-emergency medical advice.

Only call 999 or visit A&E in a genuine, life-threatening emergency.

Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep services running smoothly. 💙

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/ACgX50YAxkX
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/cv7l50YAxl8

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/6wA450YzCk1
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/5zLA50YzCk4
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/5aLW50YzCk6
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/SF6f50YzCk5

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/yeyw50Yybin

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/rtqR50Yybig

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/5omi50Yy1Iq

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/WbFq50Yy1I4
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/qLNK50Yy1Ie
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/2LZY50Yy1HV
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/6JXt50Yy1Hl
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/x4Bp50Yy1Ik
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/H4sq50Yy1Ib
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/GnLJ50Yy1Ir

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

We know many people are concerned about the recent meningitis cases linked to Kent.

Please visit the News Section on our website for a detailed message from NHS Surrey.

Currently there is no evidence of meningitis beyond Kent.

📌 If you are in Surrey, you will only be eligible for preventative antibiotics and the MenB vaccine if you fall into one of the following groups:

Students who live or normally live on Canterbury campus
Staff who live or work in the affected halls of residence.
Anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury from 5–16 March.
Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA (UK Health & Security Agency)

If you are in one of these groups and have not yet been contacted, please call the UKHSA helpline: 0344 225 3861 (9am–5pm) for advice.

📌 If you have no symptoms, you do not need to take action unless you meet the criteria above or are advised to by UKHSA.

⚠️ Seek urgent medical help if you develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache, rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or dislike of bright lights.

We’ll continue to share local updates when they are available.

Eid Mubarak to all our colleagues and local communities who are celebrating! ☪️

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent.

It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from

http://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis