Dear patients, carers and families, Please be advised that the practice will be closed for the afternoon on Wednesday 25/3/26 from 12noon for staff training. During this time, please call 111 in the event of an URGENT need. For general enquiries and please contact the practice when we re-open the next day.  Please use Klinik to communicate your problem and a GP will be in touch within 5 working days. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. use this link: https://access.klinik.co.uk/contact/wellington-practice

CHEMISTS Information and Links to Local Pharmacies (Chemists)

We are following the National guidance as it emerges.  Below is the NHS information on the symptoms of Meningitis

Meningitis – Symptoms – NHS

Symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, there may not be a rash, or the rash may fade when pressure is applied.

You should get medical help immediately if you’re concerned about yourself or your child.

Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

• • • a high temperature
    • cold hands and feet
    • vomiting
    • confusion
    • breathing quickly
    • muscle and joint pain
    • pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
    • spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
    • headache
    • a stiff neck
    • a dislike of bright lights
    • being very sleepy or difficult to wake
    • fits (seizures)

Babies may also:

• • • refuse feeds
    • be irritable
    • have a high-pitched cry
    • have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
    • have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head

Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.

Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious.

If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.

Meningitis rash

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If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis and you should call 999 straight away.

Page last reviewed: 25 October 2022
Next review due: 25 October 2025

Hospital Hill is now closed to traffic from Mon 16/3/26 for gas mains work. This could be for up to 6 weeks. The diversion is up Gunn Hill to the Health Centre. It may also affect footpaths. The contractors number for queries is 0800 912 1700 or email at customer@sgn.co.uk. Allow time for any roadworks, traffic and car parking time. Arriving more than 7 minutes late to check in will mean not being able to be seen due to timed clinics.

With increasing strain on GP Practice appointments, sometimes the option can be to visit your local pharmacy under the NHS (Government) Pharmacy first Scheme.  Pharmacies are paid to see certain conditions as described via the link.  https://bit.ly/4rQjxDV   We are not being deliberately obstructive, this is a scheme utilising other skilled staff other than the GP so the GP can focus on the complex and complicated patient and minor illnesses can be treated by a person other than the GP.  Part 2 in next message.

As a first line response this is the right process.  If the pharmacy treatment doesn’t work then we will re-assess within the GP Practice.  Help us to reduce the demand for appointments and the burden on the GP Practice.  We are all in the NHS to help but you do not have to be seen by the GP in the first instance.

Practice Closed Wednesday 18/11/25 afternoon for mandatory staff training

Strike action by resident doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7am tomorrow morning, Friday 14 November, until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.

Regardless of any action taking place, people who need care should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-saving cases. People should visit 111 online or call 111 for help and advice but dial 999 if it is a serious life-threatening emergency.

There is information online via this link information for the public.