News
Your Cornwall Guide to Winter Wellbeing
Your Cornwall guide to Winter Wellbeing with topics including ⬇️
Help with heating your home
Keep well and prepare for winter
Why keeping warm affects your health and wellbeing
Grants, loans and subsidies for energy use
Winter Wellbeing guides
About the winter wellbeing
Read the full PDF guide HERE
NEWSLETTER
Our newsletter is published monthly and can be found here on our website, on our facebook page and printed out in our patient waiting room. It's a great way to keep updated on our practice news & health campaigns.
To read our newsletter for october please click HERE
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection that can be life-threatening. It develops very quickly and needs urgent treatment in hospital.
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children include:
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- having a fit (seizure)
- a high or low temperature – feeling very hot or cold when you touch them
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a rash that does not fade when you press it – this type of rash is rare in sepsis, but it may be a symptom of meningitis
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
- not peeing in the last 12 hours (for babies and children under 5 years), or not peeing all day (for children 5 years and over) – you can check a baby's nappy to see if it's dry
Babies and children under 5 years may also not be interested in feeding or they may keep being sick (vomiting).
Symptoms of sepsis in adults
Common symptoms of sepsis in adults include:
- confusion or slurred speech
- uncontrollable shivering
- muscle pain
- difficulty breathing
- blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a high or low temperature – a high temperature is less common in older adults
- not peeing all day or peeing very little in the past 18 hours
Help and support for sepsis
Many people die from sepsis in the UK each year. For those who survive, the long-term effects can be both physical and emotional.
The UK Sepsis Trust
The UK Sepsis Trust provides help and support for anyone affected by sepsis, including family, friends and carers.
- Website: www.sepsistrust.org
- Helpline: 0808 800 0029
- The UK Sepsis Trust: support
Find more information at ➡️Sepsis - NHS
October Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026
Each year, about 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.
It is more common in people over 50, but it can also affect younger people.
Whether you’ve been affected by breast cancer or just want to find out more, Macmillan can help.
If you are worried about breast cancer or you have questions about treatments, you are not alone. Visit ⬇️
Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Macmillan Cancer Support
Breast screening (mammogram)
NHS breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel.
NHS breast screening is offered to women aged 50 up to your 71st birthday. Everyone registered with a GP as female will be invited. You'll automatically get your first invitation for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. You'll then be invited every 3 years until your 71st birthday.
Regularly checking your breasts helps you become familiar with what’s normal, so you can notice changes early and seek medical advice promptly.
Symptoms to look and feel for when checking your breasts or chest include:
- a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it’s common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
- nipple discharge (if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema)
- sores or ulcers on your chest
Stoptober
Stoptober 2026 runs from 17 September to 1 November 2026, with the main 28‑day quit challenge taking place from 1–31 October, supported by NHS Better Health and new campaign themes including mental health, “Closer Each Time,” and “For Everyone.”
Overview
Stoptober is an annual public health campaign in the UK that encourages smokers to quit smoking for 28 days during the month of October. When you stop smoking, good things start to happen — you can begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health, as well as your finances.
So this October, join the thousands of smokers committing to quitting. Stop smoking for 28 days and you're 5 times more likely to give up for good.
It's much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
What’s New in 2026
The 2026 campaign introduces three new content themes:
- Mental health: highlighting the link between smoking, stress and wellbeing
- Closer Each Time: normalising multiple quit attempts
- For Everyone: emphasising benefits for family and community
Please visit the links below for National and local Quit Smoking Support:
Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS
For local support ⬇️
Website: Healthy Cornwall - Complete their enquiry form ⬇️
Tel: 01872 324200
Email: healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk
Pharmacies ⬇️
Many pharmacies offer stop-smoking schemes with tailored advice and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to help you quit.
GP Surgery ⬇️
You may be able to access nicotine-free medicines from your GP. When you combine this medicine with NRTs, you are over 5 times more likely to quit smoking for good!
National Smokefree Helpline:
You can also reach out to the National Smokefree Helpline to talk to a trained adviser for advice and support.
Call 0300 123 1044 (England only).
Lines are open:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm
Job Opportunity
We have an exciting job opportunity to join our team at Stratton Medical Centre.
Salaried GP - Please click HERE for more details and how to apply.
For any questions about the job, please contact the Practice Manager Angela Sundberg:
Tel: 01288 353358 or via email: angela.sundberg@nhs.net
About Us:
Stratton Medical Centre has over 10,700 patients who are looked after by an integrated team of 9 GPs, 2 Nurse Practitioners, a Paramedic, 2 Nurses, 3 Health Care Assistants and a Phlebotomist.
As part of a wider Primary Care Network (PCN), our GP team also benefit from a clinical pharmacist, a home visiting paramedic, a social prescriber and health and wellbeing coach. We also have a team of staff who work with more vulnerable adults including diabetics, learning disabled and the frail elderly. All these staff contribute to managing our patient group.
We are a well-organised, forward-thinking practice led by two GP Partners and an experienced Practice Manager. We pride ourselves on our ability to respond quickly to challenges whilst maintaining a supportive environment where staff feedback is valued and encouraged. We are committed to ensuring that Stratton Medical Centre remains a positive and rewarding place to work.
"Communication and teamwork are at the heart of what we do."
Autumn / Winter Vaccination programmes
Guide to NHS Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines 2026/27
As autumn approaches, it's time to prepare for flu season. Stratton Medical Centre is encouraging eligible patients to get protected with their NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter.
Our Vaccination clinics are as follows:
Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinics – Book Now!
Protect yourself this autumn! 🍂
We’re now taking bookings for our Flu & COVID clinics at Stratton Medical Centre:
📅 Saturday 17th October 2026
📅 Saturday 31st October 2026
📞 Call: 01288 270342 (10am - 12 noon, 2pm - 4pm) Monday- Friday.
(This line will also be open all day on the Saturday clinic dates should you need to cancel your appointment on the day)
Why Get Vaccinated?
Flu can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. Vaccination remains the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
COVID-19 also continues to circulate during the winter months, making vaccination important for those at higher risk.
Flu Vaccine Eligibility
From 1 September 2026
- Pregnant women
From 1 October 2026
- 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
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
From October 2026, eligible groups include
- 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
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
As soon as you're eligible.
Getting vaccinated in September or October helps build protection before flu season typically peaks in December and January. The NHS recommends receiving your vaccine by late November where possible.
Can I Have Both Vaccines Together?
Yes. If you're eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, they can usually be given during the same appointment.
What About Children?
Most school age children will receive their flu vaccine as a nasal spray through their school vaccination programme.
Children aged 6 months to under 2 years who are in a clinical risk group may be offered an injectable flu vaccine through NHS services.
Book Your Vaccination
Eligible patients can book through:
- Online, when you receive your link
- By telephone
- At the front desk
- Or on the day at one of our pop up clinic
Protect Yourself This Winter
Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, contact Stratton Medical Centre for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I get my flu and Covid-19 vaccines?
The NHS flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme for 2026/27 begins in autumn 2026. Eligible people can arrange their vaccination through their GP practice
Who is eligible?
NHS flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are offered to people in eligible groups who are at greater risk from flu or Covid-19 or who may benefit from protection. This can include older adults, people with certain health conditions, pregnant women and some children.
Eligibility can change each season, so check the latest NHS guidance or ask your local pharmacy or GP practice.
Can I get flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at the same time?
In some circumstances, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given during the same appointment. Whether you are eligible for both vaccines depends on the NHS vaccination programme and your individual circumstances.
Why should I have a vaccination each year?
Viruses change over time and the strains expected to circulate can vary from one season to another. The flu vaccines are updated regularly to provide protection against the strains expected during the upcoming season.
Talan's Trust - Local Charity
Talan's Trust, a local charity, dedicated to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, which in turn will lead to earlier diagnosis.
Talan died in May 2017 from Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a type of soft tissue sarcoma that grows in active muscles of the body. Talan was 19. His family miss him greatly.
A diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a truly devastating one as there are currently no effective targeted treatments for the aggressive form of this disease (that Talan had).
Talan’s Trust are determined to help change this.
Since Talan’s Trust was formed in 2017 the Trust has raised over £160,000 With numerous fund raisers, and the help of the local community we are able to continue to help support a full time researcher at the I.C.R. The Institute of Cancer Research.
To read more please visit Funding research into RMS - Talan's Trust
Dr Angus MacDonald, at Neetside Surgery, talks about the signs and signals to look out for when spotting early signs of possible cancer ⬇️
Raising Awareness - Talan's Trust
And take time to read through the poster below ⬇️
You can also follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/talanstrust/ and keep updated with fundraisers and events.
Using Technology to Help Us Help You - Introducing Brave AI Assessment Tool.
Nobody likes an unexpected trip to hospital. That’s why we’re using a new digital tool to help keep you safe and well at home.
This tool uses data to help identify people who might be at risk of becoming seriously unwell. If you’re identified, we’ll get in touch to invite you for a personalised assessment.
Our goal is simple: to support you early, so you can stay where you’re happiest—at home, doing what matters to you.
Want to learn more? Speak to a member of staff or visit:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/digital-neighbourhoods/
Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children across England on the NHS.
A free chickenpox vaccination will be offered for the first time to children across England on the NHS from January 2026.
- Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
- Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
- The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work
Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.
From January next year, GP practices will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) - the clinical term for chickenpox - as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.
It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents will not need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.
Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK
Page created: 11 September 2025