Practice News

Cervical Screening Awareness Week – Don’t Put Off Your Smear Test

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we are encouraging everyone eligible to attend their cervical screening appointment when invited.

A cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) is an important health check that helps prevent cervical cancer. It is not a test for cancer – it is designed to identify changes in the cervix early, before they become serious.

We understand that many people may feel nervous, embarrassed, or unsure about attending. Please know that these feelings are completely understandable, and our clinical team is here to support you. We aim to make your appointment as comfortable as possible and are happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

Why is cervical screening important?

• It helps detect high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus), which can cause changes to cervical cells.
• Early detection means changes can be monitored or treated before cancer develops.
• Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, screening is still important.

Who should attend?
If you are invited for cervical screening, please book your appointment when due. Screening invitations are routinely sent to eligible patients, and regular attendance is one of the best ways to protect your health.

Need to book or overdue your smear?
If you think you may be due or have missed your appointment, please contact the surgery to arrange this.

Your health matters – a few minutes at your appointment could make a real difference.

Be Skin Smart

Published on 11th May 2026

Be Skin Smart

Published on 11th May 2026

Missed Appointments to date 2026

The following appointments were wasted due to none arrivals of patients at Musgrove Park, Sydenham House and Hollington Surgery:

• Practice Nurse 209 did not attend
• Nursing associate 55 did not attend
• Health Care Assistants 413 did not attend

This totals 477 missed appointments in total.

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease confirmed in Kent

Statement issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 15 March 2026.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS are arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area of Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease. The specific strain has not been identified at the present time.

For more information including signs and symptoms, please click on the link below:

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease confirmed in Kent - GOV.UK

UKHSA helpline for the public. Opening times are Monday to Friday from  9am-5pm – 0344 225 3861, if you have no symptoms but are concerned you have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry.

Criteria for prophylaxis: 

contact with/or self-reported contact with a confirmed case of meningococcal diseases/meningitis

Living on the Kent University Campus

Attended the Chemistry night club on 5th,6th or 7th March 2026 

Available  at: 

• Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ -  Open daily from 9am to 8pm.
• Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG - Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
• Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA - Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm).
• Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT - Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.

Health Publications orderline: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.html

Meningitis NOW: https://www.meningitisnow.org (Tel: 0808 801 0388)

Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org (Tel: 0808 800 3344).

National guidelines on the management of meningococcal cases and their contacts can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-disease-guidance-on-public-health-management

Preventing the spread of meningococcal disease

The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to the very close contacts of the patient with the illness. That usually means that only people who live in the same house as the sick person need treatment.

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.  

Symptoms of meningococcal disease

It is sensible to be aware of the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, outlined below.

Some common signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease

One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.

Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. However, anyone affected with meningococcal disease will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. You should keep checking yourself/ your child if they are unwell and contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns.

If you become worried about your/your child’s condition, particularly if they are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest A&E Department or by dialling 999.

Be watchful and use your instincts. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:

The Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org telephone: 0808 800 3344

Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org telephone: 0808 80 10 388 helpline email address: helpline@meningitisnow.org

Risk Stratification

You might spot something in your NHS App called segmentation. Don’t worry – it’s not a test result you need to act on!

Think of segmentation as us creating a simple “map” of our patients’ health and wellbeing needs. This helps us understand what matters most to you, so we can make your care more personal and timely.

✅ No action is needed from you – it just helps us help you.
ℹ️ More information can be found here

Local Parent Wellbeing with NCT Walk & Talk

These weekly walks are a lifeline for many new parents, offering gentle exercise, peer support, and a reason to get out of the house. The walks are free, accessible with a buggy, and take place in local parks or open spaces. 

Covid vaccinations

Covid vaccinations are now available to book via the national booking site or by telephoning 119. Musgrove Park is listed as Stour PCN.