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October Newsletter 2026
A warm thank you
We begin this edition by thanking our recently retired Chair, Nick Longdon, and committee member David Hawkins for their hard work and valuable contributions to Holbrook PPG over many years. We are pleased to welcome Natasha Long as the new PPG Chair.
As we move into the colder months, this edition includes information about vaccinations, winter health, common patient questions and useful local services.
Autumn and winter vaccinations
Eligible patients should have received a text inviting them to book Holbrook Surgery’s flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. These vaccines can be given together.
Vaccination helps protect those most at risk of serious illness, reduces hospital admissions and eases winter pressure on the NHS.
Flu vaccine
Offered to people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people with certain longterm health conditions, carers and other eligible groups.
Check your eligibility on the NHS website
COVID-19 vaccine
Offered to people aged 75 or over, older people living in care homes, and people aged six months or over with a weakened immune system.
See COVID-19 guidance on the NHS website
RSV vaccine
Now available to people aged 75 or over; people aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or certain long-term lung conditions; older people living in care homes; and those who are at least 28 weeks pregnant.
See the RSV guidance on the NHS website
If you think you are eligible but have not been contacted or would like your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at separate appointments, please call reception.
Simple steps to stay well this winter
Cold winter weather can worsen health conditions and increase the risk of falls. A few simple steps can help:
- Keep warm and active: aim for at least 18°C in rooms you use regularly. Wear layers, have warm food and drinks, and keep moving gently, even indoors.
- Prepare your medicines: check you have enough regular medication, particularly before holidays or severe weather, ordering repeat prescriptions in good time. If collecting medicines is difficult, ask if your pharmacy offers home delivery or consider choosing an NHS-registered online pharmacy that can deliver prescriptions directly to you.
- Get help early: use a pharmacy for advice on minor illnesses, contact the surgery for non-urgent problems, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Please check on older or vulnerable relatives and neighbours during cold weather.
Prostate cancer testing
Recent changes to national guidance caused some confusion about access to PSA testing. The Department of Health and Social Care has clarified that there has been no change in policy and that patients can still ask their GP about PSA testing.
Holbrook Surgery has confirmed that it is not reducing or withholding PSA testing. Anyone with possible symptoms or concerns about their individual risk should make an appointment to discuss whether a PSA test may be appropriate.
- Information about PSA testing PSA test on the NHS website
- Supporting statement from Prostate Cancer UK
Weight-loss medications: use them safely
The weight-loss medications currently used are called GLP-1 medications. These can be a valuable tool for weight management, but using them safely is just as important as the results they deliver. One of our patients has shared their experience so far:
“I’ve been using GLP-1 injections for the last five months and have lost 3½ stone so far. Alongside the medication, I’ve focused on eating healthily and exercising regularly, which has helped me get the most from the treatment.
Personally, I’ve experienced very few side effects, and nothing that I haven’t been able to manage. An important part of my journey has been obtaining the medication privately through a local pharmacy. They monitor my blood pressure and check in with me every month, providing reassurance that my treatment remains safe and effective.”
If you're considering GLP-1 treatment, make sure you use a reputable provider, follow professional advice, and combine the medication with healthy lifestyle choices. Regular monitoring and ongoing support can make a real difference to both your results and your wellbeing.
Beware of counterfeit medicines
Fake and potentially harmful weight-loss injections have been found in the UK. Only obtain them on prescription from a trusted pharmacy.
Never buy them through social media, beauty salons or other unverified sellers.
If you are unsure whether a seller is genuine, ask your usual pharmacist for advice.
Medicines bought outside the legal supply chain may not contain what the label claims.
Managing patient access to healthcare services
Parental access to a child’s account
At Holbrook Surgery, parents’ online access changes as a child gets older:
- When a child turns 13, Holbrook Surgery asks the child to complete and sign a form giving consent for their parent(s) to continue having online access.
- This consent remains in place until the child turns 15, when parental access is switched off. The young person will then need to give the Surgery their own email address so that they can access appointments and request medication online.
Please contact reception if you need the consent form or have any questions about access to your child’s account.
Gaining access to a loved one’s healthcare information and LPAs
The Government has set up an online system that allows people to generate access codes for a registered Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), instead of having to provide the registered document. However, some organisations, such as Holbrook Surgery, still require the registered paper document or a certified copy.
To provide some clarification:
If the patient can still make their own decisions
They can give consent for a relative or trusted person to make appointments, discuss their medical care and test results, and receive information relating to their healthcare. Holbrook Surgery has a consent form available at reception.
If the patient no longer has the mental capacity to make the relevant decisions
An attorney may be able to act under a registered Health and Welfare LPA. To record an LPA at Holbrook Surgery, a paper copy of the registered LPA should be taken to reception so that it can be checked and added to the patient’s record.
Contraceptive pill prescriptions made easier
If you need a regular supply of the contraceptive pill, Holbrook Surgery and the NHS have measures in place to make getting repeat prescriptions as straightforward as possible.
You should not normally need to attend monthly face-to-face appointments. Provided Holbrook Surgery has an up-to-date blood pressure reading, you should usually receive a 6 or 12 month supply. If you are currently receiving only one month at a time, please contact the surgery so this can be reviewed.
You can also obtain the contraceptive pill free through a number of participating pharmacies in Horsham (find a pharmacy on the NHS website). The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service offers confidential consultations and can provide both first-time and repeat supplies of the pill without needing a GP appointment.
Surgery update
Plans for three additional consulting rooms are progressing, with planning approval anticipated during October. The extra rooms will provide much-needed space for existing surgery staff.
Free support from Horsham Wellbeing
Horsham Wellbeing offers free, confidential support to adults who live or work locally. Its trained advisers can help with stopping smoking, managing weight, becoming more active, reducing alcohol intake, and making lifestyle changes to improve blood pressure, cholesterol and general health.
October is Stoptober
So it is a good time to consider stopping smoking. Horsham Wellbeing provides weekly support from a specialist adviser, together with free nicotine replacement therapy throughout the programme.
Horsham workshops and activity programmes
- Heart Smart, Friday 20 November, 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Horsham Wellbeing Hub. This workshop explains simple lifestyle changes that can improve heart health. Booking required.
- Other support includes a Falls Prevention programme in Roffey and Broadbridge Heath, plus free Get Active courses including Pilates, Aquafit, Learn to Run, 65+ exercise and Legs, Bums & Tums. View Get Active details.
Contact details
- Telephone: 01403 215111
- Email: info@horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk
- Visit the Horsham District Wellbeing website
Published: Oct 20, 2026