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Autumn Newsletter 2026

Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 October 2026

As autumn arrives and the nights draw in, we'd like to share a few updates from the practice, including our vaccination programme, staff news and some useful reminders to help you stay well over the winter months.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

Our annual flu vaccination programme is now well underway, and we'd like to thank everyone who has already attended their appointment.

Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations remain an important way to protect those most at risk of becoming seriously unwell over the winter period. Eligible patients will be invited by email, text message, letter or telephone where appropriate.

Thank you to all our patients for helping us make this year's clinics run smoothly - please remember to arrive just before your appointment. We have occasionally had problems with crowding in the waiting room when patients arrive far too early for their appointment.

While the NHS flu vaccination programme is targeted at those most at risk of serious complications from influenza, we would encourage anyone who is not eligible for an NHS flu vaccine to consider having one privately. Flu vaccinations are available from many local pharmacies at a relatively low cost and can help protect both individuals and the wider community during the winter months.

Farewell to Dr Howes

At the end of November, we will be saying goodbye to Dr Howes, who is leaving the practice to take up a new post closer to home.

Dr Howes has been a valued member of the Grassendale team for almost six years and has made a significant contribution to the care of our patients and the life of the practice taking on the role as Safeguarding Lead, and with her specialist expertise in women's health and menopause in particular. While we are naturally sorry to see her go, we fully understand her decision and wish her every success in the future.

As we recently took on both Doctors Harvey & Patel, once Dr Williams returns from maternity leave we will, overall, have the same number of GP sessions as we did previously - however the practice is looking to recruit additional clinical staff to further improve access.

Preparing for Winter

Winter is traditionally one of the busiest periods for NHS services. There are several simple steps patients can take now to help stay well during the colder months:

  • Ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in good time.
  • Keep your contact details up to date so we can reach you when needed.
  • Attend vaccination appointments when invited.
  • Consider using your local pharmacy for advice and treatment of minor illnesses.
  • Check in on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours during periods of cold weather.

Choose the Right NHS Service

Many common conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats and minor illnesses can often be managed with self-care or with support from your local community pharmacy.

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions without the need to wait for a GP appointment. You can send an online request for a Pharmacy First referral where our staff will check that you meet the criteria for referral and then send your details to your chemist. Choosing the right NHS service helps ensure appointments remain available for patients with more complex healthcare needs.

Our Digital Front Door also has an option "Happy to try self-care first" with links to comprehensive advice from The Self-care Forum.

Antibiotic Awareness Week

November marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18–24 November), a global campaign highlighting the importance of using antibiotics responsibly.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change over time and medicines that once treated infections effectively become less effective. Protecting antibiotics is everyone's responsibility.

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, but they do not work against viruses such as colds, flu and many common winter illnesses. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to resistance and make future infections harder to treat.

You can help by:

  • Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
  • Never sharing antibiotics with others.
  • Not saving leftover antibiotics for future use.
  • Following self-care advice for minor viral illnesses.
  • Keeping up to date with recommended vaccinations.

To learn more about antimicrobial resistance and this year's awareness campaign, visit the UK Health Security Agency campaign page:
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and how can you help combat it? .

Order repeat prescriptions in good time for Christmas

Although Christmas may still seem some way off, we encourage patients who take regular medication to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions in good time during the festive period.

Ordering early helps avoid last-minute requests and ensures patients have an adequate supply of medication over the holiday season.

Did You Know You Can Use the NHS App?

The NHS App offers a convenient way to access a range of NHS services from your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Using the NHS App, you can:

  • Order repeat prescriptions.
  • View available test results.
  • Access parts of your medical record.
  • Check appointments.
  • Manage some personal details.

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

Help Us Keep Your Records Up To Date

If you have recently changed your address or telephone number, or perhaps now have an email address we can contact you on, please let us know as soon as possible.

As we mention in previous newsletters keeping your details up to date helps us communicate important information, appointment reminders and vaccination invitations efficiently. Letting us send you email also helps save the NHS money on SMS messaging - which has previously cost NHS Cheshire & Merseyside over £1.5 million in 2025.

Patient Participation Group

Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) provides an important link between patients and the practice. The group helps us understand what matters most to our patients and supports improvements to the services we provide.

If you would like to find out more about joining the PPG, please contact our Practice Manager.

Thank You

As we move towards the busy winter season, we'd like to thank all our patients for their continued support, patience and understanding.

From everyone at Grassendale Medical Practice, we wish you a healthy and enjoyable autumn.