There have been a number of studies on the safety of administration of multiple vaccines at the same time, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the evidence above, where patients in an eligible group present having recently received one or more vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination should still be given. The same applies for other vaccines where COVID-19 vaccination has been received first or where a patient presents requiring two or more vaccines.

It is generally better for vaccination to proceed to avoid any further delay in protection and to avoid the risk of the patient not returning for a later appointment.

This includes but is not limited to vaccines commonly administered around the same time such as pneumonia vaccines, shingles and flu.

The NHS is having a big push this year to try to encourage adults classified as either overweight (BMI >25) or obese (BMI >30) to try to lose weight as it has been shown that weight loss can have a significant impact on reducing your risk of future disease such as heart disease or cancer.

We are currently able to refer our patients to two FREE NHS Weight Management programmes. If your BMI is >30, you can be referred to either, or if your BMI is >25 you can access the Live Life Better Derbyshire service. Please see your text message to see which group you fall into.

If you would like to be referred, please reply to the message stating your preference of the service you would like referral to. We will then arrange this and you should hear back directly from your chosen service.

Have a musculoskeletal problem and want to speak to someone at the surgery?

Initially you are likely to be directed to one of our First Contact Physios (FCPs) who are experts at diagnosing and treating these problems and have the ability to refer you on for further tests if necessary.

We’d encourage all of our patients to engage with them as outcomes have been shown to be better than speaking to a doctor first!

Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) work alongside your GP and Nurse Practitioner as part of the General Practice team.

They are Physiotherapists with advanced skills that provide expert assessment for people with injuries to bones, muscles and joints, or longer-term conditions like low back pain, neck pain and arthritis.

The FCPs will diagnose what is happening and give expert advice on how to best manage your condition. They may also refer you on for a course of Physiotherapy treatment, to other specialist services or for investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans and blood tests if necessary.

You can book to speak to our FCPs directly, without the need to see a GP, by contacting your practice’s reception.

The Citizens Advice Bureau offers a service to patients of our practice.

This service is available on Wednesday mornings for patients registered at both practices and appointments are usually at the Gosforth Valley site. 

Citizens Advice also offers appointments at other venues in Dronfield and Eckington please see the website for more information.

The surgery runs a comprehensive minor surgery service.

Please note: We are no longer funded for cosmetic procedures, in line with the East Midlands Adult Cosmetic Procedures Policy. This applies to both cryotherapy (freezing) and minor operations. If we are unable to provide the service, we are able to provide contact details for local private providers.

Please contact the practice to book an appointment with our practice nurse for advice about immunisation and avoiding tropical illnesses.

Please get advice as soon as you have booked your holiday.

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible – at least 6 weeks before you travel – as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website.

The shingles vaccination is offered to patients as they reach their 70th birthday and is a once only vaccination.

The vaccination programme is relatively new and there is a “catch up” programme for older patients, who may be able to have the vaccination up to age 80.

Please contact reception for further information or to book an appointment.

Flu can be serious if you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, epilepsy or are on tablets which suppress your immune system.

For these patients, we would normally recommend that you have an annual flu vaccination.

Please look out for our flu vaccination open sessions, normally held towards the end of September. Alternatively, if you miss these sessions, you can make an appointment to have the vaccination with one of our HCAs.

Please call the practice if you need further information.

We offer a comprehensive contraception service; including cap, coil and implanon (implant) fitting, and advice on vasectomies for men.

Please contact reception for further information or to book an appointment.