Coughs and colds: when to rest and when to call
Most autumn colds settle with rest at home. A short guide to the signs that mean it is worth booking in.
Colds are the most common reason families call us between October and March. Most get better on their own within a week or two with rest, fluids and time.
Keep warm drinks close, rest when you can and keep children home from school while they have a fever. A pharmacist can suggest what is suitable for each age.
When to call us
Call us if a fever lasts more than three days, if breathing seems hard work, or if a baby under three months has a temperature.
Bedtimes that stick for school-age children
Small, steady habits that help children wind down, and when a sleep worry is worth a chat with us.
Children settle more easily when the hour before bed looks the same each night: a bath, a story, lights down and screens put away.
Small steps work better than big changes. Move bedtime earlier by ten minutes every few nights rather than all at once.
When to call us
Book a children's appointment if snoring, night waking or tiredness is affecting school or family life.
Staying steady on your feet this winter
Simple ways to keep moving through the darker months, and how our nurses can help with a balance check.
Staying active through winter helps keep muscles and balance strong. A short walk each day, or a few gentle exercises at home, all count.
Good light on stairs, a clear path at night and well-fitting shoes make a real difference at home.
When to call us
Ask the nurse clinic for a balance check if you have had a fall or feel less steady than before.
Flu vaccine season: who it is for
Which family members are offered a seasonal flu vaccine, when clinics run and how to book a slot.
Seasonal flu clinics run at both practices from early autumn. Children, adults in later life and people with some long-term conditions are usually invited first.
We send a text when your household is invited, with a link to book a time that suits you.
When to call us
Not sure whether you are eligible this year? Call the front desk and they will check for you.
The family walk, a small daily habit
Why a short walk together after dinner is one of the easiest habits to keep, whatever the weather.
A short walk together after dinner is one of the easiest habits for a family to keep. It needs no kit, works in most weather and gives everyone time to talk.
Start with ten minutes around the block and let the children choose the route.
When to call us
If joint pain or breathlessness makes walking hard, book a GP visit and we will look at it together.
Getting little ones ready for cold days
Layers, hats and warm drinks: a short checklist for the first cold mornings of the year.
Several thin layers keep little ones warmer than one thick coat, and are easy to take off indoors.
Hats, mittens and a warm drink before school make the first cold mornings easier for everyone.
When to call us
Call us if a child's hands or feet stay pale and cold after warming up, or if they seem unusually drowsy.
