Newsletter - Autumn 2025

What you can do with the NHS APP

• order repeat prescriptions - see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to
• book appointments - search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments
• check your symptoms - search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you
• view your GP health record - securely access your GP medical record, to see information like your allergies and medicines. (If your GP has given you access to your detailed coded medical record, you can also see information such as test results)
• register your organ donation decision - choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision
• find out how the NHS uses your data - choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning
• view your NHS number – find out what your NHS number is
• Use NHS 111 – Get instant advise online 

Feedback

We are always looking for ways to help us improve. We would really appreciate your feedback on the care you receive from us at  Churchill Medical Centre.

Please visit our friends and family test page to provide feedback to us.

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

What Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign held every October. This important annual event aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease.

The campaign brings together organisations, healthcare providers, survivors, and advocates to share information about breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and raise funds for research.

Each year, around 55,000 women and 390 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.

What Is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the breast in an uncontrolled way and form a lump or tumour (growth). It most commonly starts in the cells that line the milk ducts (ductal breast cancer) or in the milk-producing glands (lobular breast cancer).

Breast cancer can be non-invasive (where the cancer cells remain within the ducts or lobules) or invasive (where they spread into surrounding breast tissue). Some breast cancers can also spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes or bloodstream.

It can affect anyone, although it is rare in children or teenagers and more common in older adults. Most cases are found in women, but men can also develop breast cancer.

Organisations Making a Difference

• Breast Cancer Now – The UK’s largest breast cancer charity, combining world-class research and life-changing care to help everyone affected by breast cancer live and live well.
• Cancer Research UK – Funds scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. They provide information about cancer, its causes, and treatments.
• Macmillan Cancer Support – Offers physical, financial, and emotional support to people living with cancer, and their families, from the moment of diagnosis.
• CoppaFeel! – Encourages everyone to get to know their normal, check their chests regularly, and seek advice if they notice any changes.
• Future Dreams – A charity that supports those touched by breast cancer, funding research, awareness campaigns, and emotional wellbeing projects.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month Matters

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just wearing pink – it’s about coming together to educate, support and empower one another. By sharing knowledge and encouraging open conversations, communities can help reduce fear and stigma surrounding breast cancer.

Early detection saves lives, and continued research helps improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for those affected. The campaign also emphasises the importance of equity in healthcare, ensuring that everyone has access to screening, diagnosis and support services regardless of background.

Every conversation, donation and act of kindness during this month contributes to a brighter future for those living with and beyond breast cancer.

PPG Volunteers - Your say matters to us

Understanding our patients’ thoughts/views is key to leading a successful practice. We aim to get a diverse range of patients, representative of our patient population, involved in our Patient Participation Group.

Please contact the practice or let Reception know if you would like to be involved with this when you are next in for an appointment.

You can also register via our secure online form.

Once registered, we will discuss you being added to our Patient Participation Group mailing list. All feedback is welcome, and we value your time and will do our best to be responsive to this.

Occasionally, we will ask you to complete a short survey or attend meetings, these will be related to the services we provide or the practice in general.

GP Special Interests

Dermatology

• Dr. Isba Javed
• Dr. Guy Singer

Women’s health

• Dr. Lorraine Tite

Diabetic management 

• Dr. Maggie Walker
• HCA Karan Arnold 
• Nurse Jan Paish
• Pharmacist Vishal Dalia 

Joint Injections

• Dr. Haythem Naseef
• Dr. Theo Bartholomew

Learning Disabilities health checks

• Dr. Anwen Hills
• Dr. Lorraine Tite

Respiratory management (COPD / Asthma) 

Under 18s:

• Dr. Sahar Jahanian

Over 18s:

• Pharmacist Filsan Mohamed

Palliative Care

• Dr. Anwen Hills

Adult Safeguarding

• Dr. Io Epstein

Child Safeguarding

• Dr. Io Epstein

 Dementia

• Dr. Lorraine Tite
• Dr. Io Epstein

Protect Yourself from Colds and Flu – Remember to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you feel unwell to stop spreading germs.

Stay Active – moderate exercise can help keep you warm. Seek help and advice – your local Pharmacist can give you confidential skilled advice and treatment for common illnesses.

When to contact us;

If you or a loved one experience:

• High fever lasting more than 3 days
• Difficulty breathing of chest pain
• Severe flu symptoms

Winter fuel payments

Are you of State Pension Age (66+) and on a low income? You could be entitled to Pension Credit, which unlocks other benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment.

Find out if you are eligible and apply online here.

If this applies to you and you would like our support to check your eligibility and apply, please contact the practice to arrange a Social Prescribing appointment.

Published: Oct 29, 2025