Practice News

Cluster of Meningitis Cases

From 13^th to 15^th March 2026, thirteen cases were notified with signs and symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia to UKHSA. Sadly, two people are known to have died.

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by Meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the Meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and Septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to Sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion/delirium
• extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Young people going on to University or College for the first time are particularly at risk of Meningitis because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

There are numerous strains of the Meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of Meningitis. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.”

Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:

• The NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

The Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org 0808 800 3344 (24 hours)

• Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org 0808 80 10 388 (9am – 8pm)

NHS Health Check

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Your FREE NHS Health Check can spot early signs and help prevent these happening to you, which means you'll be more likely to enjoy life for longer.

Everyone aged 40 to 74 who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or has certain risk factors will receive an invitation once every five years to receive support and advice to help them reduce or manage their risk of:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia

Weekend appointments

This surgery works in collaboration with other GP surgeries in the area to provide routine care outside of normal surgery hours. Speak to the surgery team for information or to book a weekend appointment at your local Enhanced Access hub.

Check Your Blood Pressure

Your local pharmacy can check your blood pressure, or you can check it yourself at home with an easy to use monitor. These monitors can be collected from over 50 libraries, run by Libraries Unlimited across Devon. 

Check Your Blood Pressure - One Devon

Cervical Screening Results on NHS App from September

Cervical Screening Results on NHS App from September

From September, NHS England plans to start sending results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme directly to patients via their NHS app.

Patients who receive a negative test result will be notified by an NHS app notification. If the NHS app notification has not been read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent to the registered address.

Any abnormal results will continue to be delivered by letter.

We would encourage everyone to download the NHS App and enable notifications.

HPV Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign

HPV Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign – Now Until 2026

We are running a  HPV catch-up vaccination campaign starting now and continuing through to 2026.

HPV is a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine protects against several types of HPV which have been linked to an increased risk of cervical, genital and oral cancers. It can also cause genital warts. The HPV vaccine works very well in reducing your risk of getting HPV.

The HPV vaccine is given as an injection in your arm and is routinely offered in schools to children aged 12 to 13 (Year 8). However, if you are currently aged 16 – 24 and have missed having the vaccine in school, we would like to invite you to have your catch-up vaccine at the surgery. 

We will be phoning and sending text invitations with a booking link for an appointment to our known eligible patients in the coming weeks and months. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get protected. Since the vaccine has been used, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV, such as cervical cancer and genital warts. Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK.

Mounjaro Injections

  Based on recent news please see our update on Mounjaro Injections for weight loss here

PROTECT Study

Research aiming to understand how the brain ages and how we can prevent dementia - Join us today!

Are you eligible?

• Aged 40 or over
• Access to a computer and the internet
• Live in the UK
• Speak English

What is involved?

• Register at www.protectstudy.org.uk
• Give your consent
• Complete brain testsw and questionnaires from home
• Provide a DNA sample from home