The Hall Practice Patient Newsletter October 2025
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Non-urgent advice: COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines 2025/2026
The flu and COVID-19 vaccination invites have now been sent out, with a booking link included. Some patients may also have received a letter by post. Please ignore any reminder messages if you have already booked your appointment.
From 1 October 2025, flu vaccinations are available for those aged 65 and over, people aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups, carers, frontline social care workers, and other eligible groups.
COVID-19 vaccinations from 1 October 2025 are for people aged 75 and older, care home residents, and those aged 6 months and over with weakened immune systems.
Please remember, when visiting the practice, patients must only park in the purple bays or use the 1-hour free parking at Chalfonts & Gerrards Cross Hospital when attending the surgery. Parking in the bays at Calcot Medical Centre is reserved for patients of The Allan Practice and will result in a fine, as ANPR cameras are in operation.
For eligibility questions, please visit the NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
You can also contact our Patient Services team for help with eligibility or booking. More details are available on our website
www.thehallpractice.co.uk
From 1 October 2025, flu vaccinations are available for those aged 65 and over, people aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups, carers, frontline social care workers, and other eligible groups.
COVID-19 vaccinations from 1 October 2025 are for people aged 75 and older, care home residents, and those aged 6 months and over with weakened immune systems.
Please remember, when visiting the practice, patients must only park in the purple bays or use the 1-hour free parking at Chalfonts & Gerrards Cross Hospital when attending the surgery. Parking in the bays at Calcot Medical Centre is reserved for patients of The Allan Practice and will result in a fine, as ANPR cameras are in operation.
For eligibility questions, please visit the NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
You can also contact our Patient Services team for help with eligibility or booking. More details are available on our website
www.thehallpractice.co.uk
Non-urgent advice: Staff Updates
We’re pleased to welcome Lucinda Evans to our team as Care Homes Care Coordinator, working alongside Emma Churchhouse. Lucinda will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We’re also happy to welcome back Rahim Ullah, who recently completed his training and will be joining our pharmacy team from 6th October.
Please join us in welcoming Lucinda and congratulating Rahim on his new role.
We’re also happy to welcome back Rahim Ullah, who recently completed his training and will be joining our pharmacy team from 6th October.
Please join us in welcoming Lucinda and congratulating Rahim on his new role.
Non-urgent advice: Understanding your test results: When to call and what to do next
Please remember to check your test results carefully, either through the NHS App or by contacting our Patient Services team. If we ask you to book an appointment to discuss your results, it is important that you do so.
Even if your test results are normal but you are still experiencing symptoms, please get in touch with us. Continuing symptoms need to be checked to ensure you get the right care.
If you need help setting up or using the NHS App, you can book a one-to-one guidance session with our team for support. Please contact us to find out when the next session will take place.
Following these steps helps us provide the best care for you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your test results.
Even if your test results are normal but you are still experiencing symptoms, please get in touch with us. Continuing symptoms need to be checked to ensure you get the right care.
If you need help setting up or using the NHS App, you can book a one-to-one guidance session with our team for support. Please contact us to find out when the next session will take place.
Following these steps helps us provide the best care for you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your test results.
Non-urgent advice: Understanding your ADHD Assessment and Treatment in Buckinghamshire
For adults, to use the Right to Choose pathway, patients must complete an Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and show that symptoms significantly impact their daily life. GPs can refer patients to an approved list of private providers such as Psychiatry UK, Modality LLP, and others, ensuring the provider meets necessary clinical care and prescribing standards.
For children and young people aged 5 to 18, NHS Buckinghamshire’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) manages ADHD assessments, but waiting times can be lengthy. GPs can still refer children for assessment through CAMHS, and care for ADHD medication is often managed jointly by CAMHS and GPs under shared care agreements.
Patients who choose private ADHD assessments should be aware that NHS doctors generally cannot continue private treatments without reassessment under NHS guidelines, and shared care between NHS and private providers is not supported.
This pathway ensures patients have options to access timely ADHD diagnosis and treatment while maintaining NHS quality care standards. Patients wanting to access the Right to Choose should speak with their GP to discuss their symptoms and the referral process.
Here are the useful links related to ADHD Right to Choose and local Buckinghamshire services:
Mid Chiltern PCN ADHD Referral Policy (including Right to Choose info and approved providers):
https://www.midchilternpcn.nhs.uk/uploads/sites/623/2025/02/Mid-Chiltern-PCN.pdf
NHS Right to Choose service explanation:
https://clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choose
For children and young people aged 5 to 18, NHS Buckinghamshire’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) manages ADHD assessments, but waiting times can be lengthy. GPs can still refer children for assessment through CAMHS, and care for ADHD medication is often managed jointly by CAMHS and GPs under shared care agreements.
Patients who choose private ADHD assessments should be aware that NHS doctors generally cannot continue private treatments without reassessment under NHS guidelines, and shared care between NHS and private providers is not supported.
This pathway ensures patients have options to access timely ADHD diagnosis and treatment while maintaining NHS quality care standards. Patients wanting to access the Right to Choose should speak with their GP to discuss their symptoms and the referral process.
Here are the useful links related to ADHD Right to Choose and local Buckinghamshire services:
Mid Chiltern PCN ADHD Referral Policy (including Right to Choose info and approved providers):
https://www.midchilternpcn.nhs.uk/uploads/sites/623/2025/02/Mid-Chiltern-PCN.pdf
NHS Right to Choose service explanation:
https://clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choose
Non-urgent advice: Staff Training Wednesday 15 October
The practice will be closed on Wednesday 15 October from 13:00 for essential staff training.
If during these times you request urgent medical assistance that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please call 111 or visit NHS 111 Online.
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Additionally, our online platform for contacting the surgery, will be inactive from 12:30 on Wednesday 15 October until 08:00 Thursday 16 October.
If during these times you request urgent medical assistance that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please call 111 or visit NHS 111 Online.
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Additionally, our online platform for contacting the surgery, will be inactive from 12:30 on Wednesday 15 October until 08:00 Thursday 16 October.
Non-urgent advice: The Hall Practice NHS App Guidance Sessions
We are excited to offer NHS App Guidance Sessions to support our patients in confidently using the NHS App. These one-to-one appointments are designed to help you with online consultations, booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, and securely accessing your health records from home.
The sessions will be available by appointment only, on Saturday morning, 25 October. Our team members will be on hand to guide you through the app, answer your questions, and provide assistance.
Please note, that while our team can help you navigate the app and provide guidance, they are not digital technology experts and may not be able to resolve all technical issues. When needed, they can direct you to additional resources for further support.
Appointments are limited, so please book early by contacting our Patient Services Team. Depending on demand, we may add more sessions during the week.
Take advantage of this free service to enhance your experience with the NHS App!
The sessions will be available by appointment only, on Saturday morning, 25 October. Our team members will be on hand to guide you through the app, answer your questions, and provide assistance.
Please note, that while our team can help you navigate the app and provide guidance, they are not digital technology experts and may not be able to resolve all technical issues. When needed, they can direct you to additional resources for further support.
Appointments are limited, so please book early by contacting our Patient Services Team. Depending on demand, we may add more sessions during the week.
Take advantage of this free service to enhance your experience with the NHS App!
Non-urgent advice: Preparing for your NHS App Guidance Session
To make the most of your one-to-one session, please:
– Bring your own device: laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
– Have your mobile phone number available.
– Have a unique email address ready (one email per patient).
– If possible, download the NHS App beforehand from Google Play or Apple App Store.
– Ensure your device is fully charged or bring a charger.
– Have any login details or passwords for your NHS App account, if already set up.
– Bring your own device: laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
– Have your mobile phone number available.
– Have a unique email address ready (one email per patient).
– If possible, download the NHS App beforehand from Google Play or Apple App Store.
– Ensure your device is fully charged or bring a charger.
– Have any login details or passwords for your NHS App account, if already set up.
Non-urgent advice: Reducing medicines waste at home
To reduce medicine waste, only order the medication you need by checking your current supply first, use the NHS App to manage repeat prescriptions, and return any unwanted or out-of-date medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
By ordering carefully and disposing of medicines correctly, you help protect the environment and ensure NHS resources are used wisely.
Why it Matters
Environmental impact:
Medicines that enter landfill can pollute rivers, seas, and soil, and even contribute to greenhouse gases.
Patient safety:
Unused medicines can go out of date and might not work as intended, compromising care.
Resource efficiency:
Reducing waste helps ensure medicines are used effectively and helps prevent drug shortages.
If you have any questions about your medicines or need help managing your prescriptions, please contact our Patient Services team.
By ordering carefully and disposing of medicines correctly, you help protect the environment and ensure NHS resources are used wisely.
Why it Matters
Environmental impact:
Medicines that enter landfill can pollute rivers, seas, and soil, and even contribute to greenhouse gases.
Patient safety:
Unused medicines can go out of date and might not work as intended, compromising care.
Resource efficiency:
Reducing waste helps ensure medicines are used effectively and helps prevent drug shortages.
If you have any questions about your medicines or need help managing your prescriptions, please contact our Patient Services team.
Non-urgent advice: STOPTOBER : Let’s quit smoking together
Stoptober is a national campaign every October encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days. Quitting for this period makes it five times more likely to quit for good.
The 2025 campaign, themed “Let’s quit smoking together,” highlights the strength of quitting as part of a supportive community and promotes a variety of free NHS quitting tools like the Quit Smoking app, personal quit plans, and local stop smoking services.
Smoking is the largest preventable cause of illness and death, costing the NHS billions each year. Stoptober is a powerful opportunity to take the first step to better health with expert support available.
For more information and free support tools, visit the NHS Better Health Quit Smoking website:
www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Joining thousands of others this Stoptober could make this the year to quit for good.
The 2025 campaign, themed “Let’s quit smoking together,” highlights the strength of quitting as part of a supportive community and promotes a variety of free NHS quitting tools like the Quit Smoking app, personal quit plans, and local stop smoking services.
Smoking is the largest preventable cause of illness and death, costing the NHS billions each year. Stoptober is a powerful opportunity to take the first step to better health with expert support available.
For more information and free support tools, visit the NHS Better Health Quit Smoking website:
www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Joining thousands of others this Stoptober could make this the year to quit for good.
Non-urgent advice: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support those affected, and promote early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 people diagnosed each year. Early detection through breast screening and being breast aware greatly improves survival rates.
Women aged 50 to 71 registered with a GP are invited for free NHS breast screening every three years. It is important to attend when invited. Everyone should check their breasts regularly and contact their GP if they notice any unusual changes. Men can also develop breast cancer, so it’s important for everyone to stay vigilant.
This month, consider participating by wearing pink, sharing awareness messages, or supporting local breast cancer charities.
For more information on breast cancer signs, screening, and support, please visit:
NHS Breast Screening: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/
Breast Cancer Now: https://breastcancernow.org
Together, we can raise awareness and support those impacted by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 people diagnosed each year. Early detection through breast screening and being breast aware greatly improves survival rates.
Women aged 50 to 71 registered with a GP are invited for free NHS breast screening every three years. It is important to attend when invited. Everyone should check their breasts regularly and contact their GP if they notice any unusual changes. Men can also develop breast cancer, so it’s important for everyone to stay vigilant.
This month, consider participating by wearing pink, sharing awareness messages, or supporting local breast cancer charities.
For more information on breast cancer signs, screening, and support, please visit:
NHS Breast Screening: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/
Breast Cancer Now: https://breastcancernow.org
Together, we can raise awareness and support those impacted by breast cancer.
Non-urgent advice: National Cholesterol Month UK
October is National Cholesterol Month in the UK. It is a campaign led by HEART UK to raise awareness about cholesterol and its impact on heart health. The month focuses on encouraging people to check their cholesterol levels, adopt healthier habits, improve diet, increase physical activity, and understand treatment options such as statins when needed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Many adults in the UK have high cholesterol without symptoms, so National Cholesterol Month highlights the importance of knowing your numbers and taking steps to manage cholesterol for better cardiovascular health.
More information and resources can be found at HEART UK’s website:
www.heartuk.org.uk/ncm2025
Many adults in the UK have high cholesterol without symptoms, so National Cholesterol Month highlights the importance of knowing your numbers and taking steps to manage cholesterol for better cardiovascular health.
More information and resources can be found at HEART UK’s website:
www.heartuk.org.uk/ncm2025
Non-urgent advice: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding of domestic abuse, support survivors, and encourage those affected to seek help. Domestic abuse affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, with an estimated 1 in 3 women, 1 in 6 men, and many children experiencing abuse at some point in their lives.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and coercive control. It often remains hidden, so raising awareness helps break the silence and provides hope for those trapped in abusive relationships.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk for advice and local services.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and coercive control. It often remains hidden, so raising awareness helps break the silence and provides hope for those trapped in abusive relationships.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk for advice and local services.
Non-urgent advice: World Mental Health Day 10 October 2025
On Friday 10th October, we join the global community to mark World Mental Health Day.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and encouraging everyone to take care of their mental wellbeing.
The 2025 theme focuses on access to mental health services, especially in times of crisis. It’s a reminder that support is available and no one needs to face mental health challenges alone.
For help and resources, visit the Mental Health UK website or visit our website.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and encouraging everyone to take care of their mental wellbeing.
The 2025 theme focuses on access to mental health services, especially in times of crisis. It’s a reminder that support is available and no one needs to face mental health challenges alone.
For help and resources, visit the Mental Health UK website or visit our website.
Non-urgent advice: World Menopause Day 18 October 2025
October 18th marks World Menopause Day, a global event to raise awareness about the menopause and the support available to improve health and wellbeing during this natural life stage.
Menopause can bring physical and emotional changes, and support is available to help manage symptoms through lifestyle changes and treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
For more information and advice, visit the International Menopause Society or speak to your GP.
Let’s break the silence and support everyone affected this October.
Menopause can bring physical and emotional changes, and support is available to help manage symptoms through lifestyle changes and treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
For more information and advice, visit the International Menopause Society or speak to your GP.
Let’s break the silence and support everyone affected this October.
Non-urgent advice: World Stroke Day 29 October 2025
On Wednesday 29th October, we mark World Stroke Day, an important global event to raise awareness of stroke prevention, recognition, and support for stroke survivors.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but many strokes can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and early medical action.
This year’s campaign focuses on recognizing the signs of stroke quickly using the F.A.S.T. test:
– Face drooping
– Arm weakness
– Speech difficulty
– Time to call 999 immediately
Knowing and acting on these signs can save lives and reduce long-term disability.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but many strokes can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and early medical action.
This year’s campaign focuses on recognizing the signs of stroke quickly using the F.A.S.T. test:
– Face drooping
– Arm weakness
– Speech difficulty
– Time to call 999 immediately
Knowing and acting on these signs can save lives and reduce long-term disability.
Non-urgent advice: Preventing Stroke Through Earlier AF Diagnosis: What the AMALFI Study Shows
Excited to share the results from research our practice contributed to! The AMALFI study (5,040 patients across 27 UK practices) found that home-based heart rhythm screening caught atrial fibrillation 427 days faster than usual care, leading to earlier blood-thinning treatment to prevent strokes. While the benefits were ‘modest’, this shows how patient participation in research advances medical knowledge.
**Important for patients**: If you experience palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath, don’t wait – come see us. Some smartwatches can also alert you to irregular heart rhythms, but if you get any alerts or have concerning symptoms, it’s important to have a proper medical assessment. Early detection of heart rhythm problems can prevent serious complications like stroke.
Thanks to all our patients who participate in research – you’re helping improve healthcare for everyone!
**Important for patients**: If you experience palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath, don’t wait – come see us. Some smartwatches can also alert you to irregular heart rhythms, but if you get any alerts or have concerning symptoms, it’s important to have a proper medical assessment. Early detection of heart rhythm problems can prevent serious complications like stroke.
Thanks to all our patients who participate in research – you’re helping improve healthcare for everyone!
Non-urgent advice: Get help to buy food and milk with Healthy Start Scheme
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme. This provides money on a Healthy Start card to help you buy healthy foods like milk, fruit, and vegetables. You can also collect free Healthy Start vitamins for you and your child.
To check your eligibility and apply, visit the NHS Healthy Start website:
www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
To check your eligibility and apply, visit the NHS Healthy Start website:
www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
Non-urgent advice: We value your feedback!
Please help us improve your care by completing the Friends & Family Survey.
Scan the QR code to complete it online. Paper forms are available at reception. Use the forms to share any suggestions or feedback if you prefer not to complete the survey.
Scan the QR code to complete it online. Paper forms are available at reception. Use the forms to share any suggestions or feedback if you prefer not to complete the survey.
