The Hall Practice Patient Newsletter November 2025
Covid and Flu Vaccination Update
We are pleased to share that so far this season, our surgery has administered 1,080 COVID-19 vaccines and 1,548 flu vaccines to our patients.
There is still vaccine stock available for those eligible. If you have not yet received your COVID or flu vaccine and would like to book an appointment, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
A big THANK YOU to our dedicated team who have been working extra hours and weekends to offer a wide range of appointment times to meet your needs. Your health and safety remain our top priority.
Pass on your thanks – Send us your feedback
We’ve added a new link on our website homepage called ‘Pass on your thanks’ where you can send us your positive feedback. It’s a simple one-question survey with a free text box, and we would love to hear what you think.
Your kind words help motivate our team. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our efforts.
The Hall Practice Opening Hours
Our practice is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:30. During these times you can walk into the practice for assistance with appointments, queries, and other services. Our online portal is available 24 hours a day. To submit appointment requests or queries, please visit www.thehallpractice.co.uk and click ‘Contact us online’ at the top of our homepage. Your requests will be reviewed by our clinicians during working hours. Our Patient Services Team is available to take your calls between 08:30 and 18:00. If you need medical assistance outside of these hours, please call NHS 111. In an emergency, please dial 999.
Staff Training – Tuesday 18 November
The practice will be closed on Tuesday 18 November 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 Tuesday 18 November until 08:00 Wednesday 19 November.
Staff Updates
We are pleased to welcome Dr Kiran Sahota, as a GP registrar at ST2 level. An ST2 doctor is in their second year of specialist training in general practice, having already completed medical school and initial training. Dr Sahota will be working under the supervision of Dr Brittain, who will provide excellent guidance and support throughout her training.
Amalfi Study – Results from research
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!
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, 8 November. 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!
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.
Remembrance Day – Tuesday 11 November
As Remembrance Day approaches, we pause to honour and remember all those who have served and sacrificed for our country. It is a time to reflect on their bravery and the importance of peace. To show our appreciation, we will be observing a moment of silence at the surgery on Remembrance Day.
If you would like to contribute to the Poppy Appeal, a donation box is available at reception. Your support helps provide vital support to veterans and their families.
Movember 2025: Focus on Men’s Health
Movember is an important annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues, focusing on mental well-being, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The 2025 campaign continues this vital work by encouraging men to take action, start conversations, and make small changes that can save lives.
This November, you can get involved by growing a moustache, moving by walking or running 60 km, or hosting an event to support the cause. Movember also promotes mental health check-ins, regular self-checks for testicular health, and awareness of prostate cancer risks, especially for men over 50 or with a family history.
For more information and ways to participate, visit the official Movember website at uk.movember.com. Your support helps fund groundbreaking research and provides life-changing support for men and their families.
NHS Healthy Choices Quiz
The NHS has launched a new campaign called the Healthy Choices Quiz, designed to help adults assess their lifestyle and take small steps towards better health. The quiz looks at six key areas: physical activity, healthy eating, alcohol consumption, smoking and vaping, mental health, and sleep. After completing the quiz, you receive a score out of 10 and personalised advice, guiding you to free NHS tools and resources to support positive changes.
Taking just a few minutes, the quiz is a simple and easy way to start making healthier choices. You can try it today by visiting the official NHS website at nhs.uk/hcquiz
Safer Gambling Week
Safer Gambling Week 2025 in the UK and Ireland will take place from 17 to 23 November 2025. This annual cross-industry initiative promotes safer gambling practices and aims to raise awareness about responsible gambling. The campaign encourages people to think carefully about their gambling habits, set limits for time and money spent, and use safer gambling tools such as self-exclusion if needed. It also highlights that gambling should not be seen as a way to make money and that taking breaks and prioritising friends and family are important.
During the week, there will be a wide range of safer gambling messages shared online and in venues to help spark conversations about staying safe while gambling. Support and advice will be widely promoted, including free and confidential help via the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
Patients and community members can find more information and resources at the official Safer Gambling Week website: safergamblinguk.org
Gambling Aware Accreditation
Our practice is proud to have Gambling Aware accreditation, thanks to Dr Turner completing specialised training in this important area. This means we are better equipped to recognise and support patients who may be experiencing problems with gambling.
We understand that gambling can affect people’s health and well being, and we are committed to providing a safe and non-judgemental space where patients can talk about their concerns.
Being Gambling Aware helps us offer the right advice, support, and referrals to those who need it, so we can help improve the lives of our patients and their families.
Carers Rights – Know Your Rights and Use Your Rights
On Thursday 20 November 2025, Carers Rights Day will take place across the UK, with the theme “Know your rights, use your rights.” This national campaign aims to raise awareness among the estimated 5.8 million unpaid carers about the legal rights and support available to them.
Many carers do not realise they are carers or are unaware of their rights, which can affect their health, work, and access to services. Knowing your rights can make a real difference if you are juggling care-giving with work, managing health appointments, or trying to access social care support.
Carers Rights Day encourages carers to feel confident in asking for the help they need, including requesting a Carer’s Assessment, flexible working arrangements, and being involved in decisions when the person they care for leaves hospital.
The campaign also recognises the challenges faced by working carers and the importance of fair workplace policies.
Unpaid carers play a vital role in our communities and healthcare system. This day is a reminder of the support and recognition carers deserve to sustain their well-being and caring responsibilities.
For more information, advice, and resources, please visit www.carersuk.org
PPG – Patient Participation Group
The Hall Practice has a virtual ‘Patient Participation Group’ (PPG) and we would love as many people as possible take part! Please join our PPG mailing list to take part in our surveys and give us your valuable feedback.
It is a requirement in the GP Contract for all practices to have a PPG. The role of the PPG includes:
- Being a critical friend to the practice.
- Advising the practice on the patient perspective and providing insight into the responsiveness and quality of services.
- Encouraging patients to take greater responsibility for their own and their family’s health.
- Carrying out research into the views of those who use the practice.
- Organising health promotion events and improving health literacy.
- Regular communication with patient population.
Join our Patient Participation Group
If you would like to join our PPG or would like further information, please email:
