Summer Newsletter 2026

 
suncream beach summer

Here comes the sun..

As summer arrives, we would like to thank all our patients for their continued support and patience. We hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and finding time to relax, stay active, and look after your wellbeing.

This newsletter includes important health reminders, practice updates, and helpful seasonal advice to keep you and your family healthy throughout the summer months.

Stay Safe in the sun

While sunshine can improve mood and wellbeing, it’s important to protect your skin:

  • Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Wear hats and light clothing in hot weather
  • Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (11am–3pm)

Please remember that young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable during periods of hot weather.

 

Holiday Plans

If you are planning a holiday, please remember to:

  • Order your repeat medications in plenty of time. We recommend requesting prescriptions at least 7 days before travelling.
  • Complete a ‘Travel Assessment’ request if you require travel vaccinations, at least 4 weeks before travelling. You will need to attend a private travel clinic if your departure date is in 14 days or less.
 

Childhood Vaccinations

Summer is a good time to check your child’s vaccinations are up to date before the new school term begins. Vaccinations protect against serious illnesses and help keep our community safe.

If you are unsure whether your child is fully vaccinated, please contact us to find out.

 

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 complete a Friends and Family Test

 

Managing Hayfever

Hay fever season can be difficult for many patients.

Helpful tips include:

  • Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
  • Showering after spending time outdoors
  • Wearing sunglasses outside
  • Speaking to your pharmacist about suitable treatments

If symptoms are severe or persistent, please contact the practice for advice.

hayfever
 

NHS App Reminder

The NHS App is a quick and convenient way to manage your own health and that of others.

  • If you have not yet registered, our reception team will be happy to help.
  • If you would like to give someone proxy access to your medical records, ask us for a form and bring ID for all parties.
 

Using the right service

Aiming to help people access the correct NHS services.

Self Care

  • Cough
  • Cold
  • Graze
  • Small Cut
  • Sore throat

NHS 111 Online

  • Unsure?
  • Confused?
  • Need help?
  • Anxious?
  • Check symptoms

Pharmacy

  • Diarrhoea
  • Runny nose
  • Painful cough
  • Rashes
  • Earache

GP (Doctor)

  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach ache

Walk in centres

  • Cuts
  • Sprains
  • Bruises
  • Itchy Rash
  • Minor burns

A&E / 999

  • Choking
  • Severe bleeding
  • Chest pain
  • Blacking out
  • Anaphylaxis
 
 

Dr Ruth Henniker-Major GP

dr-tania-komal

Dr Tania Komal - GP

lucy-goddard

Lucy Goddard - Nursing Associate

Practice news

Sadly, we recently said goodbye and good luck to our Social Prescriber, Harriet Mpanga. Harriet has a wealth of knowledge and experience that helped so many of our patients. We wish her all the best on her new venture!  We look forward to welcoming our new Social Prescriber, Stefano, in August.

As you may remember, we welcomed our new GP, Dr Tania Komal recently: “Since joining the team in January 2026, I have had the privilege of getting to know many of our patients. One of the most rewarding aspects of general practice is the opportunity to build trusted relationships with patients and support them through different stages of their lives. I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and the wider community.”

We also welcomed back our Nursing Associate, Lucy Goddard, from maternity leave: “I started working for The Orchard Practice back in 2016 as a receptionist and have worked my way up to my current role. My role bridges the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. The main responsibilities of my nursing role are clinical monitoring, patient care, observations, health promotion and providing holistic support to our patients.”

 

A thank you from us

Thank you for being part of our practice community. We wish all our patients a safe, healthy, and happy summer.

Published: Jun 11, 2026