Winter Newsletter 2026

Winter health: staying well

Colder weather often brings an increase in coughs, colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses.

Simple steps can help protect your health:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Keep warm and well-ventilated at home
• Eat well and stay active where possible
• Check on elderly neighbours, friends, and relatives

If you feel unwell, many minor illnesses can be safely managed at home or with advice from your local pharmacy.

Flu vaccinations

Flu can be serious, especially for older adults, pregnant women, carers, and those with long-term health conditions.

If you are eligible for a free NHS vaccination and have not yet booked, please contact the practice. Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and others this winter.

Appointments and demand

Winter is one of our busiest times. We kindly ask for your patience as we manage a high volume of requests.

• Please book routine appointments in advance, where possible.
• Cancel appointments you no longer need so they can be offered to another patient.
• Be assured that urgent problems will always be assessed appropriately.

Please submit a request online.

Our reception and triage teams may ask for brief details to help direct you to the most suitable clinician or service

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 The Orchard Practice.

Please complete a Friends and Family Test

What the pharmacy can help you with

Your local community pharmacy can now provide advice and treatment for several common conditions without the need to see a GP, including:

• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinus pain
• Infected insect bites
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women

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 on the UK government website

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.

When to use NHS 111 or 999

• NHS 111: For urgent medical advice when the practice is closed or you’re unsure where to go.
• 999 / A&E: For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms, or severe injuries

Using the right service helps ensure everyone gets the care they need quickly

Online services

You can help save time by using our online services:

• Order repeat prescriptions
• View test results
• Check appointment details
• Update contact information

Please contact us to request access to your medical records online so we can set this up for you.

Practice news

• New Staff: We are delighted to welcome our new General Practitioner, Dr Tania Komal to our team!
• Goodbye Fiona: We would like to let patients know that Dr Munro will be leaving the practice on Wednesday 21st January. Dr Munro has been a valued member of our team, and we thank her for her endless dedication and care for our patients over years. We know many of you will be sad to see Dr Munro go. We all wish her every success in the next stage of her career. Our team remains committed to ensuring continuity of care, and appointments can be made with our other clinicians as usual.
• A message from our Clinical Pharmacist: “Hello! My name is Vishal, a clinical Pharmacist and independent prescriber who joined the practice in May 2025. I have a mixed background of hospital and community pharmacy working. I will primarily be working as a diabetic clinician, reviewing Type 2 diabetics on non-injectable medications. I also run clinics reviewing patients on cholesterol management, hypertension and anticoagulants”. - Vishal Dalia, Clinical Pharmacist

A thank you from us

Thank you for your continued kindness, patience, and support. Our whole team is working hard to care for you throughout the winter months. We wish you a safe, healthy, and warm winter.

Published: Jan 29, 2026