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Newsletter: July to August 2026
Welcome to Our Bi-monthly Update
Welcome to our July - August newsletter. Summer is a good time to make sure you’re making the most of the services available to you. This edition covers some useful health information for the season ahead, along with a look at how our team and services work. We are also delighted to welcome two new members to our nursing team, Alice and Steph. Thank you for your continued support and kindness to our team
Meet the Roles in Our Practice
- Reception & Admin Team - Your first point of contact. They handle appointment requests, referrals, prescriptions, queries & more. When they ask about your symptoms, it’s to make sure you see the right person as quickly as possible.
- GP - Diagnoses and manages a wide range of conditions, makes referrals and oversees your overall care.
- Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner - Manages long term conditions, smear tests, wound care and vaccinations.
- Health Care Assistants (HCA) - Carries out health checks, blood tests and blood pressure monitoring.
- Paramedic Practitioner - Assesses and treats urgent and same day problems, including injuries, infections and acute illness.
Seeing a different clinician means you are getting to the right person faster.
Missed Appointments Overview
Over the past month, 294 appointments were missed, which meant other patients could not be seen. If you can’t make your appointment, please cancel as soon as possible via the NHS App, Anima, or by calling Reception.
Your help makes a real difference to the whole practice.
How Referrals Work
Waiting for a referral can feel uncertain. If your GP refers you to a hospital or specialist service, here’s what happens next:
- Your GP sends a referral electronically through the NHS e-Referral Service. Depending on the service, you may receive a letter or text, or be asked to book online via the NHS App or by calling the hospital directly.
- Routine referrals can take several weeks to process - this is normal.
- If your condition changes or worsens while you’re waiting , please contact us
Waiting times vary by specialty and are outside the practice’s control, but we are happy to help you navigate the process.
Staff Spotlight - Our Practice Nurses
Our Practice Nurses manage an enormous range of work from smear tests, long term conditions, to wound care, vaccinations and health checks.
If you have diabetes, asthma, COPD or high blood pressure, it’s likely a Practice Nurse who oversees much of your ongoing care, including your annual review and monitoring appointments
Travel Health & Vaccinations
Planning a trip this summer?
Some destinations require vaccinations or medications that aren’t available on the NHS, so it’s worth planning ahead.
- Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for country specific advice. Malaria tablets may be required depending on your destination.
- Speak to Reception about a travel health appointment
- Make sure routine vaccinations like MMR and tents are up to dates before you go.
Please give us as much notice as possible before you go
We are unable to prescribe Diazepam for travel anxiety
Please speak to your pharmacist for alternatives.
Your Diabetes Review
What to Expect If you have diabetes, you’ll be invited for an annual review
If you have diabetes, you’ll be invited for an annual review. There are 8 checks that need to be completed as part of this, with each one giving us a different piece of the picture of your health.
Here’s what to expect:
- Blood sugar levels - shows how well your diabetes has been managed over the past few months
- Blood pressure - high blood pressure is common with diabetes and increases risk to your heart
- Cholesterol - checked as part of your heart health assessment
- Kidney function - a simple blood test to check your kidneys are working well
- Feet - checked for circulation and nerve damage
- Eyes - checked for early signs of diabetic eye disease, which can develop without symptom
- Weight & BMI - to support healthy weight management
- Medication Review - to make sure what you’re taking is still right for you
Most Frequently Asked Question
How do I request a medication review?
If you take regular medication, it’s important it’s reviewed regularly to make sure it’s still right for you. You can request it by submitting an Anima request or by speaking to Reception.
Health Awareness
July & August - Sun Safety
Most skin cancer cases are linked to UV exposure. It’s worth checking your skin regularly and knowing what to look for
To protect yourself
- Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly
- Seek shade between 11am & 3pm when UV rays are strongest
- Wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors for long periods
Check your skin regularly using the ABCDE method:
Asymmetry - one half looks different to the other
Border - irregular, ragged or blurred edges
Colour - uneven or multiple colours
Diameter - larger than 6mm
Evolving - changing in size, shape or colour
If anything looks different or has changed, book with your GP
Get Involved - Our Patient Participation Group
Our Patient Participation Group is made up of patients, who help shape the way our practice works. The PPG meets regularly to discuss the patient experience and how we can serve our community. We’re always looking for new members- ask at Reception or email to find out more
Local Support Highlight
Cancer Care Coordinator (Joanne)
If you or someone you care for has received a cancer diagnosis, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our Cancer Care Coordinator, Joanne, is here to support you through a time that can feel overwhelming.
She can help:
- With understanding your diagnosis and what happens next
- With coordinating between the various health care teams
- Signpost to local and national support organisations
Digital Health: NHS App and Anima
You can manage many aspects of your care online
With the NHS App, you can
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View and cancel appointments
- See parts of your medical record
- Access trusted NHS health advice
With Anima, you can
- Submit requests online
- Get advice without needing to call.
If you prefer to use the phone, you can still call Reception as usual.
John Hopkins score
You may notice a number appearing in your App. It’s called a John Hopkins score. It’s to help us personalise your care. It’s nothing to worry about and no action is needed from you. If you have any questions, please ask.
Feedback & Complaints
We appreciate your comments, suggestions and compliments. Your feedback helps us improve our services and understand what matters most to our patients.
You can give feedback by:
- Speaking to Reception
- Using the online feedback form
Safeguarding
We are committed to the safety of our patients. If you have concerns, please speak to our Reception in confidence.
Published: Jul 8, 2026
Contact
Snodland Medical Practice
Catts Alley
Snodland
Kent
ME6 5SN
Telephone: 01634 240 296
Emergency Line: 01634 240 295
