We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
Patient Newsletter: Issue 14
Welcome to our autumn 2026 newsletter
This newsletter will include information about various topics including getting ready for winter, lung cancer screening, CQC and general practice, Movember and September’s activity data.
We will also shine a spotlight on Emma Taylor, one of our nurse who has recently joined us as our diabetes nurse, to support patients with their diabetes care.
Nurse spotlight – Emma Taylor
After changing careers from teaching in 2011, I began working in a busy community pharmacy, training along the way. I moved into nursing whilst working at hospitals in Guildford then Worthing, ultimately gaining a nursing degree via university in Southampton.
Before joining Langley House Surgery I worked for three and a half years at a GP practice in Havant, with a large cohort of patients struggling with diabetes which drew me to specialise in this area.
When not at work, I can be found walking or cycling around the UK’s National Parks, accompanied by my husband and labrador. Never too far from a pub, we like a tipple, catch up with friends, any kind of live music or comedy or just relaxing by the sea.
Get winter ready
NHS leaders are encour aging people across Surrey and Sussex to take simple steps now to protect their health and prepare for winter, as the NHS sets out its plans to keep people well and services safe during the colder months.
The call follows agreement by the NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board of its Winter Plan for 2026/27 on Wednesday 30th September.
This is the first year that a single winter plan has been developed across Surrey and Sussex, bringing together learning from previous winters with plans from NHS organisations and the priorities for the months ahead.
The plan focuses on helping people to stay well, ensuring they can get the right help when they need it and making the best possible use of health and care services during periods of increased winter pressure.
Leading doctors are asking people to play their part by getting “winter ready”, including:
- making sure that you receive a flu and covid-19 vaccination if eligible;
- making sure repeat prescriptions and regular medicines are ordered in good time;
- seeking advice early if an existing health condition is getting worse;
- making use of community pharmacies and other local services where appropriate;
- keeping warm, active and hydrated during colder weather; an
- knowing where to go for help and using NHS 111 when they need urgent health advice but are unsure which service they need.
The ICB's winter plan brings together action across hospitals, community services, mental health, ambulance and NHS 111 services and primary care.
Measures include vaccination and infection prevention; strengthening primary and community care; virtual wards and care at home; improving hospital discharge and intermediate care; and helping people access alternatives to hospital where clinically appropriate.
Lung cancer screening
More than 500 people across Surrey and Sussex have been diagnosed with lung cancer through the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, with more than three quarters of cancers found at an early stage.
Since the programme began rolling out across the region four years ago, 513 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer following screening. Of these, over three-quarters were diagnosed at stage one or two, when lung cancer can be easier to treat and there are more treatment options available.
More than 171,000 invitations have been sent to people across the region who are eligible for the programme. Following those invites, more than 100,000 lung health checks were carried out. More than 45,000 people who were found to be at higher risk were then offered a low-dose CT scan, a type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of the lungs.
Lung cancer can have few or no symptoms in its early stages, meaning it is often diagnosed when the disease is more advanced. Lung Cancer Screening aims to change this by offering checks to people at higher risk, helping to identify lung cancer before symptoms develop.
Lung Cancer Screening is offered to people aged 55 to 74. Individuals in this age range will be contacted automatically when the programme reaches their area and you don’t need to contact your GP. Those who are eligible will be invited for a Lung Health Check with a patient care advisor. This is a short health assessment.
Depending on the outcome, they may then be offered a low-dose CT scan. These scans are carried out in community locations using mobile units, making them easier to access close to home.
The scan takes only a few minutes. Results are sent to patients by letter, with the clinical team contacting anyone who needs further tests or investigations.
As well as looking for signs of lung cancer, the checks can identify other lung conditions and health issues that may need attention. People who smoke can also be offered support to stop smoking.
If you are aged 55 to 74 and registered with a GP you will be automatically informed that the Lung Cancer Screening programme is in your area. If you are a current or former smoker you will be invited by letter for an NHS Lung Health Check. Anyone who receives an invitation is encouraged to take up the offer, even if they feel fit and well.
CQC and general practice
Movember
Movember, the month formerly known as November, is when brave and selfless men around the world grow a moustache, and women step up to support them, all to raise awareness and funds for men's health - specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Movember was established in 2003 by a few friends over a beer in a pub just outside Melbourne, Australia. During Movember, men grow a moustache for the month, getting friends, family and colleagues to donate to their effort. Men and women can also chose to Move or Host a Mo-ment. They want men to take action to live happier, healthier, longer lives and do this by investing in these critical areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Movember has created a movement of over 5 million supporters across the world, funding more than 1,200 innovative men's health projects across more than 20 countries.
Prostate Cancer UK is the main beneficiary of the Movember campaign. For the last ten years, the amazing efforts of the Mo Bros and Mo Sistas from across the UK have significantly contributed to our research initiatives and have supported men by investing in our services.
Since its foundation, Movember has raised over £400 million for men's health issues - much of which has been invested in research, the Movember centres of excellence and True NTH.
To change the face of men's health, you can either get involved, donate, or partner up with Movember. If you choose to get involved, you can Grow a moustache, Move by running or walking 60 km throughout the month, Host a Mo-ment by gathering friends or create your own challenge with Mo Your Own Way. If you'd like to partner up with Movember get in touch at businessmos@movember.com to speak to their team. Or, if you'd like to donate, get behind a friend by donating to their Mo Space, or make a donation directly to Movember. To help men live happier, healthier, longer lives year-round you can also set up a recurring donation.
September practice statistics
From March 2024 we started analysing our practice activity date to share with our patients and identify any areas of improvement. This data is on display in our reception areas.
Please find below September’s statistics;
- Telephone appointments completed: 1,259
- Face to face appointments completed: 2,319
- Incoming calls: 7,379
- Average call wait times: 3 minutes and 23 seconds
- Appointments not attended: 135
- Wasted hours from appointments not attended: 30.13 hours
- Rapid Health forms submitted: 2,537
- Incoming documents processed by secretaries: 4,346
- Prescriptions processed: 13,079
Ideas for our next newsletter
If you have any ideas for a future newsletter that you feel would improve patient understanding of the NHS, please let us know by replying to the text message containing the newsletter.
Published: Oct 21, 2026