Down at the Doctors August 2025

Posted on January 29th, 2024

Recent developments have brought some important updates regarding Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a weight loss medication now approved for use in primary care by NHS England and NICE, as well as changes to the cervical screening programme.

Tirzepatide: Limited Access Started June 2025

From June 23, 2025, Tirzepatide—also known as Mounjaro®—will be available through primary care. However, its initial availability will be limited to a very small group of patients due to strict eligibility criteria set by NHS England. This cautious approach ensures the medicine is introduced safely into the NHS without breaking the bank.

To be eligible, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and at least four of the following diagnosed conditions:

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidaemia
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

A search of our patient records found no individuals meeting these criteria at present, so please only contact us if you believe you qualify.

Cervical Screening: Longer Intervals for Low-Risk Individuals

NHS England has also updated the cervical screening programme. For those without a recent high-risk HPV positive result, the screening interval will change from every three years to every five years. This adjustment brings England in line with Scotland and Wales and reflects advances in understanding HPV’s role in cervical cancer.

Since the UK introduced cervical screening in 1964, knowledge and tools have improved dramatically. HPV is now known to cause almost all cervical cancers, and vaccination against high-risk HPV strains is routinely offered to boys and girls aged 12-13. The new screening approach is more personalized: if you have no recent HPV findings, you’ll be invited every five years; if you have or recently had high-risk HPV, screening will continue more frequently.

For more information, visit https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/.

Furthermore as part of the new 10 Year Health Plan home kits will be offered to those that have missed their invite or haven’t come forward making care more convenient and supporting the shift from treatment to prevention.

Reminder – Flu clinic Saturday 4^th October at Little Hadham Village Hall for those eligible for a flu vaccination.

BW

Andrew