Down at the Doctors March 2026

Posted on January 29th, 2024

This time of year is always busy, with winter illnesses like coughs, colds, chest infections, and flu keeping us on our toes. On top of that, we are preparing for the NHS financial year-end in March. Nowadays, GP funding is linked to meeting national quality and safety targets, rather than just the number of patients. These targets help us provide safe, effective care and keep your health on track.

Over the next four weeks, you may receive a call or text from us asking you to attend a medication review, provide a blood pressure reading, confirm lifestyle details, or come in for a long-term condition review. Your help with these is greatly appreciated, as it benefits your health and supports the care of all our patients.

Carers are a particular focus for us this year. Caring for someone can affect your own health and wellbeing, so we will be reaching out over the next month to offer support and check how you are doing.

The NHS will be offering a COVID Spring Booster to patients aged 75 and over, and to younger patients who are immunosuppressed. We are planning to run a COVID vaccination clinic on Saturday 2nd May at Much Hadham Health Centre (please note this is not our usual venue, as it is fully booked). If you are eligible, please pencil this date into your diary. Further details including arrangements for housebound patients will be shared nearer the time.

We would like to pay tribute to Jan Williamson of Little Hadham, who, with her husband Geoff, is moving on to a new chapter. Jan has been an active and valued member of our patient group and the driving force behind Little Hadham Village Hall, which serves as a community hub for our patients. Over the years, she has led many initiatives, including the bereavement café, breakfast club, and digital workshops, and has always supported our flu and COVID clinics. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her every happiness as she moves to Suffolk to enjoy a slower pace of life.

Finally, following our December article “Man Up,” eight men bravely put on their big boy pants, picked up the phone, and booked in for prostate examinations and PSA testing — proudly telling us the article prompted them. A small step for them, potentially a very big step for their health. It’s a great reminder of how awareness can make a real difference to health.

Best wishes

Andrew