The NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is creating a new campaign to raise awareness about ovarian cancer — and they want your input!

It only takes 3 minutes to complete a short survey that will help improve how information is shared with women across Lincolnshire.

Take part now by visiting: lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk/ovarian-cancer

Your feedback could help reach more women, sooner.

Our secretaries have recently undertaken some training in order to be able to refer patients to the Foodbank.

If you or your family are struggling to afford food, please don’t hesitate to come into the surgery and speak to someone about this. We are able to refer you for a food parcel, and this can be for however many people in your household need food. For housebound patients, delivery is available.

We are also able to refer to the Community Grocery – a social supermarket, based at Beaumont Fee, where for a small membership fee, you are able to go and do a shop for £5, £7.50, £10 or £12.50, depending on the size of shop you would like.

Community Grocery: Message Community Grocery

Explore These Helpful Resources
These links provide inclusive and informative content designed to meet a wide range of patient needs. Whether you want guidance on breast health for transgender individuals, prevention strategies, or information about breast cancer in men, these resources offer trusted advice and support. You’ll also find general information about breast cancer and practical video guides to help you understand self-examination and screening. Click below to learn more:

• Resource for transgender people | Breast Cancer UK
• Breast Cancer UK | Prevention Hub
• Breast cancer in men | Breast Cancer UK
• About breast cancer - Against Breast Cancer
• Video: Bami's Breast Cancer Story
• Video: What is Breast Cancer? | Macmillan Cancer Support

Regular breast screening and self-examination are vital steps in detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Screening involves a quick, simple mammogram that takes less than 30 minutes and is carried out by trained health professionals.

Women aged 50 to 71 are invited for screening every three years, and those over 71 can request an appointment.

Self-exams are equally important—use a mirror to check your chest or breasts, raise your arms, and feel for changes such as lumps, discharge, skin dimpling, or changes in nipple shape or color. Remember to check your chest wall and armpits too. These practices are not about looking for cancer—they’re about knowing your body and caring for your health.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/breast-screening

Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender, because we all have breast tissue. It’s important to regularly check your chest or breasts and know what’s normal for you. Look for any changes such as:

• Lumps or swelling in the chest, breast, or armpit
• Changes to the skin, like puckering, dimpling, or rash
• Changes in colour of the breast or chest area
• Nipple changes, such as becoming pulled in (inverted) or changing direction
• Unusual liquid or discharge from either nipple
• Pain in the breast or chest that feels different from usual

Signs and symptoms may appear differently on various skin tones, so check all areas including up to your collarbone and under your arms. If you notice anything unusual, contact your GP promptly. For more information, visit breastcancernow.org/getchecking.

Watch our Touch Look Check awareness video: breastcancernow.org/getchecking

Are you still feeling unwell after having COVID-19? It could be Long-COVID. Common symptoms include fatigue and/or sleep issues, breathlessness or cough, brain fog, and associated anxiety. If you have ongoing symptoms beyond four weeks of initial infection and would like help and support from a therapy-led team, ask your GP to refer you to the Lincolnshire Post-COVID Rehabilitation Service. Our team supports both children and adults.

For more information:
📧 Email: lhnt.lincspostcovidrehab@nhs.net
🔗 Follow us on X: @LincsCovidRehab
🌐 Visit our website: https://lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk/post-covid

Looking for a friendly place to unwind and talk? Night Light Cafés are open every evening across Lincolnshire, offering a warm, welcoming space where you can relax, share what’s on your mind, and enjoy crafts, games, or simply a quiet moment. It’s completely free and hosted by trained volunteers who are there to listen and support. Find out more at haylincolnshire.co.uk/nightlightcafes, email nightlight@actstrust.org.uk, or call 0300 011 1200

Join the Beacon Café community! Every Tuesday evening at St Michael’s Church in Waddington, Beacon Café brings people together over refreshments, activities, and shared experiences. It’s a great space for veterans, military reservists, emergency services, and their families to connect and feel supported. Plus, don’t miss the wellbeing talks on the second Tuesday of each month. For details, email beaconcafe@actstrust.org.uk or call 07521 163001.

Urgent dental care is for issues that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening.

Symptoms that may need urgent care include:  

•  Severe toothache: persistent and intense pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
• Dental abscess: infection causing swelling, pain, and possibly fever.
• Broken or knocked-out tooth: trauma resulting in a fractured or completely dislodged tooth.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: bleeding in mouth that doesn’t stop maybe following a dental procedure or an injury.
• Swelling: significant swelling in the mouth or face that could indicate an infection.
• Fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain.
• Bleeding gums requiring urgent treatment for acute conditions.
• Other treatments may be available at the discretion of the dentist. These treatments may require extra visits and costs.

If you need urgent care, contact your regular NHS dentist. If you don’t have one, call NHS 111, which can direct you to an urgent dental care service in your area.

You can also phone one of the dental practices offering additional urgent appointments. You do not need to be registered with the dental practice, but you must contact them in advance:

For more information visit https://lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/choosewell/dental-care/

📣 Important Update for Coop Pharmacy Patients 📣

The Birchwood Co-op Pharmacy will close Friday 10th October and reopen at the new Birchwood Health Hub on Monday 13th October.
👉 Please note: closed over the weekend.

The Health Hub will offer flu & travel vaccines, podiatry, blood pressure checks, Pharmacy First services, and more! 🩺🛍️

✅ All appointments & prescriptions will transfer automatically.
🏥 The Lincolnshire Co-op Pharmacy at Birchwood Medical Practice will remain open as usual.

Click here for more information on the Health Hub

Join us on Monday, 20th October 2025, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Arise Church, Birchwood Avenue for a free community event focused on staying safe and preventing falls at home.
Meet representatives from Age UK, the fire service, social prescribing services, and more—offering practical advice and support.
No booking required—just drop in!

We're proud to introduce the CONNECTPlus app, co-designed by NHS Lincolnshire ICB and Health and Care Innovations (HCI), to bridge the gap in women's health information.

With fewer than 1 in 5 women feeling well-informed about menstrual wellbeing and even fewer about menopause and gynaecological conditions, CONNECTPlus offers trusted, accessible resources — including videos, written guides, and appointment prep tools — all in one easy-to-use app.

Download today via the App Store or Google Play and take control of your health journey. 💪📱 https://api.hciconnect.plus/lincolnwomenshealth/

Is your home as safe and healthy as it could be?

The Healthy Home Assessment is here to help! Whether you're looking at one room or the whole house, this guided tool helps you spot hazards, plan improvements, and stay safe and well at home.

www.lincolnshiretalkingtherapies.nhs.uk

Tel: 0303 123 4000

We kindly ask all patients not to park on the road directly outside the practice car park.

At busy times, this creates dangerous blind spots for cars exiting the car park, and parking on both sides of the road makes it difficult for other vehicles to pass safely.

Alternative parking: Please use the pharmacy and shops car parks nearby, which have plenty of spaces and a 3-hour time limit. These are just a short walk from the practice.

Please also remember: Our back car park is strictly reserved for our staff and patients of the Woodland Medical Practice. 

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep the area safe, accessible and respectful for all patients and staff. 

The prescribing of gluten-free foods in Lincolnshire is ending from 1st August 2025.

The Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), the organisation that plans local NHS services, took the decision at its meeting on 17th July 2025, following a lengthy consultation process including discussions with patient representative groups and clinicians including GPs, dietitians and pharmacists.

You can read more about the changes on the local NHS website: Gluten Free prescription changes - Lincolnshire ICB

Where you can find out more

For further information about the changes to the prescribing of Gluten-free products and the support available please visit the local NHS website: Gluten Free prescription changes - Lincolnshire ICB

In addition to find out more about Coeliac Disease and how to manage symptoms, please visit - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease

There is a lot of information on the Coeliac UK website at www.coeliac.org.uk that you can access if you want advice about your diet including:

· Home of Gluten free recipes

· Diet and health workshops

· Food and drink information

· Gluten-free food on a budget

The Association of UK Dietitians also have a range of support and information - www.bda.uk.com/resource/coeliac-disease-and-Gluten-free-diet.html

The BBC Good Food website also contains top 10 tips for a gluten free diet www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/top-10-tips-gluten-free-diet

Patient Webinars are also available to view on Overview of Coeliac Disease - patientwebinars.co.uk

There is local advice and support available on the cost of living from local authorities:

• Cost of Living Support – City of Lincoln Council
• Cost of living support | North Kesteven District Council
• Household Support Fund Grant | South Kesteven District Council
• Household Support Fund (HSF) - Boston Borough Council
• Household Support Fund - South Holland District Council
• Financial support | West Lindsey District Council
• Household Support Fund - East Lindsey District Council

If you require specific advice, please ask your GP if you can be referred to a dietitian. If you have a general enquiry about the changes, you can:

• Email: LICB.feedbacklincolnshireicb@nhs.net
• Telephone: 01522 309299
• Write: Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board HQ, Bridge House, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford, NG34 8GG

From 1 July 2025, the time between routine cervical screening tests has changed from 3 years to 5 years for people aged 25 to 49 who test negative for high-risk HPV (hrHPV). Research shows that if you test negative for hrHPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low for many years.

There is no change for those aged 50 to 65 — your screening schedule stays the same.

This change is based on strong scientific evidence and has been approved by national health experts. It means fewer tests, but the same level of safety.

If you test positive for HPV, your care will stay the same. You may be invited back in 1 year or referred for further checks if needed. You’ll only move to the 5-year interval once it’s safe to do so.

Your next screening invite will still come based on your last test.

If you're due for screening, please contact the practice to book your appointment. Our team is here to help if you have any questions.

If your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours around food, eating, or weight are affecting your physical, mental, or social wellbeing, you are not alone—and help is available.

Our Adult Eating Disorder Service now accepts self-referrals for individuals aged 16 and over. We support people with all types of eating disorders, including:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder

There are no BMI or weight requirements to access our service. You don’t need to be underweight or overweight to have an eating disorder—what matters is how you’re feeling and how it’s affecting your life.

We understand that reaching out can feel daunting, but our experienced and compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.

How to Get Help

• 📞 Call us: 01522 421632
• 📧 Email us: lpft.eatingdisorders@nhs.net
• 🌐 Self-refer online: www.lpft.nhs.uk/eatingdisordersreferral

Taking the first step is often the hardest—but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today.

Join us on Monday 2nd June, from 11am to 2pm at Moorland Community Centre, Moorland Avenue, Lincoln LN6 7NH for a free community celebration. Enjoy a cuppa, cake, and a chat while discovering what’s happening locally. Learn about volunteering opportunities, meet local charities and organisations, and find out how to get involved.
Everyone is welcome!

For more information, visit lincscvp.org.uk, email hello@lincscvp.org.uk, or call 01522 551683.
Hosted by Volunteer Centres Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Partnership.

Waiting for a Hospital Appointment or Treatment?

We understand that waiting for hospital care can be really difficult, especially if you're in pain or worried about your health.

You can check the average waiting times for your local hospital by visiting:

🔗 www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk

What is an ‘Expedite’ Letter - and Do They Work?

Sometimes patients are advised to ask their GP for an 'expedite letter' to try to bring a hospital appointment forward. We completely understand why you might ask - it’s hard to wait when you’re unwell.

However, hospital teams have told GPs that they don’t usually act on these letters. Decisions about who is seen sooner are made by the hospital specialists, based on medical need.

If your symptoms have changed or got worse – for example, you’re in more pain, your mobility has reduced, or your hearing has changed – the hospital needs to know. These are things only you can describe, and it's best to tell the hospital team directly.

If you are waiting to be seen by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) and your condition has changed, please contact your hospital team as soon as possible.

🔗 Contacting your Outpatient appointment booking team - United Lincolnshire Hospitals

Need Help?

If your symptoms are getting worse or you’re not sure what to do, seek prompt advice or review if there is a change in condition.

If you feel your symptoms are serious or life-threatening, don’t wait – call 999 straight away.

A low impact way to keep active. Sessions will help improve your strength, mobility and help with falls prevention. Safe achievable workouts. No matter your fitness level. You CAN do seated exercise. 

Every Friday - 9:30am - 10:30am 

Moorland Community Centre, Lincoln

£2 a session

telephone: 07305108167 or email: health@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk

Physical activity for people living with Parkinson's

• Improve physical and mental wellbeing
• Build muscle and bone strength
• Improve flexibility and joint mobility
• Reduce risk of falls

Every Friday - 11am - 12noon

Moorland Community Centre, Lincoln

£2 a session

Carer's are welcome

telephone: 07305108167 or email: health@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk

As of 1st April 2025 the Practice will no longer provide ear syringing for ear wax removal.

Click here for more information on these changes.

For self-help tips on ear wax removal, click here to visit the NHS website for more information

Aged 11 - 18 (full-time education) - £2 per person

Games, crafts, sensory, books, art, food and drink

Autism Friendly

Every Tuesday 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Address: Umbrellas, Hillcroft House, Hillcroft Business Park, Whisby Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QJ

Email: umbrellaslincoln@outlook.com to register

Beware of Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams happen when someone tricks you into making a payment by pretending to be from a trusted organisation, such as your GP, the police, your bank, a utility company, or even a government department. 

The Practice accept payments for non-NHS work i.e. medical reports, private medical examinations etc. but WE WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR BANK DETAILS.

With so many fake health products available online, it's crucial to be extremely careful when considering any new medicine or healthcare product. Always proceed with caution and do your research to protect yourself.

You can report a scam to Lincolnshire County Council using the following link: Report a scam – Lincolnshire County Council

Alternatively, you can:

• call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133
• report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040
• pass on your knowledge to friends, neighbours or relatives

If you know the scam has come from abroad, report it to econsumer.gov.

We are proud to work with Lincoln Medical School to offer placements for medical students. 

You may be offered an appointment with a student but please be assured that a GP will be involved during your appointment and will be making the final clinical decisions. 

If you think you may be at risk of Hepatitis C infection following an historic blood transfusion, it is possible to order a free and confidential home-testing kit for Hepatitis C - click here to order.

There are other options available for testing, including sexual health or GUM clinics, community drug services, as well as some pharmacies.

Care Homes provide an important role in supporting our local people to live better in communities. The NHS has a vision of enhanced care and support to Care Homes as part of bringing the Care Home sector into the wider NHS family. As part of this service GP surgeries are being aligned with specific Care Homes to promote consistent good relationships between GP Practices and Care Homes. It is the aim of the service to improve the quality of care for patients who reside in Care Homes.

Birchwood Medical Practice is aligned to the following Care Homes:

St Clare's Care Home         LN6 0QT

White Gables Care Home   LN6 5SA

Swallow Lodge                   LN6 8UZ

The Orders of St John Care Trust - Hartsholme House   LN6 0EA