Recent Meningitis Cases in Kent:

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

·         a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass

·         sudden onset of high fever

·         severe and worsening headache

·         stiff neck

·         vomiting and diarrhoea

·         joint and muscle pain

·         dislike of bright lights

·         very cold hands and feet

·         seizures

·         confusion/delirium

·         extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

The UKHSA is keeping its meningitis blog up to date. This is a clear and simple explanation of what is happening in Kent, what symptoms people should be aware of, and what to do if people think they/someone else has meningitis symptoms.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

Advice for people who think they/someone else has meningitis or septicaemia symptoms

·         Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or septicaemia.

·         Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly.

·         Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.

·         If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.

Vaccinations against meningitis

Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it. These include the:

·         MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year

·         6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months

·         pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over

·         MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months

·         MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time

Please note: The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY.

Teenagers and young adults born before 1 May 2015, will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule. There is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine. It is available privately for a cost.

GP practices can offer MenACWY vaccinations to all those aged under 25 who may have missed their vaccination previously.

Catch up vaccination clinics 

Catch up vaccination clinics for those aged up to 25 are also taking place at the following locations:

·         Thursday 19 March, 10am to 3pm, University of Hertfordshire (Room LC450A, Hutton Hub), College Lane, Hatfield (offering MenACWY and MMR)

·         Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, Queensway Health Centre, Queensway, Hatfield, AL10 0LF (offering HPV and MenACWY) 

·         Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, St Michael's Mead Community Centre, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 4FZ (offering HPV and MenACWY)

·         Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, Peace Children's Centre, Peace Prospect, Watford, WD17 3EW (offering HPV and MenACWY)

·         Sunday 22 March, 10am–3pm, Waltham Cross Health Centre, Stanhope Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 7DJ (offering HPV and MenACWY)

How do outbreaks of meningitis occur?

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are uncommon, but can occur when groups of people mix together. Young people at university or college can be at risk of meningitis because they mix with other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. It is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis.

Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.

In Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council’s public health team is working with the NHS to advise the University of Hertfordshire on strategies to protect the university community.

Over recent months, Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health and Schools Engagement teams have worked closely with local sixth forms and colleges to raise awareness of symptoms of meningitis, promote timely medical help, and encourage uptake of recommended meningitis vaccinations. This includes sharing guidance with education providers, delivering targeted information campaigns, and taking vaccinations into education settings.

Hertfordshire County Council will continue to monitor national developments, follow UK Health Security Agency guidance, and support education settings and families with updated information.

Anyone who becomes unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

For further information see here Meningitis - Symptoms - NHS

If a patient presents three times with the same symptoms or concerns, particularly if symptoms unexpectedly persist, escalate, or remain unexplained, it’s time to rethink.

Reflect: Think back on what the patient has said and consider what has changed or been missed. Offer ongoing continuity of care with follow-up. If previous consultations have been remote, see the patient face-to-face and conduct a physical examination.

Review: Where underlying uncertainty exists, consider seeking a view from a peer and review any red flags that may suggest another diagnosis, regardless of the patient’s age or demographic.

Rethink: If appropriate, refer onwards for further tests or for specialist input.

Please speak up when seeing a clinician if you feel Jess's Rule applies.

You may have seen reports that GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss.

While some areas of the country may have different local arrangements, GPs in Hertfordshire cannot prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss. Instead, access is only through a dedicated NHS service for people with the highest clinical need.

Who is eligible?   Please see information here

Thank you for your understanding.

We have listened to your feedback regarding call waiting times and are committed to providing a faster more convenient way to book appointments and request prescriptions - anytime, without waiting in a call queue!

How Does it Work?

Using the 24hr automated phone service is simple:

• Call Bridge Cottage Surgery on 01438 715044 and select option 1 or dial 01483 339249
• For appointments, enter your Date of Birth and phone number for secure verification.
• To request prescriptions, you will need a personal PIN. For your first use, please contact our admin team to receive your unique PIN.

What can I do via the automated service?

• Cancel appointments
• Book appointments for minor illness (pharmacy first service)
• Book appointments with musculoskeletal specialist (Chartered Physiotherapist)
• Book some nurse appointments
• Request fit notes
• Order prescriptions
• Please note that GP appointments are not currently available through the automated service.

Benefits for Patients:

• No queue
• No waiting
• Available 24/7 – Anytime, day or night.

What is a Musculoskeletal Specialist Practitioner?
Musculoskeletal Specialist Practitioners are Senior Chartered Physiotherapists working in your GP Surgery to see you alongside the GP team to provide an assessment service. They are trained to a high level and specialise in any conditions involving muscle, bone, tendon, ligament, nerve and many other conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia etc.

What should I expect?
A thorough assessment just as you would have with your GP and then where appropriate you will be given
➢ The chance to discuss your condition and receive advice
and exercises
➢ Medication to help with your pain. Always try over the counter medication first under the guidance of a pharmacist
➢ A referral for further investigation such as X-ray or Ultrasound Scan
➢ A referral to Physiotherapy
➢ A referral to orthopaedics/spinal team or other services such as Podiatry or Rheumatology

You will be under the care of the Musculoskeletal Specialist Practitioner who will ensure you are on the best pathway for a speedy recovery. If at any point you need to see a GP or nurse this can be arranged directly from this appointment

Ask at Reception to Book an Appointment

It is very important to make sure that your child has had two doses of the MMR vaccine – this will protect them against three serious illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella. If your child is aged one or over and hasn’t had their vaccinations, please contact us at the practice as soon as you can to arrange an appointment.

Measles spreads very easily between people who aren’t vaccinated. You can catch it just by spending time in the same room as someone. And it can cause children and people with a weakened immune system to be very unwell.

You may have heard on the news about measles cases in some parts of the country. To stop measles spreading further, the NHS is encouraging all parents to make sure that their children have been vaccinated. We usually offer the first dose of MMR vaccine when your child turns one, then the second dose before they start school as part of the ‘pre-school booster’. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. If you think your child might have measles, check symptoms on the NHS website. Keep your child at home and call us for advice.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Blood test appointments, requested by GPs, MUST be booked online for the following hospitals:

• Hertford County Hospital

• Lister Hospital

• New QEII Hospital

This is to help maximise the number of appointments they can offer to patients, minimise queues and continue to maintain social distancing in waiting areas.   You can only walk-in for a blood test if it is marked as Urgent.

How do I book my appointment?

Booking an appointment is easy and can be made here.  You will need to sign up to Swiftqueue, once you have selected your appointment date and time, in order to book at one of the local hospitals.  Alternatively, you could book an appointment for a blood test at Bridge Cottage Surgery, although the wait may be longer.

What information do I need to book my appointment?

You will need your:

✓ NHS number

✓ Name

✓ Postcode

✓ Date of birth

What if I cannot book online?

Please call the Surgery on 01438 715044 and we can book the appointment for you at the local hospital if you are unable to access the online booking system.

The NHS and Department of Health and Social Care have recently published their delivery plan for recovering access to Primary Care. This builds on work we are already doing but further sets out how the NHS will make it easier and more convenient for patients to get the help they need from primary care services. Primary Care is more than just General Practice, so we are working with other local health organisations on this.

It will take time to safely make all the changes in the plan and we ask you to support as we continue on our journey of improvement.

As always, we are committed to providing the very best care that we can within our given resources. Unfortunately, the demand on our services frequently exceeds the available capacity we have in our practice. Supporting us to do this is helpful, such as using online services where you can. Also, it is important to note that if you contact us via the phone you will be triaged by our practice front line reception team in order for you to be seen by the most appropriate profession within the GP practice.

For further information on the national plan visit the NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB website, they are the organisation responsible for commissioning local health services. https://hertsandwestessex.icb.nhs.uk/news/article/82/primary-care-access-recovery-plan-what-it-means-for-you

To ensure that we hold accurate and up to date information about our patients, we may be asking you to complete some health questionnaires. These may be sent out via SMS (text) message, email or in the post. These questionnaires are also available on the SystmOnline portal using your log in. If you do not have access to SystmOnline, this can be set up at reception for you.

We appreciate your cooperation with these matters.

Dear Patients,

There has been a lot of talk in the media lately regarding data sharing by GP Practice’s we would like to reassure you that we would never sell your data or release it to parties outside of the NHS without your consent.

Please find the below links which will give you information on how the NHS stores and uses your data.

https://youtu.be/YLi9gh7RyLA

National data opt-out - NHS Digital

If after watching the video and reading the information, you would still like to opt out of the data sharing please use the below link to complete your information or the telephone number for NHS Digital Contact Centre

You can make or change a choice for:

• Yourself
• Children under the age of 13
• Someone you can legally make decision for

Make your choice about sharing data from your health records - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

NHS Digital Contact Centre phone number 0300 303 5678

Your choice will be entered into your records by NHS Digital and they will inform us of the choice, there is no need for you to contact your practice regarding this.

Type 1 Opt Out

In addition to the National Data Opt-Out, the existing ‘Type 1’ opt-outs will continue to be respected until Department of Health and Social Care conducts a consultation with the National Data Guardian on their removal. Therefore, until further notice, if you inform the practice, or  have previously informed the practice that you dissent from the sharing your confidential data for purposes beyond your direct care (Type 1), your data will not be shared outside of the practice without your expressed permission, unless these is an overriding legal obligation to do so.

Data being used or shared for purposes beyond individual care does not include your data being shared with insurance companies or used for marketing purposes and data would only be used in this way with your explicit consent.

Your individual care will not be affected if you opt-out using the Tier 1 or the National Data Opt-out

If you would like to opt out please complete the form below (which will open as a word document) and return to the Surgery and we will update your record. 

Type 1 Opt-Out Form