NORTHGATE MEDICAL PRACTICE 

with Chartham and Blean Surgeries 

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP 

NEWSLETTER 
Autumn 2025 

Did you know that measles quickly spreads, that one in five young people who catch it need hospital care and on rare occasions it can sadly be fatal? But with two doses of the mumps, measles and rubella vaccination, also known as MMR, measles is preventable. 

MMR is safe, effective, free on the NHS and it’s never too late to catch your child up through your GP practice.  If you are unsure if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check their Red Book health record, or contact the practice. 

Getting children vaccinated also means you are helping protect others who can’t have the vaccine. This includes infants under one year, and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles. Want trusted information about vaccinations? Go to the NHS website or check with the practice. 

Important Information about other vaccinations 

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. The Northgate Medical Practice provides a wide range of vaccinations. If you are eligible for a particular vaccination you may be contacted by the Practice and invited to make an appointment.  You can find a complete list of vaccination types and the ages at which they are given on the NHS website  

Flu and Covid Vaccinations 

Wednesday 1st October - Start of the Autumn/Winter NHS COVID and Flu Programme  

The Sea Cadets, Vauxhall Road, Canterbury CT1 1ZN will open on 1 October from 8.30am to 4.45pm every weekday and one Saturday 4th October 8.30am to 2pm for both Flu and COVID vaccinations. 

• The Practice will send out texts to patients for self-booking appointments. 

• Appointments will also be available on the National Booking System. 

• Patients are also able to simply walk-in at the Sea Cadets for COVID and/or Flu vaccines 

Please note that the first week is usually very busy and from the second and third week not so busy. 

COVID Cohorts Eligibility: from 1 October 2025                                                                            

• residents in a care home for older adults 

• all adults aged 75 and over 

• persons aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed,. 

• FLU Cohorts Eligibility: from 1 October 2025 

• those aged 65 years and over  

• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups  

• those in long-stay residential care homes 

• carers, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person 

• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals 

Shingles Vaccine                                                                               

This is available to those who turned 65 on or after September 1st 2023, everyone aged between 70 and 79, and everyone over 65 with a severely weakened immune system. You may be contacted by the Practice if you are eligible or you can contact the surgery yourself. 

Check a Mole                                                                   

The Mole and Skin Blemish clinic in June again proved very popular, so another has been arranged for September 15th   2025, this is now FULLY BOOKED.  It is worth noting that this is at present the only clinic of its kind in Canterbury. 

Campaigns: Cancer Awareness, Blood Pressure Checking 

Alongside the Mole Clinic the PPG will be mounting an awareness event highlighting the effects of smoking, and the need to check your blood pressure on a regular basis.  The blood pressure machine will be available, as well as helpful literature The reason for these campaigns is to encourage everyone with concerns about their health to get advice in good time.  

… and at the same time (September 15th 8.30 to 12.00) there will be a 

 CAKE SALE in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care!                            

Walk and Talk Group 

The Walk and Talk group meet regularly on the first Thursday of the month starting from the Medical Practice at 10.30 am.  The most recent walks have taken us to the Dane John, Westgate dens, St Augustine’s, and St Martins.  The pace is gentle and there is usually a stop for coffee – about an hour and a half in all. Details are displayed on the PPG banner in Reception. If you are interested in joining us for the next walk you will be very welcome. Please note that due to holiday arrangements the September walk will be on Thursday September 11th , not the 4th.  The October will as usual be on the first Thursday, the 2nd.    

Diabetes Support Group 

The next meeting of the Diabetes Support Group will be on Wednesday September 24th at 12.30  at Northgate: Neil Brown, a podiatry expert from Age UK, has been invited to speak.  If you have been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes these meetings offer information and support so please come along if you can. Chairman Sally Hatcher would also like to draw your attention to the NHS/DiabetesUK programme Pathway to Remission full details of which can be found at england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/diabetes-remission