WELCOME TO ABBOTS CROSS MEDICAL PRACTICE - UPDATE 04/08/2025
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Summer
SUMMER SEASONAL HEALTH TIPS
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and other health issues, so always carry a water bottle.
Protect Your Skin
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light, protective clothing to further shield your skin from the sun.
Keep Cool and Safe
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) when possible. If you need to go outside, seek shade, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activities. Use fans or air conditioning if available and keep living spaces cool by closing windows and curtains during the day and opening them at night.
Eat Fresh and Seasonal
Take advantage of the summer’s abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include colourful salads, grilled vegetables, and fruit salads in your meals for a nutrient boost.
Be Active Outdoors
Physical activity not only improves fitness but also boosts mood and helps you get vitamin D from sunlight. Remember to pace yourself and avoid vigorous exercise during peak heat.
Prioritise Sleep
Longer daylight hours and warm nights can disrupt sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and limit screen time before bed to support better sleep quality.
Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Be aware of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion, which may indicate heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If you or someone else feels unwell in the heat, move to a cooler place, drink water, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
Stay Socially Connected
Summer is a great time to strengthen social ties. Plan picnics, barbecues, or walks with friends and family - social connections are important for mental wellbeing.
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Take time to relax and enjoy the season. Practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, yoga, or simply spending quiet moments in nature. Reflecting on positive experiences can boost your mood and overall wellbeing.
Special Advice for Vulnerable Groups Older adults, young children, and those with long-term health conditions are more at-risk during heatwaves.
Check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, and ensure they stay cool and hydrated.
These tips will help you enjoy a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable summer. Stay well!
SHINGLES TREATMENT
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE SHINGLES
YOU CAN NO GO TO THE FOLLOWING PHARMACIES FOR TREATMENT:
BOOTS ABBEYCENTRE
BOOTS CARRICKFERGUS
MERVILLE PHARMACY
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PRACTICE CLOSURES 2025
2025
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Monday | Summer bank holiday |
Thursday | Christmas Day |
Friday | Boxing Day |
FREE SELF-MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR ANYONE LIVING WITH PERSISTENT PAIN
PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKING
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EMAIL SERVICES
DID YOU KNOW, YOU CAN NOW REQUEST THE FOLLOWING VIA EMAIL:
1. A CONTINUATION SICK LINE
2. A MAT B1 FORM (Expected Date of Confinement)
3. A PRIVATE REFERRAL
4. ACCESS TO YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
5. CHANGE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS
6. ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
7. ARRANGE TREATMENT ROOM AND PRACTICE NURSE APPOINTMENTS
(NB THIS SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR GP APPOINTMENTS)
You can now self-refer to Northern Trust Physiotherapy
Connecting You to Services & Activities in Your Local Area
CONNECT NORTH - YOUR PATHWAY TO WELLBEING
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YOU CAN NOW BOOK YOUR PSV/HGV MEDICALS VIA RECEPTION
who will contact you with a convenient appointment
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TRIAGE GUIDELINES - 01/05/2025
Unfortunately, at times, the practice may be understaffed due to staff sickness or holidays.
On these occasions we may have to restrict the number of triage calls
In the event of this:- the following action will be taken
"The practice is currently experiencing unmanageable demand for urgent care. Taking account of our patients’ and practice team’s safety and the availability of other options for patient care we are not able to see any more patients today.
We are sorry for this inconvenience, which is beyond our control.
If you have an urgent medical problem that you believe cannot wait please phone through on the emergency line.
Thank you for your understanding
IF YOU REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE GP, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
IF YOU REQUIRE A HOME VISIT, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
ABOVE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF THERE ARE STAFF SHORTAGES
UPDATED TIMES WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE AND ON OUR PHONE LINES
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IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HAVE HEARING LOSS PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW FOR SUPPORT SERVICES
SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR SIGHT LOSS
https://online.hscni.net/download/2452/physical-and-sensory-disability/38350/hsc-services-and-support-for-sight-loss
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PHARMACY FIRST SERVICE: for uncomplicated lower Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
in WOMEN aged 16 to 64 years
YOU CAN NOW GO TO YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY IF YOU HAVE A SUSPECTED URINARY TRACT INFECTION - YOU DO NOT NEED TO SEE A GP
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PRESCRIPTION COLLECTION
DUE TO ON-GOING WORK PRESSURES,
WE WOULD KINDLY REQUEST THAT YOU NOMINATE A CHEMIST OF YOUR CHOICE TO COLLECT YOUR REPEAT PRESCRIPTION
ACUTE AND EMERGENCY REQUESTS CAN STILL BE COLLECTED AT THE PRACTICE
IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES OR WOULD STILL LIKE TO COLLECT YOUR OWN PRESCRIPTIONS
PLEASE MAKE OUR RECEPTION STAFF AWARE:
RECEPTION.Z00434@GP.HSCNI.NET
Thank you
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A Guide for Parents of children with a disability and additional needs
Please see link below for full guide
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Sexual health
24 hours a day
Free, discreet, confidential
YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR GP
https://sh24.org.uk/
YOU CAN NOW ORDER
STI
TEST KITS
Your kit arrives in a plain, letterbox friendly envelope, it contains everything you need to Freepost return your samples to our lab.
Order free nowLearn more
CONTRACEPTIVE
PILL
Your pills arrive in a plain, letterbox friendly envelope. You will not need to sign for them. Order before 3pm for next working day delivery.
Order free nowLearn more
EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTION
Your morning after pill arrives in a plain, letterbox friendly envelope. You will not need to sign for it. Order before 3pm for next working day delivery.
Order free nowLearn more
GENITAL WART
TREATMENT
Upload three photos for clinical diagnosis. Treatment arrives in a plain, letterbox friendly envelope. You will not need to sign for it.
Order free nowLearn more
You can also now order
EMERGNECY CONTRACEPTION
FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY
BETTER DAYS PAIN RELIEF SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Do you live with chronic pain?
Supporting people to self-manage their pain and live better and happier lives
For more information contact Natasha Moore Pain Programme Co-ordinator
E: nmoore@lorag.org
T: 028 90312377 ext.2
M: 07939406277
For more information please contact us.
ON THE DAY APPOINTMENTS
IF YOU REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT YOU NOW NEED TO PHONE
BETWEEN 8.30 A.M. - 10.00 A.M.
WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED, BUT DUE TO CURRENT WORKLOAD, STAFFING LEVELS
AND A RAPIDLY INCREASING PATIENT LIST
WE HAVE HAD TO REDUCE THE HOURS FOR REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING
IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED
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COVID-19 testing and tracing is changing in Northern Ireland | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)
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PHARMACY FIRST FOR EVERYDAY HEALTH CONDITIONS - MAY 2025
YOU DO NOT NEED TO SEE A GP
PLEASE ATTEND YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY
FOR FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND TREATMENT FOR:
Acne
Groin infection
Oral thrush
Athletes foot
Threadworms
Scabies
Diarrhoea
Vaginal thrush
Verrucae
Haemorrhoids
Earwax Headlice
Mouth ulcers
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Directory of services to help improve mental health and emotional wellbeing
PHA-GP-Bereavement-Leaflet-2020.pdf (hscni.net)
LIFELINE
It’s ok, not to be ok
If you are experiencing distress or despair you can get support:
You will get through this.
If you are experiencing distress or despair you can get support
24 hours a day/7 days per week and you can call FREE:
0808 808 8000
CONDITION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
FREE WORK-FOCUSED PROGRAMME WHICH AIMS TO GIVE INDIVIDUALS STRATEGIES AND SUPPORT TO MANAGE THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS
PLEASE CLICK BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/condition-management-programme#toc-0
TELEPHONE ACCESS
WE APPRECIATE THAT SOME PATIENTS MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY GETTING THROUGH ON THE TELEPHONES,
PARTICULARLY BETWEEN 8.30 AM - 10.30AM AS GPS TRIAGE ALL TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT REQUESTS
WE WOULD THEREFORE REQUEST THAT IF IT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY - YOU PHONE THE PRACTICE AFTER 11.00 A.M.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ALSO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS VIA THIS WEBSITE OR VIA EMAIL (reception.z00434@gp.hscni.net)
OR LEAVE A MESSAGE ON OUR 24 HR PRESCRIPTION LINE - AVAILABLE 7 DAYS PER WEEK
IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY, PROVIDING THIS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL
PRACTICE EMAIL: reception.z00434@gp.hscni.net
PHONE: 02890364048
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IF YOU NEED YOUR HEALTH & CARE NUMBER
(THIS REPLACED NHS NUMBER)
PLEASE SEE BELOW
Patient video – How to find your health and care number.
https://twitter.com/HSCBoard/status/1382058507390754822?s=20
https://www.facebook.com/healthandsocialcareboard/posts/2873094982904864
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnh8b7owGr/
YOUTH WELLNESS WEBSITE
The Youth Wellness Web has been co-designed by young people for young people with easy access to different resources and services that can really help you.
Information and help is available on:
bullying/mental health/school/bereavement/wellbeing
&
videos and podcasts are available
Please click on link below:
www.cypsp.hscni.net/youth-wellness-web
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SURGERY CLOSURE - EMERGENCIES ONLY
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OUTSIDE NORMAL SURGERY HOURS
PLEASE PHONE DALRIADA ON:
02825663500
How to access Urgent and Emergency Care Services
FOR ATTENDANCES AT ANTRIM AND CAUSEWAY ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
PLEASE PHONE FIRST:
0300 123 1 123
TEXT RELAY NUMBER: 18001 0300 123 1 123
OR INTERPRETER NOW APP
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
FOR EMERGENCIES THAT ARE LIFE-THREATNING ALWAYS CALL 999
(Site updated 05/08/2025)