Falling as we get older is quite common. 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people aged 80+ will have at least one fall a year and although
most falls don't cause serious injury, they can really dent our confidence, causing distress or embarrassment. Worse still, they can
threaten our independence.

The good news is there’s lots of things we can do to reduce the risk of falling and stay steady on our feet – and all these tips are
available in one handy guide.

‘Fall Proof’ is a 12-page booklet with a checklist of actions to take to reduce the risk of falling, including sections on trip hazards,
hydration, balance, blood pressure, eyesight and exercise.

The guide is available online at: Improving your strength and balance and preventing falls - Mid and South Essex ICS

You can also visit Active Essex - Able like Mabel to access information on how to reduce your risk of falling by doing simple
movements and exercises at home, to keep yourself strong and steady.

From boosting your immunity to swapping slippers, now is the time to take action to stay well this winter. As the colder months approach, it’s essential to take steps to protect your health and that of your loved ones. The NHS in mid and south Essex is encouraging everyone to ‘Be Prepared for Winter’ by following key health advice early in the season to help prevent illness. 

Key actions to take 

Get vaccinated: Ensure you and your family are up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations if eligible. These vaccines are especially important for older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. 

Practice self-care: Keep your medicine cupboard well-stocked with essentials and know how to manage minor illnesses at home. For minor health concerns, your local pharmacy should be your first point of call. Pharmacists are trained professionals who can offer advice and treatment without the need for an appointment. Using your local pharmacy can help you get care quickly. They may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medication for some conditions without you needing to see a GP, a service known as Pharmacy First. 

Using community referral tools like Essex Frontline can connect you with vital support services in your local community. Whether you need help staying warm, managing energy bills, or accessing food and healthcare, Essex Frontline is ready to guide you. 

Look after your mental health and boost your immunity: Winter can be challenging for mental wellbeing, so take steps to stay connected, active, and mindful. 

A balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Even in colder weather, try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and exercise into your daily routine. Drinking enough water is also essential, even in winter. It helps your body function optimally and prevents dehydration, which can weaken your immune system. 

Prevent falls: Take precautions to prevent falls, especially if you're older or caring for someone who is older. For more information, resources, and guidance on winter fall prevention, visit the Preventing falls and staying well guide, developed in partnership with Active Essex. 

Subscribe now to uncover the secrets to winter health 

Winter can be a challenging time for health, but with the right information, you can stay safe and well. The NHS winter email series offers regular tips, advice, and updates on how to manage your health and wellbeing during the colder months. 

Don’t miss out – subscribe today and have expert advice delivered straight to your inbox. https://pages.comms.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/pages/p47-jbh74hh1 

While the NHS does offer vasectomy services, there are several compelling reasons to choose Stock Surgery Clinic for your procedure. 

Faster Access to Care

NHS waiting times for vasectomies can be long, sometimes stretching for months. At Stock Surgery Clinic, we can offer much faster access, often with appointments available within days or weeks, meaning you can undergo the procedure at a time that suits you. 

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of care. Our rates are transparent, and there are no hidden fees. Compared to other private clinics and the cost of waiting for NHS treatment, our services provide exceptional value for money. 

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

We understand that scheduling medical appointments around work and personal commitments can be difficult. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your busy lifestyle. 

Private and Discreet Treatment

At Stock Surgery Clinic, your privacy is our priority. Unlike NHS settings, where vasectomy appointments may take place in busy hospitals, our clinic provides a discreet, private environment. We aim to make your experience as comfortable and confidential as possible. 

Affordable Pricing Options: Cost-Effective Solutions

At Stock Surgery Clinic, we believe that high-quality vasectomy care should be accessible to everyone. We offer a range of affordable pricing options and are happy to discuss payment plans if necessary. 

Transparent Pricing Structure

Our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what the cost will be from the outset, with no surprises. 

Payment Plans Available

We offer flexible payment options to make the procedure even more affordable. Please speak to our team to find out how we can help you manage the cost of your treatment. 

Compare with NHS Costs

While the NHS offers free vasectomy services, the long waiting times and lack of personalisation often mean that a private vasectomy at Stock Surgery Clinic is a better overall value, especially when you consider the convenience, care, and quicker recovery times. 

What To Expect During Your Vasectomy

We understand that undergoing any medical procedure can feel daunting. That’s why we take the time to guide you through each step of the process, from your initial consultation to the procedure day and beyond. 

During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you are fully informed about the procedure. This is an opportunity for us to assess whether a vasectomy is the right choice for you. 

On the day of the procedure, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Using the non-scalpel technique, we make a small puncture to access the vas deferens, which is then cut and sealed. The entire procedure typically takes around 15-20 minutes. 

The procedure is quick and pain-free, thanks to the local anaesthetic. You’ll remain awake throughout, but you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Many patients are surprised by how straightforward and quick it is. 

After the procedure, you’ll be able to go home the same day. We’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions, including advice on managing any discomfort, activity restrictions, and when you can return to work and physical activity. Most men are fully recovered within a week. 

Our Commitment to Patient Safety and Comfort

At Stock Surgery Clinic, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of your care is handled with the utmost attention to detail. 

We use advanced techniques to minimise any discomfort during and after the procedure. Our non-scalpel vasectomy is specifically designed to be as pain-free as possible, and most men report little to no pain afterward. 

We stay up to date with the latest medical advancements to ensure that we are offering the safest and most effective treatments available. Our clinic is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, ensuring precision and care throughout the procedure. 

Our clinic operates under strict hygiene protocols to prevent infections and complications. We maintain sterile conditions throughout the procedure and post-operative care, ensuring your health and safety at all times. 

These sessions are designed for support and activities for mental health, based at our Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. We offer inclusive activity sessions for adults who want to improve their confidence, wellbeing and mental health. Our team of Activity Coordinators and Mental Health First Aiders will support you at each session. We will provide an area to speak openly to our support team who can help with signposting you to services.

Sessions are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2-4pm and the first session is FREE!

We are pleased to announce our autumn/winter one-off events timetable at out With you in Mind sessions:

• Trampoline – Thursday 12^th September from 2.30-3.30pm
• Table Tennis – Wednesday 9^th October from 2.30-3.30pm
• Card Making – Thursday 21^st November from 2.30-3.30pm

Therapy dogs - All sessions are from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

• Friday 18 October
• Friday 15 November
• Friday 13 December

For more information about the sessions please go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/withyouinmind or call 01245 606569.

THE NHS HAS INTRODUCED A NEW VACCINATION CALLED RSV (RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS ) THIS IS BEING OFFERED TO PREGNANT WOMEN OVER 28 WEEKS AND TO ANYONE 75 AND OVER.

WE WILL BE LOOKING TO START THIS CAMPAIGN IN THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER AS THERE HAS TO BE A 2 WEEK PERIOD BETWEEN THIS AND THE FLU JAB.

WE WILL CONTACT YOU AND ASK IF YOU WANT THE JAB AND THEN BOOK YOU INTO A CLINIC.

WE ARE HOLDING OUR FLU CLINUC HERE AT THE SURGERY ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 5TH, THIS IS FOR ANYONE 65 AND OVER AS AT THE 31ST MARCH 2025, ALSO FOR FOR OUR PATIENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 65 WHO HAVE A CONDITION THAT MAKES THEM ELIGBLE FOR A JAB, MOST OF THIS GROUP WILL HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED A TEXT.

PLEASE PHONE RECEPTION ON 01277 289400 AFTER 15.00 MONDAY TO FRIDAY TO BOOK YOUR INJECTION.

YOU CAN COME TO THE SURGERY ANYTIME BETWEEN 8.00  AND 11.00 ON THE 5TH OCTOBER.

IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THIS DATE WE WILL BE ADDING EXTRA CLINICS IN OCTOBER, DATES TO BE CONFIRMED. 

62 PATIENTS DID NOT ATTEND THEIR APPOINTMENTS IN AUGUST, THIS EQUATES TO 10.50 HOURS OF WASTED GP AND NURSE TIME.

PRIMARY CARE IS UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE TO OFFER APPOINTMENTS, IF YOU CANNOT ATTENE PLEASE CONTACT RECEPTION ON RECEPTION.F81040.NHS.NET OR PHONE 01277 289400.

Please have a look at the Chelmsford City Health PCN link above.

This is useful for anyone looking for advice on Health & Wellbeing, social care and activities in your local area.

Life with diabetes can feel like number, check and test overload. You might feel fine, or feel like you don’t have the time. Or maybe you’re not sure what checks you should be getting. But these regular diabetes health checks are vital to keep you healthy, so you can continue living life to the full.

If you require more information about keeping well with diabetes you can request an appointment to speak with our Diabetes Lead Pharmacist - Rashmi Patel

Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS) provides joined-up mental health and physical health support for people living with dementia or suspected dementia in mid Essex

The service offers:

 Rapid support for people who are in crisis

 Intensive support and treatment at place of residence

 Signposting to further advice and support You do not need to speak with health or social care professional to be referred as self-referrals are accepted.

CALL: 01245 515 313 for advice, support and referral. The helpline is open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am – 5pm.

111 option 2 outside these hours if you are concerned about mental health needs.

Please do not use the contact form on the website for appointment booking or requesting medications

At the NHS, we want our patients to have the best experience possible and having continuous patient feedback is crucial in helping us deliver what patients want and need. 

The national Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) asks for feedback from cancer patients (16 years and over*), to inform and improve local cancer services across England. Those who were treated for cancer as an inpatient or day-case, and left hospital in April, May or June 2023, will be invited to take part in the survey. 

The survey takes no more than 20 minutes to complete and can be done online, on paper, or over the phone. If you need support completing the survey or need it made available in another language, you can call the free helpline number: 0800 103 2804.  

The NHS and cancer charities use the results to understand what is working well and which areas need improvement. The results enable them to identify national and local priorities and work with patients and partners to deliver change.

The survey is anonymous, and all personal data will be kept safe.

The results of the survey will be available in Summer 2024. 

For more information on the survey and how to access help and support in completing it, please visit www.ncpes.co.uk. 

*For those aged 16 and under, feedback is collected via the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk.