Important News for Our Patients

As of October 1st, 2025, all GP practices in England are required to publish the new patient charter, “You and Your General Practice.” This document, introduced by NHS England, is designed to help you understand what to expect from our practice and how you can work with us to get the best care possible.

The charter outlines your rights and responsibilities as a patient, and it is a key part of the new GP contract for 2025/26. It aims to improve transparency and communication between our practice team and you.

It’s all about clear communication, mutual respect, and making sure everyone gets the best from their GP services. We encourage all our patients to take a few minutes to read it – It’s a helpful resource for understanding your rights, responsibilities, and how we can support your health and wellbeing.

This publication is available in multiple languages.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/you-and-your-general-practice-english/

Protect yourself this winter – flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are now available at Penryn Surgery for eligible patients. Vaccines are the best way to avoid getting seriously ill from seasonal viruses. Here’s what you need to know:

Flu Vaccine: Free if you’re 65 or over, pregnant, have certain long-term conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney, liver disease, etc.), in a healthcare/caring role, or a child aged 2-3 (on 31 Aug). Most children get a nasal spray in school. We offer flu jabs here from October (earlier for pregnant women and children).

COVID-19 Seasonal Booster Vaccination: Offered to those at highest risk – this autumn the NHS is inviting everyone 75+, residents in care homes, and people with serious immune system conditions. If you’re in these groups, you’ll have been contacted (or will be soon) to book your COVID booster. (If you think you’re eligible but haven’t heard, please contact us to check.)

RSV Vaccine: If you are aged 75-79, you will be offered an RSV vaccination – we will invite you when it’s your turn. Pregnant women (from 28 weeks) are offered a one-dose RSV vaccine too to help protect their newborn baby from RSV.

Why get vaccinated?

These vaccines significantly lower your risk of severe illness, complications, or hospital visits. They also protect your loved ones – fewer chances for you to catch and spread flu or COVID. Flu vaccination is particularly important in pregnancy (it protects mum and baby) and for young children (who can spread flu in the family). The vaccines are safe and have been thoroughly tested. You might get a sore arm or mild fever for a day or two – much milder than getting the actual illness!

How to book: Our flu/COVID clinics start in October. You can book online via the NHS app or website or call us on 01326 372502. If you’re visiting the surgery, our receptionist can also book you in. We offer co-administering (flu in one arm, COVID in the other) for convenience – safe and done in one go. If you prefer separate appointments, just let us know. Housebound patients: we will arrange home visits; our team will call you.
Questions? If you’re unsure about eligibility or nervous about the vaccine, please speak to our team. We’re happy to discuss your concerns. For more info, see the NHS website.
Let’s all do our part to stay healthy – book your winter vaccines today.

We have been advised that 59% of our patients aged 13+ are now registered for the NHS App/ NHS Online Account.

Patients can either download the NHS App on mobiles or tablets, or log-on to their pc using a browser.

Log in to your account to:

• order repeat prescriptions
• book and manage appointments
• get health information and advice
• view your health record securely
• view your NHS number

For more information on how to sign up visit https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login

A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.

You'll be able to get the vaccine if:

• you're aged 75 to 79
• you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born

If you're aged 75 to 79, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.

From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more.

Penryn Surgery have enhanced their collection of re-usable equipment with the purchase of four sets of instruments for use in their coil fitting and removal clinics. These have been provided with a generous grant from the Naturesave Trust.

Dr Christine Dunne said ‘Having enough equipment that can be sent for sterilization after each procedure, makes a huge impact reducing the amount of single-use plastic we use in our weekly clinics.  These instruments replace plastic items that had to be disposed of after each patient and were not in keeping with our ‘Greener Practice’ aims and policy.’

The Practice has achieved their ‘Gold Award‘ in the Green Impact for Health Scheme. This scheme is part of the United Nations award-winning Green Impact programme designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practice within organisations. The toolkit is being used by over 1400 General Practices across the UK.

The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK's leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businessess, charities and community groups.

Photo shows R-L: Dr Christine Dunne - GP Partner, Claire Coleman -  Assistant Manager , Dr Louise Sworn – GP Registrar

We don't want to wish the summer away but we're already looking ahead and planning our flu clinics which will take place in September.

As part of our Active Practice Charter, we've joined with the Penryn campus parkrun to encourage our staff teams and our patients to take part in the weekly parkrun event on Saturday mornings.

For more information on the health benefits of parkrun, volunteering or just turning up to support, visit our Parkrun page