Patient Group Newsletter

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter.

What an extraordinary summer, I think it has been challenging for many people but I do hope our readers are fine as they read this.

I am very pleased to say that, with the very helpful support of the Budleigh Library staff, we are holding 2 “Patient Participation Group Information sessions“ during September. These will take place on Saturday September 12th and Monday September 14th from 10am to 12pm in the Budleigh Library. Members of the PPG Committee will be on hand to share information about the group and answer your questions. There will also be the opportunity to sign up to receive an electronic copy of the Newsletter if you would find this helpful.

On Wednesday October 14th there will be another health information talk at Seachange on East Budleigh Road in Budleigh Salterton. The topic this time will be skin conditions, presented by Dr Hannah Cookson, a Consultant Dermatologist. The agenda will include how to spot a lesion that may require medical attention, Rosacea and Eczema. The event commences at 6pm and is expected to close at 7pm. As always, the event is free, but there will be limited space so please would you collect tickets from the Medical Centre ahead of the event if you wish to attend. Thank you. Please arrive in good time if you would like to purchase teas/coffees etc. from the Seachange café beforehand.

Please don’t forget that if you are eligible for flu and or Covid vaccinations you can now book an appointment. The weather forecast seems to be for a stormy autumn so let’s do our best to keep the bugs at bay!

Sue Lake
Chairperson, Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre PPG

Thank You to the Budleigh Salterton Health Centre Charity

Following the positive feedback received in a patient survey, Budleigh Salterton Health Centre Charity has generously funded two new information screens in our reception area.

These screens will help us share health information, promote local services and support available within the community, and keep patients informed about health campaigns, practice updates, and wellbeing initiatives.

We are very grateful to the Charity for their continued support in helping us enhance our patient experience.

Learn more about the Health Centre Charity

Mental Health Crisis Contacts

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Up to one in four people will experience poor mental health at some point in their life. They could be caused by stressful events such as losing a job, bereavement or money issues. These feelings can often be intense, but are often temporary. With the right support and help people make good, positive steps towards recovery. Please visit our website for more information and support to help with your wellbeing.

Contingency plan out of hours contacts in a crisis are:

• Crisis Team - Tel: 111 and select “Mental Health” option
• Moorings Crisis Cafe (Exeter) - Tel: 07990 790920
• Samaritans (24/7) - Tel: 116 123
• SANEline - Tel: 0300 304 7000
• Children and Adolescent Mental Health: Tel: 0330 0245 321 (office hours) and the Crisis Team out of hours

Going to University? Check your vaccines!

Heading to university this autumn? Make sure you're protected with the MenACWY vaccine. Contact the practice today to book if you haven't already had it.

CCTV installed at the practice

To help improve the safety and security of our staff, patients and visitors, CCTV has recently been installed at the practice. Cameras are located behind the reception desk and at the front of the building overlooking the car park. Clear signage is displayed at the entrance to inform everyone using the practice.

CCTV footage will only be accessed when necessary, for example in the event of a crime, anti-social behaviour, or for staff training purposes. CCTV is widely used in many public settings and has been introduced as a precautionary measure to help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Your Health Care - Your Information - Your Apps

Each app allows you 24/7 access your medical records. Currently you are unable to see both your GP medical records and your hospital medical records in the same app.

SystmOnline is managed by your GP practice and allows you to:

• Order and review progress of requests for repeat prescriptions
• View GP test results
• View and cancel GP appointments
• Securely view your GP health record
• Message the practice

NHS App is managed by NHS England and allows you to:

• Order and review progress of requests for repeat prescriptions
• View GP test results
• View and cancel GP appointments
• Securely view your GP health record
• Register to be an organ donor
• Check your symptoms

MyCare is managed by the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and allows you to:

• View results of hospital tests when they are available
• View upcoming hospital appointments, along with details about attending
• Search for information on past RDUH appointments
• See hospital letters and recent clinical information
• Send a message directly to your hospital care team from within the app if you have any questions about your hospital care

Patient Newsletter Sign up

Would you like to receive the Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre Patient Newsletter by email? If you would, please pop you email address into the Patient Group (PPG) Post Box in reception.

Please be reassured that you your email address will only be used to send you the patient newsletter and that your details will be stored securely by the practice. We will not share your email address without your consent, and your information will be handled in line with UK GDPR.

If you change your mind – then simply ask us to remove your email address at any time.

Suspicious Lesions, Rosacea and Eczema

Free patient event

You are invited to a patient information talk on “Suspicious Lesions, Rosacea and Eczema” by Dr Hannah Cookson, Consultant Dermatologist

• Wednesday 14th October 2026 at 6.00pm
• Seachange, East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6HF

Admission to this free event is by ticket only – so please collect your tickets from the surgery reception – there are a limited number of tickets

Please arrive earlier than 6.00pm if you would like to purchase refreshments at the Seachange Cafe

Practice Acitivity July 2026

Book your Flu and Covid vaccinations today.

We are booking appointments for this autumn’s Flu and Covid vaccinations on Saturday 3rd October and Saturday 10th October 2026 and have extensive clinics available during weekdays.

If you are aged 65 and over, or in a clinical at-risk group you will be eligible for a flu vaccination. If you are aged 75 and over, or are immunosuppressed, you will be eligible for a covid vaccine.

Depending on eligibility, you can receive both vaccines during a single appointment or at two separate ones. Even if you were vaccinated last year, it’s important to get vaccinated again. Viruses can change yearly and protection decreases over time. The best defence is to get your vaccine before the virus starts circulating. If you are eligible, please take advantage of this preventive measure to stay healthy throughout the winter.

If you have previously had an adverse reaction to a flu vaccination or are allergic to eggs, please inform us. This will enable your GP to review your medical notes for suitability.

How to contact the Medical Centre

See our Contact Us page for details

Published: Sep 23, 2026