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Spring Newsletter 2026

Issue 74

I need to let you know that the next: Patient Participation Group Annual General Meeting is on May 12th at 1pm in the Norman Centre.

This meeting is open to patients registered at Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre and they are very welcome to attend. If there are any particular points about the PPG that you would like to raise, please let me know ahead of the meeting by dropping a note into the MC addressed to me. Thank you very much.

I am pleased to say that the patient satisfaction surveys carried out by the medical centre (MC) (known as the Friends and Family Test) are still very positive. Yes, some concerns have been raised but the MC has taken these comments on board, they have reviewed their processes and taken action accordingly. As always, patients may contact the MC if they have concerns and they will be contacted by a member of staff at the earliest opportunity.

The MC is presently engaged in a programme to widen the knowledge and use of the NHS App. Some members of the PPG are actively involved in supporting this activity. There are posters around the town to let you know where and when you can meet someone to help answer questions. In addition, text messages are being sent to patients to promote usage of the App. So far, this plan has been very well received and already there are plans in progress to repeat the exercise as needed. In addition, there is SystmOnline which patients may also use. This is the MC’s system and is similar to the NHS App, patients who use it have found it to be very helpful.

I look forward to meeting those who can attend on May 12th. In the meantime, I’d like to repeat that your PPG is always happy to pass your feedback to the team who, we know, try their best to be there for their patients when needed.

Let’s hope we have a sunny spell during the holidays in April!

Sue Lake
Chairperson, Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre PPG

Spring Time Mental Wellbing

Living by the coast offers unique wellbeing benefits in spring, and Budleigh Salterton’s beautiful pebble beach and open coastal paths make it especially easy for patients to take advantage of nature.

Coastal walking is a simple but powerful way to support mental health. The combination of fresh sea air, wide horizons, and rhythmic wave sounds can help promote calmness and reduce stress. Many people find that even a short stroll along the beach or a gentle walk on the South West Coast Path helps clear the mind and improve focus.

Spending time near the sea can also encourage mindfulness. Noticing the colour of the water, listening to pebbles shifting with the tide, or feeling the breeze are all grounding experiences that help shift attention away from worry and into the present moment. These small sensory cues can be especially helpful during early spring, when patients may still be feeling the lingering effects of winter fatigue.

Budleigh Salterton’s quieter coastal areas also offer ideal spots for reflective moments, light stretching, or simply sitting outdoors to enjoy the longer, brighter days. Encouraging each other to make use of our local blue and green spaces is an easy, accessible, and natural way to support mental wellbeing.

Seasonal Bugs and Staying Well in Early Spring

Even though spring is on the way, many winter viruses are still circulating in March and April. Illnesses such as colds, coughs and flu remain common at this time of year because the weather often changes from warm to cold very quickly, allowing these viruses to continue spreading.

Typical early symptoms can include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a sore throat, cough or a raised temperature. Spotting these signs early not only helps you look after yourself but also reduces the chance of passing bugs on to others—especially older people, young children, and those with long-term conditions who may be more at risk.

Simple steps such as washing your hands regularly, using tissues when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you feel unwell can make a big difference in helping limit the spread of seasonal illnesses while we move towards warmer, more settled weather.

Managing Hay Fever

Hay fever often flares up in spring as pollen levels rise. Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose can be managed with simple steps.

Tips for Relief

Check with your local pharmacy – Pharmacists can advise on antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops, and help patients manage symptoms effectively. They remain open during public holiday periods and are a recommended first point of contact for minor conditions.
Reduce exposure – Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, wear sunglasses outdoors, and shower after spending time outside.
Plan ahead – If symptoms occur every spring, starting treatment early can help reduce severity.

Who to Contact

Pharmacy: First point of contact for most hay fever symptoms and treatment advice.
GP: If symptoms are severe, not improving, or affecting asthma.
NHS 111: For urgent help when the practice is closed.

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

Health Tips for Young Adults

Spring is a good time for young adults to take stock of their health and make sure everything is up to date. If you’re aged 18–25, there are a few simple checks to help you stay well as we move into the warmer months:

Check your vaccinations – If you’re unsure whether you’ve had all your recommended childhood and teenage vaccines (such as MMR or the MenACWY vaccine), you can contact the surgery to check your record. Staying vaccinated protects you and the people around you.
Know where to go for help – Community pharmacies can offer quick advice and treatment for common illnesses like colds, mild infections, allergies, and skin conditions. This can save you time and help you get the right support straight away.
Look after long-term conditions – If you have asthma, allergies, or any ongoing condition, spring can sometimes cause flare-ups. Make sure you have your regular medications, an up-to-date inhaler if needed, and know how to manage symptoms as the seasons change.
Don’t ignore new symptoms – If something doesn’t feel right, or a symptom isn’t settling, it’s always better to get it checked. You can call the practice or use NHS 111 when the surgery is closed.

This small reset helps you stay on top of your health and prevents minor issues becoming bigger problems.

Your Health Store Cupboards Essentials

Keeping a few basic items at home can help you manage minor illnesses without needing urgent appointments. A good “health store cupboard” might include paracetamol, ibuprofen (if suitable for you – check with your pharmacist first), antihistamines, rehydration salts, a digital thermometer, plasters, antiseptic cream and simple cough or cold remedies. Having these to hand means you can treat many minor issues quickly and safely, and pharmacists can advise if you’re unsure what’s right for you.