RK Medical Practice

Meningitis B Outbreak

Meningitis B Outbreak

18/03/2026 GOV.UK

Who is being offered the MenB vaccine?

A targeted vaccination programme is being introduced in direct response to this outbreak.  Vaccination will begin with students living in Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent.

The vaccination programme maybe expanded as UKHSA continues to assess the risks to other groups, and further advice on additional chohorts will be provided in the coming days.

What is the risk to the wider public?

The risk of infection to the wider population remains low, but we are actiely looking for contac ts of people who have MenB (contact tacing) and offeing preventative antibiotics to tjose in close contact with cases.

 

f you aren't in the eligible group, here is what you should do:

  • Check your routine vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines. While these don't protect against MenB, they protect against other causes of meningitis.

  • Check your "Year 9" status: The MenACWY vaccine is usually given in school during Year 9.

  • Get a catch-up: If you missed your MenACWY vaccine in school, you can still get a free catch-up dose at your GP surgery.

  • Stay vigilant: Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and seek medical help urgently if concerned.

We will keep you informed, when we hear anything new.

 

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NHS App

The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google play or App store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

Find out more about the NHS App

Health A to Z

Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

Go to the Health A to Z

Medicines A to Z

Find out how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

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Weight Management Mounjaro

Weight Management in Greater Mancester: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/weight-management-in-greater-manchester/  

Veteran Friendly Practice

We know that this Remembrance Day is likely to be particularly challenging for the many veterans in our community and we want you to know that we are trained and committed to effectively identifying and supporting your health needs.

 

As a Veteran Friendly Accredited practice, our team:

 

•recognises the importance of identifying veteran patients within our community
•understands the unique health needs that veterans may have
•strives to provide veterans with the very best care and support
•knows about the specialist veteran healthcare services that exist
•undertakes regular training and development to ensure we’re able to deliver the very best care to veterans in our community and meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

 

If you’re a veteran patient, please do let us know that you have served so that we can make sure you receive the most appropriate and best care, if and when you ever need it.

 

You can learn more about the accreditation and how it supports veteran patients, here: rcgp.org.uk/veterans

Get to Know where to Go - Winter 2025/26

Where to Go - Winter 2025/26

Winter can be a difficult time.

Health services come under increased pressure and many of us are more likely to see a dip in our health and wellbeing – especially those who are more vulnerable. So, it’s more important than ever that people get to know where to go if they are unwell or need extra help and support. 

Physician Assistants

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

Physician Assistants are medically trained healthcare professionals who work alongside our GPs to provide high quality-patient care. They have completed post-graduate medical training and work under the direct supervision of the GP.

What can a Physician Assistant do?

PAs are an integral part of our clinical team.  Their role allows GPs to focus on the most complex medical cases, while ensuring all patients are seen in a timely manner.  Their duties include:

  • Consultations: Carrying out physical examinations and taking medical histories.
  • Diagnosis: Seeing patients with undifferentiated diagnoses.
  • Treatment Plans: Formulating management plans for patients and providing health promption advice.
  • Home Visits:  Accompanying the GP with  visits to housebound patients or those in care home.

How do they support our patients?

By having a Physician Assistant in the practice, we can offer more appointments and shorter waiting times. Whil;e they do not currently prescribe medication or request certain types of X-rays independently, they work closely with your GP to ensure prescriptions are processed and results are reviewed efficiently.

PPG

Join our Patient Paticipation Group (PPG)

We believe that patients should be at the heart of everything we do.  Our PPG is a group of volunteer patients who work closely with the practice staff and doctors to improve services and communication.

Why join the PPG?

  • Have your say: Provide feedback on the services provided by the surgery.
  • Stay informed: Get "behind the scenes" updates on changes in local healthcare.
  • Improve care: Help us develop new services that meet the actual needs of our community.

How to get involved:

We meet [Quarterly] at the surgery.

Interested? Speak to a member of the reception team.

 

Video Relay System

Video Relay System

Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users can now call the emergency services in their first language.

Ofcom requires telecoms providers to make emergency video relay available in the UK. This will make it easier for deaf BSL users to get the help they need, such as police, ambulance or fire brigade, in emergencies.

Emergency text relay and emergency SMS will continue to be available alongside emergency video relay.

We would like to thank the deaf people who were involved in campaigning for this change, and who have provided advice to Ofcom.

To use emergency video relay, you will need a connected device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer. You can access emergency video relay via the 999BSL website or download the dedicated app. 

Five things you should know about emergency video relay

  • It's available 24 hours a day
  • It's free to use
  • Emergency services treat 999 BSL calls exactly the same as voice 999 calls: they have the same priority and are answered by the same emergency control room staff
  • When you make an emergency video relay call, your location is normally provided to the emergency services (again, just like a voice 999 call)
  • The service is staffed by qualified and experienced interpreters
  •  
 

Pride

Pride Month

The History of Pride Month 2026:

Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in New York City in June 1969. The uprising was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparked by a series of protests against police harassment and discrimination. The following year, the first Pride marches were organized to commemorate the anniversary of the uprising.

In the United Kingdom, the first official Pride march took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride Month has grown in significance, with cities across the UK hosting vibrant parades, events, and educational programs throughout June. It serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community and acceptance.

Over the years, Pride Month has expanded to encompass a wide range of activities, including art exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and concerts. These events provide spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely, share their stories, and create visibility for their experiences.

Pride Month also serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing. It encourages individuals and communities to advocate for legal protections against discrimination, work towards inclusive policies and legislation, and challenge societal prejudices that continue to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride Month 2026 is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. By participating in Pride Month events, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocating for equality, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us embrace the spirit of Pride Month, stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community, and work towards a world where love, acceptance, and equal rights are celebrated by all.

Page last reviewed: 05 June 2026
Page created: 12 December 2024