Newsletter March 2025

Vaccines

It is important to stay up to date with the latest vaccines. This spring, we are offering both the COVID-19 booster and the RSV vaccine. The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, a common virus that can make older adults seriously ill.

If you are eligible for RSV or COVID you will be contacted by the surgery. Alternatively, to check if you are eligible, please visit one of the following below:

RSV Clinic Dates

Thursday March 13th
Friday March 14th

Patient Participation Group

We are always looking for new members to join our group!

If you have an idea or suggestion to improve patient experience, please let us know!

See our Patient Participation Group page for details

Alternatively, please feel free to attend our next AGM on the 14th of April 2025, 7pm at the Westbank community health & care centre (EX6 8AT)

Easter Bank Holiday Closures

Friday 18th April 2025 - Closed
Monday 21st April 2025 - Closed
Monday 5th May 2025 - Closed
Monday 26th May 2025 Closed

See our events page for practice closures

Over Easter while your GP Surgery isn’t open, you can call 111 or visit the NHS 111 website.

Call 111 when it's a concern, but less urgent than 999.

The NHS non-emergency number.

111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It's fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Non-Urgent Queries

Patient triage is a great way to contact our practice for nonurgent medical or admin requests.

It is very simple to fill out so please give it a go if you need to contact us.

Although the character count is limited on the form, please be as specific and concise as possible.

See our appointments page for details

Home Visits

Home visits are reserved for patients who are medically housebound — those unable to leave their home due to a medical condition or severe mobility issues.

Our Paramedics Ben & Alex are committed to supporting patients who are medically housebound and require further support and care.

They work closely with our local care homes to ensure residents receive the medical help they need.

See our home visits page for further details

We are unable to visit patients due to transport issues; however, for these patients, Westbank Community Health offers transport services to help patients who are unable to access public transport, or who are without family or friends nearby to get to their healthcare appointments.

Volunteer drivers help patients registered with the Westbank surgery (Starcross and Exminster Surgery) get to their appointments.

Although the Westbank patient transport service is free, they do ask for a small donation to cover the volunteer drivers expenses.

To register for the patient transport service, to arrange transport, or if you would like to volunteer as a driver please visit the Westbank Patient Transport page

Hay Fever

Hay fever symptoms can vary in severity, and some people need medication to manage them. A wide range of treatments is available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.

How can I avoid triggers?

Keep house and car windows closed, especially during high pollen times (7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm).
Avoid grassy areas, woodlands, and air pollution.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
Wash hands, face, hair, rinse eyes, and change clothes after being outside.
Stay indoors during high pollen counts if possible.
Apply petroleum jelly inside your nose to trap pollen.
Keep your home clean; wear a mask and glasses when cleaning.
Avoid drying clothes outside.
Use a pollen filter for car air vents.

Feedback Survey

If you have recently been in contact with us please fill out our practice survey.

See our Friends and Family Test page

Or you can fill out a paper version in our waiting rooms.

A big thanks to everyone who completed a feedback form in 2024 as we received 96% positive feedback!!

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