Practice News

Changes to cervical smear recalls

Starting from July 2025, individuals who undergo screening on or after July 1, 2025, and receive a negative HPV test result will transition to screening every five years, unless their prior screening history indicates a need for more frequent assessments. Consequently, patients aged 25 to 49 who test negative for HPV after July 1 will be scheduled for recalls every five years instead of the previous three-year interval. Additionally, invitations will be dispatched through the NHS App, so please remain vigilant for those notifications. Smear tests can be scheduled online via the AskMyGP service on the website if you have received an invitation, or you may reach out to our Reception Team for assistance. It is important to note that smears cannot be conducted earlier than your designated recall date unless deemed necessary by a GP due to a health concern.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting thousands of people every year. But the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat — and the better the outcome. That’s why being breast aware is so important.

What to look out for:
Regularly check your breasts and be aware of what’s normal for you. Contact your GP if you notice:

A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit
A change in size, shape, or feel of the breast
Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, or redness
Nipple changes, including inversion, discharge, or rash
Persistent pain in the breast or armpit
Most breast changes aren’t cancer — but it’s always best to get checked.

Screening saves lives
The NHS offers free breast screening (mammograms) every 3 years for women and people assigned female at birth aged 50 to 71. If you’re invited, please attend — screening helps detect cancer at an earlier stage, often before symptoms appear.

What you can do:

Get to know your breasts and check them regularly
Attend all routine screening appointments
Speak to your GP straight away if you notice any changes
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol to lower your risk
Together, we can raise awareness, support each other, and save lives.
Check yourself. Know the signs. Book your screening.

Breast cancer in women - NHS

Breast Cancer UK | Reduce Your Risk

We're Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now

Changes to the appointment system

Due to contractual changes, the way to book appointments has been slightly changed 

Your general practice is open from 8.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Throughout these hours you, or your carer on your behalf, can:

• Visit the practice
• Call them
• Go online using the practice’s website or the NHS App.

What happens when you contact your practice to request an appointment?

Whether you make your request by phone, on-line or visiting your practice, you may be asked to give your practice some details so that they can assess what is best for you based on your clinical need. The practice team will consider your request for an appointment or medical advice and tell you within one working day what will happen next.

This could be:

• An appointment that day or a subsequent day
• A phone call that day or a subsequent day
• A text message responding to your query
• Advice to go to a pharmacy or another NHS service.

Your practice will decide what is best for you based on your clinical need.

Bank holiday practice closure on the 25th of august

• NHS 111 – Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk for advice and to be directed to the most appropriate service.
• 999 – For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing.

Practice closure on the 21st of August 2025

On Thursday 21st August 2025, our practice will be closed from 1:30pm for essential staff training.

During the afternoon closure, patient care will be provided by:

SALFORD PRIMARY CARE TOGETHER

They will be available to support all urgent health needs, including:

Same day urgent care

Acute prescriptions

Face to face and remote consultations

Urgent home visits (where clinically appropriate)

PLEASE CALL 0161 983 0641 ON THE DAY FOR ASSISTANCE

The practice will be open as usual until 1:30pm for any routine appointments and enquiries.

We are committed to providing the best care possible, and this traiing will ensure our team continues to deliver safe and high-quality services to all our patients.

Update to receiving results for NHS Cervical Screening Programme

From September, NHS plans to start sending results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, utilising the NHS App.

In September, those who have a negative test result will be notified of this by an NHS App message. It will also appear as an NHS App notification. If the NHS App message isn’t read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent as a failsafe.

Abnormal result letters will continue for the time being to be delivered by post.

Cervical screening films for women with learning disabilities and women with autism

Cervical screening films for women with learning disabilities and women with autism - YouTube

Measles outbreak in the local area

Currently, there is an outbreak of measles in salford. Measles is high infectious and can lead to serious complications, please read the below for more information.

Measles information for health professionals

Bank Holiday Notice

Blackfriars medical practice will close their doors on Monday the 5th of may for the bank holiday, we will re-open and return to normal the day after on Tuesday the 6th. Please email us any non-urgent queries/concerns at blackfriarsmedicalpractice@nhs.net and we will get back to you as soon as possible. For any urgent concerns, please contact NHS 111 and if deemed suitable, the advisor can arrange an appointment with a general practitioner, which may not necessarily be your regular doctor. Should there be a more appropriate facility for your treatment, they will guide you to the most suitable option for your requirements. Calling 111 is free at any time.

For any life-threatening situations please dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Practice Closure

Christmas: Get to know where to go

Some services may be closed over the festive period but our primary care booklet can help you get to know where to go.

It gives an overview of primary care services, what illnesses or health problems they can help with and how to access them. This makes it easier to choose the right service for you.

View the booklet here

Christmas can be tough for lots of us. Call 111 and choose the mental health option (option 2) if you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Available 24/7 day and night, it's for all ages, including children and young people.

Mental health advisors are there to listen and help you find the right support.

#NHS111 #GTKWTG

If you need a little extra support during this festive period, you can access free, safe and anonymous mental health support on Kooth (ages 10-25) and Qwell (ages 26+)

Have your say in the future of LGBTQ+ Healthcare.

Pride in Practice survey

Pride in Practice - LGBT Foundation