News

News

Welcome to our News Page, where you can stay updated on the latest practice news and updates. Here, we share important information about our services, changes within the practice and more. Whether it’s new services or changes to our opening hours you’ll find it here. Our goal is to keep you well-informed and connected with our GP practice community.

24/06/2025 Important Information: Weight Loss Injections taken with Contraception and HRT

Important Information: GLP-1 Medications and Hormone Treatments

If you are taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide, liraglutide, or others), it's important to know how these medications might affect hormonal treatments, including contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Oral Contraception

GLP-1 medications may reduce the absorption of oral contraceptives. This can lower their effectiveness and increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

What you should do:

  • Consider using a non-oral form of contraception (e.g., condoms, patch, injection, implant, or IUD), especially when starting or increasing the dose of a GLP-1 medicine.
  • Speak with your healthcare provider about the most suitable contraception option for you.

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Oral Progesterone (Used in HRT)

GLP-1 medications may also affect the absorption of oral progesterone, which is commonly used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What you should do:

  • If you are taking oral progesterone for HRT and start or increase a GLP-1 medication, your dose may need to be adjusted.
  • Do not change your medication on your own — always consult your doctor or menopause specialist.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your contraception or HRT, please don’t hesitate to contact the practice.

23/06/2025 Patient Update - Weight Loss Injections
Update: Weight Loss Injections on the NHS (Mounjaro)
 
We know many of you are asking about Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), launching on the NHS from tomorrow, Monday 23rd June 2025.
 
It is important to understand GP practices, including ours, are not yet able to prescribe it and that there is strict eligibility criteria.
Please do not call at this time to request Mounjaro, or an appointment related to requesting weight loss injections.
 
Please visit this link to learn more, including who will be eligible once it is available, and other available support options: https://www.yarmmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/weight-loss-injections/ 
23/06/2025 Patient Update: Scabies
We’ve had an increase in queries about scabies recently, so here’s some helpful guidance for patients and families.
 
What is Scabies? Scabies is a common skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to itching and a rash. It spreads easily through close physical contact, so quick treatment is important.
 
Signs & Symptoms: Itching (especially at night), A rash with small red spots or silvery lines, Burrows between fingers, on wrists, elbows, waist, or genitals
In children: may appear on face, scalp, palms, and soles.
 
What to Do if You Suspect Scabies: Visit your local pharmacy – under the Think Pharmacy First scheme, permethrin cream (the standard treatment) is available for free, to eligible patients, including children and anyone who qualifies for free prescriptions.
If you do not qualify for free prescriptions, you can pay for your scabies treatment. It can be a couple of pounds more expensive than a prescription, but comes with the convenience of not needing an appointment.
 
Treatment Tips:
  • You don’t always need a GP appointment — the pharmacist can assess and supply treatment directly in many cases
  • All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms
  • Wash bedding and clothing at 60°C or higher
Self-Referral Services

Did you know you can now refer yourself directly to a range of health and wellbeing services—no GP appointment needed?

From mental health, pregnancy support, and sexual health, to MSK, podiatry, audiology, and more—check out our Self-Referral Hub for access to help when you need it: https://bytespcn.nhs.uk/self-referral-hub 

Practice Closures

Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for education and training. Access to the building will be unavailable and clinical cover will be provided by our GP federation and NHS 111. In an emergency, please call 999.

  • Tuesday 20th May 2025
  • Thursday 19th June 2025
  • Thursday 18th September 2025
  • Tuesday 14th October 2025
  • Wednesday 11th March 2026
18/06/2025: SystmConnect Update (Online Requests)
Thank you for bearing with us as we’ve made a start to introduce SystmConnect. We’ve genuinely taken your recent feedback on board — you wanted clearer options, reduced phone waiting times, fewer hoops to jump through, and a system that works better for your needs. We're working on it.
Thank you to all of you that have used it so far - We've received and handled hundreds of requests already, which you might have had to call about otherwise.
 
Currently, SystmConnect is made up of 5 categories, each containing a range of appropriate online forms, these are:
  •  𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘆 – For general questions about meds, issues with prescription timings, or if your usual meds are out of stock.
  • 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 – Request an NHS Health Check (check if you’re eligible), request vaccines, smear tests, or submit home readings like blood pressure or weight.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 – Need a letter for work, travel, or insurance? Use the simple letter request form here.
  • 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 – Order repeat medication, request the pill (POP or combined), HRT — and we’ve made the out-of-stock form easy to find here too.
  •  𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 – This section’s the most packed: request letters, check referral progress, tell us you’re pregnant, update your details, submit readings, or opt in/out of text messages.
We know it’s new and might take a little getting used to — but it’s designed to help us manage demand better while making it easier for you to get what you need.
 
We'll continue to work on and introduce new options to make SystmConnect even more tailored to what you’ve told us you need.
 
As always, if you’re struggling or don’t have access to a device, you can still call or pop in.
 
Thanks,
Yarm Medical Practice Team
11/06/2025: SystmConnect Update (Online Requests)
Even More Online Requests Now Available! We’re excited to share that you can now access 5 new and helpful services online through SystmConnect – no need to call.
 
  • 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 – Let us know as soon as you find out, so we can make sure you’re added to the right care pathways and receive the support you need.
  • 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 – If you’ve been invited or are overdue, you can now request your smear test online.
  • 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Whether it’s for you or your child, you can now request a vaccination online and a member of our team will be in touch.
  • 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Tired of your prescriptions running out at different times? Request to have them synced so they can be collected together.
  • 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 – If you're aged 40–74 and don’t already have certain health conditions, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check to assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more. (Eligibility criteria apply). You can now request your health check online.
All of these options are now live under the "Online Consultations" section of our website: https://www.yarmmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/online-services
  •  No Waiting on the Phone
  •  Quicker, Simpler, Smarter
  •  No Login Needed
  •  Available 24/7
Thanks again for sharing your feedback – More improvements coming soon!
05/06/2025: SystmConnect Update (Online Requests)
Two More Online Requests Now Live!
 
We’re continuing to improve how you interact with us – thanks again for all your feedback so far!

This week, we’ve launched two brand-new online request forms via SystmConnect:

  • Lifestyle Consultation Form – You can now send us up-to-date readings like your weight, height, blood pressure, and more – all in one go, 24/7.
  • Travel Form – Use this form to request travel-related advice or vaccinations.
Both forms are available on our website under the "Online Consultations" section:  https://www.yarmmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/online-services
 
  •  Quicker & Easier
  •  No Phone Calls
  •  No Login Needed
  •  Available Anytime
28/05/2025: SystmConnect Update (Online Requests)
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 – 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲! 
 
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent survey – your feedback is helping us shape and improve the way we support you.
One thing we heard loud and clear was how frustrating it can be to wait on the phone for simple updates like changing your contact details. That’s why, starting this week, we’ve added two more request options to SystmConnect – our secure online tool that links directly with your medical record:
  •  Update Your Contact Details (address, phone number, email etc.)
  •  Update SMS Consent (let us know if you're happy to receive appointment invitations, reminders and health info by text)
You can find these new options under the "Online Consultations" section of our website: https://www.yarmmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/online-services
 
Page last reviewed: 24 June 2025
Page created: 20 March 2023