Latest Surgery News

Please advised that eligible patients can book appointments by logging on to the National Booking System Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk) You can also see where walk-in vaccinations will be available by going onto the grab-a-jab website Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk).  Both of these […]

The practice will be closed from 12:30 pm on Tuesday 12th September to enable the team to take part in a training, development and wellbeing afternoon being held across our Primary Care Network. If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the next working day then please call […]

Friday 25th August – 0830 – 1800 Saturday 26th August – CLOSED Sunday 27th August – CLOSED Monday 28th August – CLOSED Tuesday 29th August – 0830 – 1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 29th August then please call NHS […]

Please be aware that the surgery will be closed on the following Bank Holidays – Monday 1st May – CLOSED Monday 8th May – CLOSED Monday 29th May – CLOSED If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 19th April then please call […]

The Lloyds pharmacy located in Sainsburys Roundswell is ceasing trading at 7pm on Thursday 4th May.  They have begun a comprehensive process of winding down activities. If this is currently your nominated pharmacy then you will need to nominate another ASAP. The Lloyds team are actively supporting patients to do so sooner rather than later.

Advice for vulnerable people – The national alert service will be tested on 23 April, and will see a loud siren like sound emitted from mobile phones. For those for whom this could cause danger, there is the option to switch off the alert. This document provides more information. This has been shared with domestic […]

The JCVI have identified the following groups of people to be eligible for the Spring 2023 Covid boosters: adults aged 75 years and over (This includes those who turn 75 years old by 30th June 2023) residents in a care home for older adults individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed Eligible individuals […]

A beautiful new book has been launched, telling the story of a very special character who was a cherished member of the hospice care team and the local community.  Gozo spent many years as a pet therapy dog at North Devon Hospice, visiting patients and families every week to bring happiness and smiles during the […]

Thursday 6th April – 0830 – 1800 Friday 7th April -CLOSED Saturday 8th April – CLOSED Sunday 9th April -CLOSED Monday 10th April – CLOSED Tuesday 11th April – 0830 – 1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 19th April then […]

The practice will be closed from 12.30 pm on Tuesday 7th March This is to enable the team to take part in a training and development afternoon being held across our Primary Care Network. If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the next working day then please […]

We are delighted to welcome two new Social Prescribers to the team at Caen Medical Centre. Charlotte Buttery and Karen Mottram will be working alongside the multi disciplinary team at Caen supporting our patients. For further information please go to our Health & Wellbeing Team page

The Vaccine Support Team is here to support patients across Devon with obtaining their COVID-19 vaccinations. Email: d-icb.devonvaccinationsupport@nhs.net Telephone: 01752 398836 Vaccination appointments can be booked online, alternatively patients can attend a walk-in vaccination site. For more information, please visit the NHS.UK website; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ Patients can also call 119 if they have questions or need […]

Help us to help you by ordering your medicines in plenty of time Please place your order by Thursday 15th December 2022 if your medication is needed ahead of the Christmas Bank Holiday. Please place your order by Thursday 22nd December 2022 if your medication is needed ahead of the New Year Bank Holiday. This […]

SURGERY OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS 2022 Monday 19th—Friday 23rd December             0830—1800 Monday 26th December                                        Closed Tuesday 27th December   Closed Wednesday 28th—Friday 30th December   0830—1800 Monday 2nd January 2023     Closed Tuesday 3rd—Friday 6th January 2023       0830 –1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the […]

The current guidance for parents and carers is to contact NHS 111 or your GP if: your child is getting worse your child is feeding or eating much less than normal your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration your baby is under 3 months and […]

We will be closed on the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd November 2022 from 1pm onwards, for staff training and a PCN event. If you have an urgent medical need which cannot wait until the surgery reopens please call the practice number – 01271 818030 and you will be diverted to the Out Of Hours Service. […]

Currently the COVID-19 vaccine seasonal booster (autumn booster) is available to the following cohorts if it’s been at least 3 months (91 days) since your previous dose: aged 65 or over pregnant aged 5 to 49 and at high risk due to a health condition aged 5 to 49 and at high risk because of […]

We would like to make our patients aware that we will not be open on Monday 19th September, the day of the Queen’s funeral so that our patients and staff can honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, after 70 years of exemplary service to the nation and the Commonwealth. If you need to be seen […]

Monday 29th August CLOSED Tuesday 30th August 0830 -1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 29th August then please call NHS 111 Please note that any prescription requests required ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend will need to requested by Tuesday […]

Not sure what to do when your child is unwell? Download the free HANDi Paediatric app, which is available right across Devon, and get expert advice on childhood illness when you need it. Search for ‘HANDi app’ on Apple or Android, or click the link below for further information: https://devonccg.nhs.uk/health-services/children-and-young-people/handi-app

Each year, Armed Forces Day gives us the opportunity to thank the armed forces who provide service to our country. If you’re a veteran of the armed forces, your time in service can impact on your long term wellbeing. The NHS offers support to veterans of the armed forces. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/

Some people find cervical screening a really difficult thought. Jo’s cervical cancer trust wants to help make the test easier, and this week will be talking about how we can make that happen. Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 49 should have a cervical screening every 3 years. Those aged 50 to […]

June 18th is Autistic Pride Day. Set up by Aspies for Freedom some years ago, the day aims to celebrate autistic people and share stories of positivity about those who are neurodiverse. An autism diagnosis can mean big changes to your life. For some people who are diagnosed, it can give a real sense of […]

The practice will be closed from 12.30 pm on Wednesday 22nd June 2022. This is to enable the team to take part in a Training and Development afternoon that is being held across our Primary Care Network. If you have an urgent query/need then please call 01271 818030 and follow the instructions. We will reopen […]

Rotas for community pharmacy bank holiday opening hours can be viewed on the NHS England website. There you will also find links to maps showing which South West pharmacies are open, and when, over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.

Wednesday 1st June 0830 – 1800 Thursday 2nd June CLOSED Friday 3rd June CLOSED Monday 6th June 0830 -1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Monday 6th June then please call NHS 111 IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE DIAL 999

We are delighted to announce that along with all North Devon GP practices we are in the process or transferring our online patient triage service from eConsult, to Patient Triage. This new Patient Triage service will provide the same service to contact your GP online, or another member of the team and will usually be […]

The vaccination centre at Barnstaple Leisure Centre is moving from its current site to a purpose-built mobile centre in the car park of the Barnstaple Tesco Extra from Monday 9 May 2022. The new centre is just across the road from its current site and will provide vaccines to those with appointments. Walk-in slots will […]

Children aged 5 to 11 years can now obtain an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel Children aged 5 to 11 years living in England, Wales or the Isle of Man who have had a full primary course of COVID-19 vaccination can now get an NHS COVID Pass letter for travel. A person with […]

Rotas for community pharmacy bank holiday opening hours can be viewed on the NHS England website. There you will also find links to maps showing which South West pharmacies are open, and when, on Bank Holiday Monday.

Friday 29th April -0830 – 1800 Monday 2nd May- CLOSED Tuesday 3rd May – 0830 – 1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 3rd May then please call NHS 111 IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE DIAL 999

Rotas for community pharmacy bank holiday opening hours can be viewed on the NHS England website. There you will also find links to maps showing which South West pharmacies are open, and when, on each of the Easter days.

Thursday 14th April – 0830 – 1800 Friday 15th April -CLOSED Monday 18th April – CLOSED Tuesday 19th April – 0830 – 1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery re-opens on Tuesday 19th April then please call NHS 111 IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE […]

We’ve teamed up with Libraries Unlimited to offer free baby self-weigh facilities in private areas of 16 libraries across Devon during their popular Bounce & Rhyme sessions. Parents and carers will be given safe guidance around the weighing and plotting of babies and children’s growth and can contact a Health Visitor if they have concerns around […]

Please help us to reduce the risk of infection for our colleagues and patients by following this guidance. england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/living-with-covid-19-white-paper-update/ Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for more information on COVID-19 symptoms, and what to do if you or your child has them.

The NHS in Devon is expecting to be very busy in January due to a predicted surge in Omicron cases, peaking in mid-January. Even with very high vaccination uptake in our patients and staff, the spread of COVID-19 is already having a significant impact on NHS staff absences and this is likely to become worse.  […]

Please look at our ‘Covid Vaccinations’ page for up to date information regarding clinics.

GP practices are clinically prioritising some services to focus on delivery of booster programme 15 December 2021 Following the Government’s call to accelerate the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme, the majority of our GP practices have, at very short notice, reallocated the majority of their workforce to delivering Covid-19 vaccines over the next two weeks. Patients […]

SURGERY OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS 2021 Monday 20th—Friday 24th December            0830—1800 Monday 27th December                                        Closed Tuesday 28th December                                     Closed Wednesday 29th—Friday 31st December      0830—1800 Monday 3rd January 2022                                 Closed Tuesday 4th—Friday 7th January 2022          0830 –1800 If you need to be seen or speak to someone urgently and cannot wait until the surgery reopens […]

Those with weakened immune systems are being offered a THIRD primary COVID-19 vaccination instead of just two doses. The third vaccination is NOT the same as a booster. The third dose is a top up because while the first two doses will have offered some protection, they may not have generated a full immune response […]

Walk-ins are currently NOT available for COVID-19 boosters. These must be booked. The National Booking Service is now allowing eligible people to book their COVID-19 booster vaccine appointments in vaccine sites that are on the NBS. Text messages and letters will start to be sent out to eligible people from the 20th September 2021 and […]

Our clinics on the 23rd October, 6th, 7th November and 16th December are now full. We have a mop up clinic on the 7th December for the over 65s that still has spaces. If you are eligible for a flu jab this year and have been unable to book into one of our clinics then […]

Established in 2004, Mindful Employer is a UK wide initiative run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Providing employers with easier access to professional Workplace Mental Health training, information and support, the initiative aims to help empower employers to take a lead in supporting the mental wellbeing of their staff. By signing the ‘Charter for Employer […]

With the events in Afghanistan over the past few days, there may be veterans that are finding this news overwhelming, particulary for those that have served in the country or have friends currently out there. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, please reach out to a friend, […]

Dear Patient, From Monday 19th July Caen Medical Centre will continue to follow NHSE guidance. Screening of ALL patients before entering the premises and social distancing rules remain in place.  Patients will be expected to wear a face covering when entering the premises unless they are exempt for medical reasons. This is to keep our […]

  An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results. This is your COVID-19 status.You may be asked to show your pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England asking for proof of your COVID-19 status.Always check the entry requirements for the country or the venue you’re visiting.Further […]

We are getting a lot of queries regarding the NHS App. Please note that this app is not designed or managed by Caen Medical Centre and we are unable to manage passwords, set up or provide support. If you are experiencing problems with the NHS app then you will need to seek help through the […]

We as a practice, along with all other North Devon practices, are no longer giving any first dose vaccines  and we are not involved in giving vaccines for Groups 10 and lower. This will be done via the National Booking Service. They will contact you directly. Booking for these groups can be done by calling […]

The vaccination site will continue at North Devon Leisure Centre in Barnstaple, but the running of the site will be taken on by Northern Devon Healthcare Trust and bookings can be made through the National Booking Service – not the GP practice. Subject to approval by NHS England and NHS Improvement, it is expected that the Leisure […]

If you are in Priority Groups 1-9 and have not yet had your COVID Vaccination, you can get it this weekend at the following places: • Saturday 17th April – Seafront, St James Place, Ilfracombe EX34 9AR (by the Crazy Golf Course) Vaccinating 10.00am – 2.00pm• Sunday 18th April – Riverbank overflow car park, next […]

Check out “Kooth for Children & Young People (Captioned)” from Kooth on Vimeo. The video is available at https://vimeo.com/452161021 If you like this video, make sure you share it, too!

This is a 2 hour free workshop for parents during pregnancy or if they have a child under the age of 2 years old, to help build resilience and increase wellbeing in pregnancy and parenthood.  It is open to mums, dads, carers of any kind that may fit under pregnancy or up to 2 year […]

Thursday 01 April           8.30am – 6.00pm* Friday 02 April   (Good Friday)        Closed Monday 05 April (Easter Monday)   Closed Tuesday 06 April                  8.30am – 6.00pm* *All appointments are booked appointments do not attend surgery unless asked to do so. Patients need to ensure they have sufficient medication to last beyond the four day bank holiday.

The latest pharmacy opening hours for the Easter bank holiday weekend are available to download below – North Devon

Some people in cohort 7 (aged 60-64) will start to receive invites from the national booking service over the next few days. These patients are being directed to the national booking website and will be able to book appointments for the national sites. If you have received a letter from the national NHS booking system, […]

Dr Simon Mathieson is our veterans clinical lead, he has a specialist knowledge of service related health conditions and veteran specific health services. Please let us know if you are a veteran and require assistance.

Find my NHS number | Combe Coastal Practice A new service is now live to help find people find their NHS number. This service is for anyone living in England who has forgotten or does not know their NHS number. This service can also be used on behalf of someone else where the name, date […]

Is the way that you are feeling affecting your daily life? Are you struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings? Are you living with a long term health condition that is making you feel tired, frustrated and worried? You are not alone and we can help. TALKWORKS is a […]

We understand that with the announcement of a new lockdown there are going to be a number of patients concerned about the situation, especially those in very vulnerable risk groups and also those with children attending educational settings. The current government advice about high risk groups is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-novemberFurther publication is due Monday, and […]

We have been informed by Northern Devon Healthcare Trust that the national supply of biochemistry blood testing equipment that has been significantly disrupted is ongoing. This means that certain blood testing services will only be processed if deemed as urgent, and any non-urgent samples taken will have a significant delay in processing until the equipment […]

All the latest news The Medical Centre does NOT provide face mask exemption letters. Read on for more information concerning face masks.It is now mandatory to wear facial coverings on public transport. To find out: – when you can take your mask off- about different types of masks- how to be safe wearing a mask- if […]

Dear Patients of Caen Medical Centre We hope you and your family are in good health. Our community, like those all around the world, has been through a lot over recent months, and we all look forward to resuming our normal lives. We want to give you an update on the service and availability here […]

On the 30th June 2020, Dr Richard Francis retired from the practice. On the 1st July 2020, Dr Simon Mathieson became a Partner at the practice. All patients previously registered with Dr Richard Francis have been re-allocated to Dr Simon Mathieson. If you were previously registered with Dr Francis and you are not happy with […]

Check out everything that is happening during Carers Week. If you have any questions or would like to book, you can email online@devoncarers.org.uk For further information please click here.

The Government has recently advised everyone to wear a face covering when out and about, therefore we are requesting that patients please wear a face covering before entering the surgery. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-advised-to-cover-faces-in-enclosed-spaces The surgery has a legal responsibility to protect staff and patients from risks associated with COVID-19; wearing a face covering is an added precaution […]

We are recieving a lot of calls from anxious patients wanting general advice and support rather than clinical advice and support. Please find below a list of resources that patients may find useful – Older People The Silver Line 0800 470 80 90 Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open […]

Following national guidelines in relation to the Coronavirus we are now going to be running a GP appointment telephone triage service ONLY at Caen Medical Centre The GP will make an appointment for you to come to the surgery if you need to be seen, otherwise you will be treated over the phone. Only attend […]

As of Thursday 12th March 2020, the public are beng advised to stay at home (self isolate) regardless of travel or contact with confirmed cases, if they have: a- A new continuous cough b – High temperature (37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) Individuals should stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days from the onset of […]

Dr Sady Bartle is the clinical lead and she has a specialist knowledge of service related health conditions and veteran specific health services.  Please let us know if you are a veteran and require assistance.

We now have copies of the Live Well in Braunton – Adult Clubs, Sports and Activity Directory.  Find out what is available, where to go and when, by popping in to the surgery and asking for a copy. For More Information visit: Live Well In Braunton

Craig Rich, ex-BBC weather forecaster, delivers an important message on medicines waste. Did you know as much as £5.5 million is wasted each year in Devon on unused medicines? The same amount could pay for approximately: – 700 Heart bypass operations – or 1,000 hip replacements – or 2,000 knee replacements – or 11,000 cataract […]

NHS Choices  are now advising on when NOT to go to the GP for common ailments. Their Website is full of useful information to get you to the right place for the right treatment. For More Information Please visit their website: NHS Choices

Online Access currently allows you to make appointments, order repeat medication, update your contact details and see core elements to your medical records. You can now apply for detailed access to your medical records.  If you have already registered for online access for making appointments,  ordering repeat medication or to view core elements of your […]

Our aim is to help you use the services at Caen efficiently and to inform our patients of any changes taking place. We hope you find this newsletter helpful. Any feedback about the services we offer would be gratefully accepted, as would any suggestions for future newsletters; please give your written comments to the receptionists […]

Pick up a questionnaire as often as you like. Questionnaires are available at the reception desk, in the waiting room or ask your doctor or nurse for a copy. Only 2 Questions will be asked 1. Would you recommend us to a friend or family members? 2. Is there anything about our service we could […]