Update on tirzepatide for weight management
On 23rd June 2025, it was announced that people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings. However, the national roll out does not mean all people will be able to get a prescription for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on this day.
Weight management services are locally commissioned at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level. In mid and south Essex, access to tirzepatide will initially be through specialist weight management services only. Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through primary care is not expected to start in mid and south Essex until later in 2025.
NHS Mid and South Essex ICB has provided information on tirzepatide on its website - Visit the website for more information
Prescribing of Adult ADHD Medication
It is with regret that with effect from 1st April 2025, Sidney House & The Laurels Surgery will no longer be able to prescribe, or dispense, any ADHD medications for our adult patients.
The Practice will not be able to assist with prescribing for new cases of adults with ADHD and any patients who are currently having their medication issued by the practice will only be able to continue this arrangement up to and including 31st March 2025.
The Practice is not currently contracted adequately to provide these services within our NHS contract. For this work to be managed safely we believe that this work needs to transfer back to hospital specialists. Patients who have received a diagnosis from a private specialist will need to discuss any prescribing requirements with them directly.
The Practice has already given notice to our Commissioners, who will now ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure you continue to receive these specific prescriptions.
Information about the arrangements that will be in place from 1st April 2025 date onwards can be obtained by contacting our Integrated Care Board (ICB). The ICB can be reached by emailing mseicb-me.midalliancebusinesssupport@nhs.net or if you wish to raise a complaint about this issue, you can do so by contacting the ICB via mseicb.complaints@nhs.net.
More information can be found on ICB's website - ADHD prescribing - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System
Spring 2025 Covid Vaccinations
Our Primary Care Network has decided not to participate in the Spring Covid Vaccinations Campaign. All eligible patients (see eligible cohorts below) can call 119 free of charge or follow the link below to arrange an appointment:
Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online - NHS.
Our Housebound & Care home patients will be looked after EPUT who will be in touch soon.
During the 2025 spring campaign the following groups should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine:
* all adults aged 75 years and over including individuals aged 74 who will have their 75th birthday before the campaign ends (17 June 2025)
* residents in a care home for older adults
* individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the Green Book chapter 14a
New Childrens' Mental Health Service
We would like to make you aware of the NEW children and young person’s mental health service, who are located in our GP surgery. Please contact the reception team to book an initial telephone triage session if your child or young person is presenting with symptoms of mild depression, low mood, and anxiety.
Please see the link for more information and if you want to book an appointment, please speak with the reception team.
Website: SET CAMHS - Primary Care Network | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Changes to the medical examiner system and death certification process
From September 2024
A new medical examiner system is being rolled out in England and Wales over the next few months prior to it becoming a statutory requirement on 9 September 2024. Please see further information about the changes here.
