southendcoastalsur

A Personal Reflection from Southend Coastal Surgeries When I think of vaccination, I picture new parents sitting next to their tiny eight-week-old baby, nervous but resolved to do the right thing. I picture older people who wish to remain active and independent as long as possible. I imagine families getting ready for long-awaited holidays abroad. Vaccination is ultimately about protection, prevention and peace of mind. In the past few years, we’ve witnessed a troubling decline in the uptake...

Because the moment school starts, every virus in Essex decides to come out of retirement. When September arrives, children march back into classrooms full of enthusiasm, new stationery, and approximately 400 opportunities to catch something. At Southend Coastal Surgeries, we see it every year — the sniffles, the coughs, the sore throats, the ear pain, the “Mum, I don’t feel well” at 7:52am. But before you panic‑dial us at 8am, let’s talk about Pharmacy First, the NHS scheme designed to save...

This week has all been about celebrating our staff’s achievements. We had five members of our team graduating from the University of Essex, completing their degree in Nursing, all of whom had come through Southend Coastal Surgeries as apprentices or students on placement. Alongside them, two more of our team graduated from Anglia Ruskin University, achieving their Master’s in Advanced Practice. It was a day that made me feel incredibly proud, seeing how far each of them has come and knowing...