Old School Surgery Newsletter December 2025 

Keeping Our Patients Informed 

Welcome! 

Welcome all patients to our new monthly Newsletter. With all our changes we want to make sure we keep in touch and can let you know all our exciting plans here at Old School Surgery. This Newsletter will go out on the first Friday of every month and be available via our website, Facebook group and in the practice as printed copies. 

Another big welcome to Dr Eva Liu who joins us from London as a new member of the team. We hope you will all make her very welcome as she joins the practice in helping care for our patients. 

Jockey Lane 

We are thrilled to share updates on our upcoming expansion into the Jockey Lane premises. This move will allow us to provide more space, improved facilities, and better services for our patients. Our goal is to enhance access, improve patient experience, and secure the future of primary care for Old School Surgery in Cranbrook. As you will be aware this process is long and complex and we are working through the governance with the ICB. As soon as we have any updates, we will be sure to make you aware. 

Your Appointments at a Glance 

Appointment Type 

Number / Waiting Time 

GP Appointments 1/9/25 - 1/12/25  

4651 

Routine / Pre-Bookable 33% 

Acute / Book On The Day 67% 

Nurse Appointments 

1457 

Blood Tests 

792 

Current Waiting Times 

GP 5 Weeks 

Standard Nursing 6 Weeks  

Routine Blood Test 5 Weeks 

Phone Calls Taken November  

3484  

Average Phone Queue Length 4m36s  

Abandoned calls 37% - 90% of these calls are made out of core hours 

Did Not Attend  

5%  

Community Updates 

We continue to work closely with the Parish Council and publish regular updates in The Parish Cake. We’d love to know what you want to hear about for your health. Please get in touch via emailing kmicb.practicemanager.oldschoolsurgery@nhs.net or dropping off any suggestions to the reception team.  

Beat those winter blues 

Stay Healthy This Winter – Simple Self-Care Tips 
Winter can bring coughs, colds, and even low mood (sometimes called Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD). Here are some easy ways to look after yourself and your family: 

1. Keep Warm and Active 

  • Heat your home to at least 18°C in rooms you use most. 
  • Wear layers and keep moving – even light activity indoors helps. 

2. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated 

  • Aim for at least one hot meal a day. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help clear mucus. 

3. Manage Common Winter Illnesses 

  • Coughs and colds usually get better on their own. Rest, keep warm, and drink fluids. 
  • Sore throats and mild fevers can often be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your cough has been persistent for longer than a week, you feel very unwell or are having difficulty breathing, please seek clinical advice. 
  • Flu or COVID symptoms? Stay home and avoid contact with others. 

4. Look After Your Mental Wellbeing 

  • Shorter days can affect mood. Try to get outside in daylight, keep active, and stay connected with friends and family. 
  • If you feel persistently low, speak to your GP or visit NHS Mental Health Support. 

5. Use Your Local Pharmacy First 

Pharmacists can give expert advice and treatment for many minor illnesses – no appointment needed. 
Learn more: Pharmacy First Service 

6. Access Care Online 

You can submit requests and get advice through Anima, our online consultation tool: 
Start your Anima request 

7. Explore Self-Care Resources 

For trusted NHS advice on treating minor illnesses at home, visit: 
NHS Self-Care Guide 

Published: Dec 5, 2025