August 2026 – Surgery Newsletter
PREDIABETES – A GROWING CONCERN
When I joined Great Bentley Surgery as a GP Partner in 2013 and took on the role of Diabetes Lead, we had approximately 100 patients diagnosed with prediabetes. Today, that number has risen to nearly 1,100 patients.
This increase is concerning because prediabetes is often a warning sign that diabetes may develop in the future. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and circulation.
The good news is that prediabetes is often preventable and, in many cases, reversible through simple lifestyle changes.
Three simple steps to reduce your risk:
- Keep Active
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This could include walking, gardening, cycling, swimming or chair-based exercises.
- Eat Healthily
Reduce sugary foods and drinks and cut back on highly processed carbohydrates. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, lean protein and wholegrains.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Small, sustainable changes often have the greatest long-term impact.
We understand that many people live with arthritis, mobility problems or other health conditions. However, there are usually ways to increase activity safely and make healthier choices. Every small step counts.
Together, we can help prevent diabetes and build a healthier future for our community.
Dr A Nambi
GP Partner & Diabetes Lead
Great Bentley Surgery
PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS AND QUERIES REGARDING MEDICATION
In order to ensure we process your prescription requests or medication queries safely, these will be dealt with by a trained prescription clerk. This means that you will not be able to order medication by speaking to a receptionist working on the front desk, or by phoning reception on the main Surgery number.
If you wish to request medication, this can be done by ordering it on the NHS App, by completing a prescription request form on AskmyGP, or by dropping a written request into the Surgery. As we have over 7,000 patients on repeat medication, we do require 3 working days to process your request and ensure it is at your nominated pharmacy within this timescale.
If you have a query regarding your medication, then you can either complete a medication query form on AskmyGP, or contact the prescription clerk on their direct line number 01206 257557. If you are unable to speak to a prescription clerk when you phone in and it is before 3 pm on a working day, you can leave your name and number and you will receive a call back from them on the same day. If you phone after 3 pm and leave a message, then you will receive a call back on the next working day. Please do not contact reception on the main telephone number to ask about a prescription enquiry as you will be requested to speak to the prescription clerk.
Please help us by ensuring you do order your medication at least 3 working days in advance. Please do not allow your medication to run out before you put in a request, as due to the very high volume of requests we receive on a daily basis, we cannot guarantee that urgent requests will be dealt with on the same day.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP MEETING
There will not be a meeting of the Patient Participation Group held in August.
Sue Mitson – Operations Manager