On 21 October, we join people across the country in celebrating National Pharmacy Technician Day – a chance to recognise the hard work, dedication, and vital role that pharmacy technicians play in keeping our patients healthy.

What do pharmacy technicians do?

Pharmacy technicians are an essential part of our pharmacy team here at the Health Centre. They work closely with pharmacists, GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to make sure patients receive safe, effective, and timely care.

Some of the key responsibilities of pharmacy technicians working in GP practices are:

• Advising patients on the safe use of medicines.
• Supporting pharmacists with clinical services such as medication reviews and the transition between hospital and home.
• Assisting with new services and innovations to improve patient care. 

In short, pharmacy technicians help to ensure that our patients get the right medicines, at the right time, with the right advice.

What our team says

Here’s what some of our pharmacy technicians have to say about their role:

Claire, who qualified as a Pharmacy Technician in 2023 says: “Every day as a pharmacy technician brings something new — every patient, every challenge is different. I really enjoy visiting patients at home; helping them take their medicines safely and seeing the positive difference it makes is so rewarding.” 

Steff, who’s worked in community pharmacy for over 14 years says: “No two days are ever the same. As a Duty Technician, I’m often the first point of contact for patients with medication questions. It’s great to be part of a team that supports people to use their medicines safely and confidently.” 

Emma, who’s worked in community pharmacy for over 20 years: “Transitioning from community pharmacy to primary care was a big change, but I love the variety. From supporting prescription teams to helping patients understand medication changes, every task feels like it’s making a real difference.” 

A big thank you

On National Pharmacy Technician Day, we want to say a huge thank you to our fantastic pharmacy technicians. Their expertise, dedication, and care make a real difference to our patients and our community every single day.

Today is World Menopause Day, a chance to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and remind our patients that support is available.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage of life when periods stop due to changes in hormone levels. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but symptoms can start earlier (this is called perimenopause).

Common symptoms

Everyone’s experience is different, but common symptoms include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood
• Brain fog or memory problems
• Joint aches and stiffness
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Changes in sex drive

Why it matters

Menopause can affect daily life, work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. The good news is support and treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.

Support & treatment options

There are lots of ways to manage menopause, including:

• Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – a safe and effective option for many women.
• Non-hormonal treatments and self-care strategies.
• Support for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

How we can help

If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, please speak to us. Our clinicians can:

• Discuss your symptoms in detail.
• Talk through treatment options, including HRT.
• Offer advice on lifestyle changes and self-care.
• Provide referrals or additional support if needed.
• You don’t need to struggle on your own – we are here to help.

Useful Resources

• Menopause - NHS
• Women's Health Concern | Confidential Advice, Reassurance and Education
• British Menopause Society | For healthcare professionals and others specialising in post reproductive health
• Balance - Balance app
• Home - The Menopause Exchange
• Home - The Menopause Charity
• menopausesupport.co.uk – Supporting You Through Change
• Self-care for menopause (Mind)
• Harley Street at Home | the very best menopause care

World Mental Health Day is a chance to pause and remind ourselves that looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for our physical health.

Good mental wellbeing helps you cope with life’s ups and downs, maintain healthy relationships, and feel more resilient when challenges arise. Poor mental health can also affect your sleep, energy, and even your physical health. By taking care of your mind and seeking support early, you give yourself the best chance to stay well and enjoy life to the fullest.

Mental health support at the health centre

We’re proud to have two dedicated Mental Health Practitioners as part of our team. They can support anyone over the age of 18. They are here to advise you on all things mental health and can be your first point of call when you need support. They can:

• Carry out assessments,
• Provide advice and practical support to help manage your condition,
• Support you in accessing specialist services and local community resources.

To help with practical and non-clinical mental health needs, we also have a team of Social Prescribers available to support with mental health and overall wellbeing. Social Prescribers provide personalised, non-clinical support by connecting people with community services and resources that address a wide range of practical and social needs.

From reducing isolation and improving access to mental health support, to assisting with housing, employment, or financial concerns, they help individuals navigate challenges that can significantly impact mental wellbeing.

• To speak to our mental health team or social prescribers please speak to our reception team.

Local organisations you can turn to

There are also many excellent local groups who can offer advice, guidance, and peer support:

Alabare – free short term mental health support for those aged 16+ across Wiltshire. Patients can self-refer.

Help Counselling Services - a charity offering a low cost confidential service to all adults and young persons over 16 in West Wiltshire.

Man Down Wiltshire – hold a fortnightly evening group meeting in Trowbridge. Group is for supporting men with mental health challenges.

NHS Talking Therapies - the service aims to help you manage a range of common mental health problems including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood.

Rethink's Wiltshire Wellbeing Cafes - a warm welcome for anyone feeling isolated, lonely or anxious about meeting others.

Trowbridge Service User Group - open to anyone with mental ill health living in and around Trowbridge.

Wiltshire Mind – 1-2-1 and group support for children and adults in Wiltshire.

Additional online resources

Rethink have created a booklet listing mental health and wellbeing support services across Wiltshire which is available from their website.

The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust have a series of self-help booklets available on their website.

In a mental health emergency

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or there is a risk to life, always call 999.

For urgent but non-emergency support:

• Shout – text 85258 for free, confidential support
• Samaritans – call 116 123 any time, day or night

Remember: you are not alone, and support is always available.

Most eligible adults will be able to get their flu and COVID vaccines from 1 October 2025 until 31 March 2026.

Pregnant women and all eligible children will be able to receive their flu vaccine from 1 September 2025.

We will begin our autumn vaccination clinics from 1 October 2025 and, over the coming weeks, we will be contacting all eligible patients to book appointments for their winter vaccinations.

• Patients with a mobile number on record will receive a text message with a booking link.
• Patients without a mobile number will be contacted by a member of our team via telephone to arrange an appointment.

Who is eligible this year

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 or over
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

You may be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults

Please note that some of the eligibility criteria have been changed by the NHS and some people who had been able to receive a COVID vaccination may no longer be eligible. This is unfortunately out of our control. 

Additional information about who is eligible for the flu and COVID vaccinations is available on the NHS website Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS

As reported in the media, from Monday 23 June, a new weight loss drug called tirzepatide, sometimes referred to as Mounjaro®, became available for use in primary care settings.

In line with NHS England guidance, this treatment will only be available for patients whose body mass index is above 40 and have been diagnosed with four or more of the obesity-related health conditions below:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Abnormal blood fats (Dyslipidaemia)

Patients are advised that, if eligible, their GP will be in contact to begin a discussion with them about using tirzepatide as part of their overall weight-loss journey.

Access will be prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need, as the treatment is intended to support people living with health conditions caused or made worse by obesity.

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board is currently working with colleagues in primary care to ensure this new treatment is offered to those patients who fulfil these criteria.

At this time, patients are kindly asked not to contact their GP practice with requests for weight loss treatment.

All patients, including those who may be eligible for the new drug, are also encouraged to access NHS-supported healthy living initiatives, such as diet support and activity groups, as part of their overall weight loss journey.

Information for patients who have previously accessed self-funded weight-loss treatment

Information for patients who have previously accessed self-funded weight-loss treatment outside of the NHS can be found by following the link below:

Information for patients on NHS support following self-funded weight-loss treatment

Primary Care Networks are groups of GP practices that work together, alongside other health and care providers, to deliver a wider range of services to the local population that might not be possible within an indicidual practice.

Together, Trowbridge Health Centre and Roundstone surgery form the Trowbridge Primary Care Network.

You can now register via RUH Maternity's website. Find out more at : 

ruh.nhs.uk/patients/services/maternity/