It can feel embarrassing talking about your bowels, but not talking about them could prove deadly.

It is not the easiest subjects to discuss, but rest assured your doctor will be more than happy to hear from you if you have any concerns.

It is now more important than ever to be screened for this potentially fatal disease because with prompt treatment the survival rates are good, but without detection, it can kill you.

Meningococcal Bacteria is the common cause of bacterial meningitis and can affect the body in different ways, often causing both septicemias in addition to meningitis; this is known as meningococcal disease. 

Bacterial meningitis disease is divided into groups ACWY and B, and can be very dangerous, sometimes fatal. We are all at risk of contracting the disease if we do not have the vaccination. Children under 5 years old are most at risk, followed by teenagers and young adults, and the over 55s are also at an increased risk.

Recent media reports have highlighted the tragic deaths of several university students who did not receive a Meningitis ACWY vaccination through their GP. Vaccines to protect against the disease are routinely available in the infant stages through to early years.  

The NHS also offers a catch-up program of a single dose of meningitis ACWY to all teenagers around the age of 14 and university entrants up to 25 years old, who have not been vaccinated to provide them with excellent protection against this deadly condition.

As a practice we identify these young adults and write to them directly, inviting them in for the vaccination. Unfortunately, take up can be low, we do understand that this age group may not necessarily prioritise vaccinations or understand the benefits. 

We, therefore, encourage all parents of teenage children and university-aged children to check that their child has received meningitis ACWY and if they haven’t encourage them to do so.

Meningitis is a deadly condition that is readily preventable by vaccination. You can book an appointment with the practice nurse online or via reception

A Southdowns Private Health Membership is a great way to help protect your health and your family.

Our private GP service will be at your fingertips when you need us - as often as you need us. Registration is free, and our memberships offer you our caring private GPs’ time and attention to ensure you are in the best possible health. Our pay monthly membership offers significant savings for those wishing to access our private GP service on a regular basis.

Included in your membership is an annual 'Making Time For Your Health - Health Check with our fully qualified private GPs. Our members also get exclusive access to ‘as you need them’ urgent same-day appointments.

You will have access to a secure private portal to access all your results online  24/7 and we include free issuing of repeat prescriptions and free referrals to private consultants as and when you need them.

Children and partners can be included in our family membership packages.

Membership options include:

Call us on 033 022 02000 to find out more or register here