News from Dr Laybourn and Partners, East Leeds

We say NO to sexual harassment

Rookwood Refurbishments - update

Refurbishment Works Underway

We are pleased to let you know that refurbishment work at the practice has started today and is expected to take approximately 6 weeks to complete. We are excited to share the finished result with you and the improvements it will bring for our patients and staff.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period. To help minimise disruption, York Road will remain open as usual, and we will also be striving to keep Rookwood partially open throughout.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these improvements. We look forward to welcoming you into the refurbished practice soon.

Rookwood Refurbishments

Patient Participation Group

A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of patients registered with the practice who work together with the GP practice team to help improve services and patient experience.

The PPG provides a way for patients to share feedback, ideas, and suggestions about how the practice is run. This can include topics such as appointment access, communication, patient facilities, and new services. The group also helps the practice understand patient needs and priorities from a patient perspective.

Meetings are usually held a few times a year, either in person or virtually, and are supported by members of the practice team. The group is voluntary, and all patients are welcome to get involved, regardless of age or background.

Overall, the PPG aims to strengthen communication between patients and the practice, and support ongoing improvements in care and services.

If you'd like to participate, then please email 846yorkroadpractice@nhs.net

Stay Well This Spring – Simple Steps for Better Health

Joint pain

Joint pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It may be caused by everyday wear and tear, minor injuries, or conditions such as arthritis. The good news is that many cases of joint pain can be managed effectively at home.

Simple steps you can take include:

• Keeping gently active to maintain movement and reduce stiffness
• Using warm or cold packs to ease pain and swelling
• Taking over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you)
• Trying gentle stretching or strengthening exercises
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on joints

It’s important to balance rest with movement—too much inactivity can make joint pain worse.

For personalised advice and guided exercises, we recommend the getUBetter app, which provides tailored support for self management of muscle and joint conditions and injuries 

Self-Management Support Platform for MSK Injuries and Conditions

You can also find trusted information and self-management tips via the link below:

Exercises for healthy joints | Back, neck, knee and foot exercises

If your joint pain is severe, persistent, or worsening, please contact the practice for further assessment or request an appointment with our physio.

Meningitis - key symptoms and up to date guidance

Meningitis is a serious but rare infection that can become life-threatening very quickly, so it’s important to recognise the symptoms early.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Seizures (fits)
• A rash that does not fade when pressed

Babies may also be floppy, irritable, refuse feeds, or have a high-pitched cry

When to seek help:

Do not wait for all symptoms to appear. If you are concerned, seek urgent medical help via NHS 111, A&E, or call 999 if severely unwell, as meningitis can worsen rapidly.

Further information and vaccine advice:

For up-to-date guidance, including information about the current MenB outbreak and vaccination, please visit:

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/

Healthy Eating

Eating a balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and wellbeing. A healthy diet can help improve energy levels, support your immune system, and reduce the risk of conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Obesity.

Simple steps towards healthier eating include:

• Eating a variety of fruit and vegetables each day

• Choosing wholegrain foods where possible

• Reducing foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats

• Drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks

Small, sustainable changes to your diet can make a big difference over time. If you would like support with weight management or improving your diet, please contact the practice to book an appointment with on of our healthcare assistants

The following website is also an excellent resource:

The Eatwell Guide - NHS

Looking after your mental health – support available in Leeds

We understand that many people experience difficulties with their mental health at different points in their lives. You do not need to struggle alone – there is a wide range of free, confidential support available locally, and many services accept self-referral, so you can access help without seeing a GP first.

Self-referral for talking therapies
If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed, or struggling to cope, you can refer yourself directly to the NHS Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service for evidence-based support including guided self-help, CBT, counselling and group courses:
👉 https://leedsmentalwellbeingservice.co.uk/
This service is available to people aged 17+ who are registered with a Leeds GP and offers a range of therapies for common mental health difficulties.

You can also access:
👉 https://leeds.omnitherapy.org/
for online self-help courses and wellbeing programmes that can be started quickly without an assessment.

👉 https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/
MindWell is the Leeds mental health and wellbeing directory. It brings together trusted local services, crisis support, peer groups, social prescribing and community organisations in one place and helps you choose the most appropriate option for your needs.

If you need to talk to someone now

• Samaritans – call 116 123 (free, 24/7)

• Mind support line – 0300 102 1234 (weekdays 9am–6pm)
  These listening services are available for anyone who needs emotional support and you do not have to be in crisis to make contact.

Urgent mental health help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or attend A&E if you are at immediate risk.

You are not alone – support is available, and reaching out is the first step.
If you are unsure which service is right for you, our care navigators and clinical team will be happy to guide you.

Protect yourself and your family – book your vaccinations

Recent news has reported that the UK has lost its measles-free status due to a rise in cases. Measles is a highly contagious illness, but it can be prevented with the MMR vaccine.

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect you, your children, and the wider community. If you or your child are unsure whether you are up to date, we’re here to help.

Please contact the practice to check your records or to book a vaccination appointment.

Together, we can help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Thank you

We’re delighted to share some wonderful feedback from our patients. Many have praised our GPs for being caring, approachable and truly listening to their concerns, with particular recognition for the time taken to explain diagnoses and treatment options clearly. Patients have told us how much they value the consistency, professionalism and dedication shown by our doctors, often describing them as going above and beyond in their care. Our nursing team has also received lovely feedback for their attentive and supportive care, and we’re pleased that our new booking system is being described as quick and easy to use. We’re incredibly proud of our whole team and grateful to our patients for their kind words and continued trust.

Pharmacists

As part of our triage process, our GPs may signpost suitable patients to a local Pharmacy service. This helps patients access timely care closer to home and ensures GP appointments are available for more complex or urgent health needs.

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows patients to receive assessment, advice and, where appropriate, NHS treatment for a range of common minor illnesses directly from a community pharmacist, without needing to see a GP first.

Community pharmacists are highly trained clinicians who can safely assess symptoms, provide self-care advice, and supply NHS treatment (including prescription-only medicines where appropriate) for certain conditions.

Conditions that can be treated under Pharmacy First include:
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Infected insect bites
• Impetigo
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women aged 16–64)

Pharmacies also routinely advise and support patients with a wide range of minor illnesses and ailments, such as coughs, colds, hay fever, stomach upsets, skin conditions and minor pain

SystmConnect

From the 1^st October 2025 the government changed our appointments system to a total triage system called SystmConnect. To book an appointment, all you have to is just send a request and get on with your day. Our GPs will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate clinician or service.

Find out more and answers to frequently asked questions.

Self Referral and Patient Information

Do you really need a GP referral? Services are changing and many are now self referral, which is often quicker. Services including physiotherapy, mental health support, midwife care, social care and sexual health do not need a GP referral. There are also many charitable support agencies and self-help resources available.

Refer yourself here

Winter 25/26 Newsletter

Read our winter newsletter.