Woodhall Farm Medical Centre

Valley Green, Shenley Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7RJ

Telephone: 01442 261805

Woodhallfarm.medicalcentre@nhs.net

Sorry, we're currently closed. Please call NHS 111

Winter Pressures

Posted on December 11th, 2025

Local Health Services Update

As you are aware the local NHS services are under extreme pressure as they are looking after rising numbers of very unwell people.

To help prevent avoidable illness, protect vulnerable relatives and friends and ensure that vital NHS services are there for those who need them, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to follow this advice:

  • Make sure that you and your family are up to date with flu, COVID, and RSV vaccinations. These vaccines are especially important for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Visit the Hertfordshire and west Essex vaccination hub for more information on who is eligible and how to get your vaccine.
  • If you or your family get the norovirus bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea, treat this at home with plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Reduce the spread by washing your hands frequently with soap and water – hand gels won’t kill norovirus. Stay at home and especially stay away from care homes, hospitals and social occasions until you’ve been clear of symptoms for at least two days. You will still be very infectious until then.
  • If you or a loved one are very unwell, get medical advice straight away. Early help can prevent hospital admissions and save lives. If you need help for a minor concern, see if your local pharmacy is open as they can often help when GP practices are closed. Contact NHS 111 free for urgent help or if you’re unsure. Don’t forget the mental health support on offer via NHS 111 – choose option 2 when you get through.

You can help your General Practice by using online consultations where possible and avoiding calling at the 8am rush. Visit your practice website for information on how to access their services if you need help with an ongoing health concern.

For more information on keeping well this winter visit the Hertfordshire and west Essex winter health and wellbeing information hub. Thank you for playing your part in helping the NHS.

National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, Prof Julian Redhead said: “Today’s numbers confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter. Cases are incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet.

“The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks.

“There have never been more ways for people can get the care they need, so for non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place.

“As always, use A&E & 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries, and with just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I urge anyone eligible to come forward to get their jab

Opening Times

  • Monday
    08:00am to 06:30pm
  • Tuesday
    08:00am to 06:30pm
  • Wednesday
    08:00am to 06:30pm
  • Thursday
    08:00am to 06:30pm
  • Friday
    08:00am to 06:30pm
  • Saturday
    CLOSED
  • Sunday
    CLOSED