Surgery News | Chartfield Surgery, Putney

Supporting Oesophageal Cancer Awareness

This February, we are proud to support a pan-London awareness campaign for Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month in partnership with Heartburn Cancer UK.

The campaign, titled “Whatever you call it”, aims to raise awareness that persistent heartburn or indigestion could be possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer — and encourages people to contact their GP practice early if they have concerns.

Why This Campaign Matters

Oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, particularly among:

People aged 45 and over
Those from lower socio-economic backgrounds
Individuals from Black and South Asian communities, who are known to experience health inequalities

By increasing awareness of symptoms and encouraging early conversations with a GP, we hope to support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Key Message

Persistent heartburn or indigestion that does not go away is not something to ignore.

If you are aged 45 or over and experience ongoing symptoms, please contact your GP practice to discuss your concerns.

Awareness Activities Across London

Throughout February, the campaign will be visible across London through

Advertising at bus stops and digital screens
Billboard displays and projections on key buildings and places of interest
Social media and radio advertising
Community pharmacy shelf advertising
Awareness activities delivered by community organisations across boroughs

These activities aim to reach communities most at risk and encourage people to seek help early.

Resources and Support

Campaign resources, including downloadable social media assets and materials, are available via the official campaign website:

👉 https://www.oesophagealcancerawarenessmonth.com/

A4 posters (English print versions) can also be ordered via the campaign’s resources page.

We encourage our patients and local community members to learn more about the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and to speak to their GP practice if they have any ongoing concerns.

Early conversations can make a real difference.

Patient Participation Group (PPG)

November 2026

Join us for our Patient Participation Group (PPG) morning tea!

We have been busy improving how the practice runs for our patients, and we’d love to share more with you and hear your thoughts too!

Please join us for a relaxed and friendly morning at Chartfield Surgery. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, have a chat with our team, and share your ideas, feedback and suggestions on how we can continue to improve our services for our patients.

Date: Friday 6 November 2026
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Chartfield Surgery

Whether you are already involved in our Patient Participation Group or are simply curious to find out more, everyone is welcome. You are welcome to come along by yourself, with a friend or family member, or on behalf of someone else.

How to join us

Please RSVP by emailing chartfield.ppg@nhs.net or let our reception team know that you would like to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a friendly morning together!

Looking back at our Patient Participation Group

At our PPG meetings, we aim to cover health topics that patients may find interesting and beneficial. Sessions can include short educational presentations, Q&A opportunities with our GP team, information about local care and services, and discussions about changes happening within the surgery.

Our PPG also provides a valuable opportunity for patients to share their views and help shape and improve the services we provide at Chartfield Surgery.

GetUBetter App

August 2025

NHS-approved app for support to recover, live and work well

The GetUBetter app is provided free of charge by SW London ICB for patients registered at Chartfield Surgery.

It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises and tips to help you get better from a range of new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions:

Lower back pain
Back and leg pain
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Ankle Pain
Knee Pain
Soft Tissue Lower Limb
Hip Pain
Women’s pelvic health (new module added Summer 2025)

All patients at Chartfield Surgery can register for the GetUBetter app, whether you are registering following a GP or Physio appointment, or by self-referring, if you feel you would benefit from NHS-approved exercises and support for any of the conditions mentioned in the list above.
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition(s) you need help to manage.You will then be sent an email with all the information you need to get started.You can download the getUBetter app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or use the GetuBetter web app.If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
The app will also connect you to your local healthcare providers for support services or further treatment (such as physiotherapy)
Self-Refer using GetUBetter

The Walk and Talk Movement

June 2025

In the wake of the challenges many continue to face - whether from isolation, anxiety, physical inactivity, or just the pressures of everyday life - we have seen how something as modest as a weekly walk can become a lifeline. Walking in good company offers space to breathe, to talk, or simply to be. It’s accessible, inclusive, and deeply human.

The Walk & Talk movement (https://walkandtalkmovement.org) are launching a new community walking group based in Putney and Roehampton, open to all but particularly welcoming those who may be struggling silently. Our aim is not only to encourage movement and connection, but also to build a supportive, stigma-free culture around mental health and well-being.

Visit WalkandTalkMovement.org to join a walk near you!