Surgery News
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.
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.
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 2025
We have relaunched our Patient Participation Group and would love to see you there!
At each meeting we try to cover a health topic that patients could find interesting and beneficial. The format usually includes a short educational talk, a Q&A segment, information about care and services locally available, followed by an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions to help shape and improve the services we provide at Chartfield Surgery. The patient group is currently run by Dr Siobhan Carver (GP Partner), so this is a great opportunity to discuss topics and meet with her in a relaxed environment.
We will be providing a short presentation followed by a Q&A session where you can ask Dr Siobhan Carver all the questions you may have. A few questions to get us started are -
- What's available locally to help?
- How to eat & drink to support weight loss?
- Are weight loss jabs and medication right for me?
- How do I keep weight off after losing it?
Whether you'd like to come along by yourself, with a friend, family member, on behalf of someone else, or, you're just curious - everyone is welcome and we'd love to see you there! Light refreshments will be provided.
Read more about our Patient Participation Group here
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)
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!
