Practice News

Opening Hours Over The Bank Holidays

• Monday 4th May - Closed
• Monday 25th May - Closed

When your GP Surgery isn't open you can call 111 or visit: NHS 111

For all upcoming events please see here

COVID Spring Boosters

We currently have clinics on the following dates:

• Saturday April 25th

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine this spring if you:

• are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 30 June 2026)
• are aged 18 to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment

Please bear with us while we work through sending invitations to all eligible patients. If you haven't heard from us yet, there's no need to get in touch just yet - your invite is on its way.

In Memoriam: Dr Ian Goodrick

A beloved GP, historian, and servant of the Starcross community

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Dr Ian Goodrick, a much-respected general practitioner who served the Starcross community for many years at what is now the Westbank Practice from 1976-1987. He supported and helped shape the Westbank League of Friends which later grew into the Westbank Healthy Living Centre.

Ian was a dedicated doctor with an old-school, honest approach to medicine, yet he remained deeply appreciative of the advances that have transformed patient care. His commitment extended beyond the consultation room: he wrote for the British Medical Journal on topics including the vital role of voluntary helpers in general practice and healthcare challenges abroad, reflecting his broad perspective on medicine and community care.

After retiring, Ian became a cherished contributor to the Starcross History Society, where his talks were always hugely popular. He had a remarkable gift for bringing local history to life, preserving the stories of ordinary people with the same compassion he showed his patients.

Ian was the devoted husband of Mary, who passed away in 2023. Together they raised four children. He spent his final months in Crediton, close to family.

Ian Goodrick was a healer by profession, a storyteller by passion, and a gentleman by nature. He will be remembered fondly by countless patients, history enthusiasts, and all who knew him for his warmth, wit, and wisdom.

He served his community with distinction, honoured both the past and the present, and leaves behind a legacy of compassion and curiosity.

TakeATestUK

You may be eligible for a free virus testing kit if you have had a respiratory infection (such as cough or cold) symptoms for less than 10 days.

Please follow the link below and provide the GP Practice's code (L83041) and your NHS number:

TakeATestUK

Patient Feedback

A big thank you to everyone who attended their appointments this month. We had a 96.9% attendance rate!

If you did miss your appointment, please follow the link below to tell us why so that we can keep missed appointments to a minimum:

DNA Questionnaire

If you have recently been in contact with us please fill out our practice survey which can be found here

Or you can fill out a paper version in our waiting rooms.

Patient Participation Group (PPG)

We are always looking for new members to join our group! If you have an idea or suggestion to improve patient experience, please let us know:

• d-icb.westbank.ppg@nhs.net
• Learn more about the PPG

Scams Talk Event

Come along to the free talk where specially trained staff will show you:

• How to spot scams
• What to do if you think you have bee scammed
• How to be more secure and avoid being scammed
• How to set up scam alerts

Friday 1st May 2026, 3pm at Exminster Victory Hall

Bereavement

Bereavement and loss are experiences every one of us will face at some stage in life. Despite being universal, they remain difficult to talk about. Modern healthcare has moved death away from the home, meaning many of us feel less familiar with the realities of loss. Yet acknowledging grief - and allowing space to talk about it - can make this challenging period feel less isolating.

According to Patient.info, bereavement describes the emotional reactions people experience after losing someone important. There is no single “correct” way to grieve, and emotions such as shock, sadness, anger, and guilt are all normal. Some people find it helpful to understand common stages of grief, though these stages are not linear and everyone moves through them differently. Helpful strategies include talking openly with friends or family, seeking professional support when needed, and recognising that grief is a natural process rather than an illness.

You can read the full Patient.info article here.

Tips for Hay Fever

Hay fever symptoms can vary in severity, and some people need medication to manage them. A wide range of treatments is available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.

How can I avoid triggers?

• Keep house and car windows closed, especially during high pollen times (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM).
• Avoid grassy areas, woodlands, and air pollution.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
• Wash hands, face, hair, rinse eyes, and change clothes after being outside.
• Stay indoors during high pollen counts if possible.
• Apply petroleum jelly inside your nose to trap pollen.
• Keep your home clean; wear a mask and glasses when cleaning.
• Avoid drying clothes outside.
• Use a pollen filter for car air vents.