Patient Information: SSRIs and Hot Weather
As temperatures rise during periods of warm weather or a heatwave, patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) should take extra care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.
Common SSRIs include sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Why is hot weather important?
SSRIs can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and may increase sweating in some people. This can make you more vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion, dizziness and feeling unusually hot or unwell.
How can you stay safe?
• Drink fluids regularly unless you have been advised to restrict your fluid intake.
• Stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am–3pm).
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms.
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
• Take regular breaks in cool or shaded environments if outdoors.
Symptoms to watch for
Seek medical advice if you develop persistent dizziness, severe headache, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, marked weakness, confusion or disorientation.
Do NOT stop your antidepressant
Continue taking your SSRI as prescribed. Do not stop your medication suddenly without medical advice.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Seek urgent medical help if you experience a very high temperature, severe confusion or agitation, loss of consciousness, severe dehydration, or symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome.
Hearing Aid Battery Supply
We are delighted to inform you that we have liaised with Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust to arrange for the Surgery to become a local hub for Battery supply.
From 18th May we will have a stock of all coloured batteries to enable you to pick them up from us at no charge when needed.
Simply call in to reception and ask one of the staff.
UK Sickness Certification Rules (2026)
GP’S etc.do not certify sickness from day 1 in the UK. The 7-day self-certification rule still applies.
Days 1–7 of sickness (calendar days)
• Employees self‑certify their sickness absence.
• Employers cannot require a fit note or GP certificate.
• Calendar days include weekends and non‑working days.
Day 8 onwards
• Employers may request medical evidence.
• This is normally a fit note (formerly sick note).
• Fit notes can be issued by a GP or other authorised professionals (nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist).
What changed in April 2026
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is payable from the first day of absence.
• The 3 waiting days were removed.
• The Lower Earnings Limit was removed, widening eligibility.
• These are pay changes only — they do NOT alter certification rules.
Common misconception
SSP from day 1 does not mean a fit note from day 1. Employers still cannot lawfully demand medical certification during the first 7 calendar days of sickness.
Summary Table
| Day of sickness | Evidence required | Who provides it |
| Days 1–7 | Self-certification | Employee |
| Day 8 onwards | Fit note | GP or authorised clinician |
GP Access Survey Results
Click the link below to find out our results from the GP Access Survey:
https://gp-patient.co.uk/patientexperience/results?code=A84037
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
Find out more about mental health with the links below:
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – Mind
Mental Health Awareness Week – 12 to 18 May 2025 – Northumberland Education
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Prescribing Update
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Prescribing Update
Please do not contact your GP Practice regarding weight loss prescribing at this time. GP Practices are currently reviewing the situation and awaiting further guidance from the local NHS.
Due to current appointment pressures, the reception team will be unable to book reviews for weight loss injections. Eligible patients will be contacted directly in due course.
Qualifying Criteria for Use in Obesity. To be considered eligible, patients must have:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and Four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
o Type 2 diabetes
o Hypertension (high blood pressure)
o Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease or stroke)
o Obstructive sleep apnoea
o Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)
Currently, very few patients meet these criteria. However, GP Practices will be reviewing their patient lists over time to identify those who qualify. It is expected that the eligibility criteria will be reviewed and potentially widened each year to include more patients.
Starting 23 June 2025, people living with obesity and four or more of the listed health conditions may have the opportunity to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss support through their GP. Each GP Practice will develop its own plan to manage this process for its patient population.
Access to medication will be considered alongside support for healthy eating and increased physical activity, as part of a national wrap-around service. Engagement with this service will be a requirement for receiving weight loss medication.
Your GP Practice is committed to helping patients live healthier lives. They understand how challenging it can be for people living with obesity to access the right support. That’s why they are working closely with partners across Sussex to deliver services that promote long-term, sustainable improvements in wellbeing.
Obesity is a complex health condition and a leading contributor to serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Your GP Practice understands that some people may feel disappointed or frustrated if they are not currently eligible for medication-based treatments. Living with obesity can be emotionally and physically challenging, and it’s completely normal to experience a range of feelings when seeking support. If you are struggling, https://www.nhs.uk/…/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for…/ offers free and confidential help for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, or other emotional pressures.
Please note: The criteria for prescribing Mounjaro for diabetes (when blood sugar is difficult to manage with oral medications) is different from the obesity criteria outlined above. This can be discussed during routine diabetes reviews.
To learn more about obesity treatment and the support available, please speak to your healthcare team or visit the NHS website.
Further information:
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/…/weight-management-injections/
- https://oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/offer group, one-to-one and digital health and wellbeing support to anyone living or working in East Sussex.
- https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/– Free online tools and support to help you lose weight and get active.
- https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/– Free 12-week diet and exercise plan, available as an app on the App Store, Google Play, or as a printed version.
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/– A 9-week running plan for beginners with each week involving 3 runs. Available online and on the App Store or Google Play.
- https://manvfat.com/– Diet tips and weight loss motivation for men
Maternity – For newly pregnant patients
For newly pregnant patients please scan the QR code or click the image to gain access to Badgernet to create your account for future use.
