It was announced on 23 June 2025 that people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings.

However, this announcement does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately to all eligible patients in GP practices across the country.

Weight management services are locally commissioned and funded at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, which means services will differ across each ICB. In mid and south Essex, access to tirzepatide will initially be through specialist weight management services only. Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through primary care is not expected to start in mid and south Essex until later in 2025.

Access to this medication is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need; it’s for people living with obesity, in poor health with multiple obesity-related conditions as they would benefit most from the treatment.

For further information please click on the link below

https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/staying-well/healthy-weight/weight-management-services/access-to-tirzepatide-for-weight-management/ 

Some medications can affect how your body responds to heat. This includes diuretics, certain antidiabetics, laxatives and mental health medicines. These may increase your risk of dehydration or heat-related illness.

Ask your pharmacist whether any of your medicines could make you more sensitive to heat, and whether you should take extra precautions in hot weather.

You should take extra care if you have a condition that affects your ability to regulate body temperature, such as heart failure, diabetes or kidney disease.

For those taking medicines for mental health conditions, Mental Health UK has published guidance on how heat can affect your wellbeing.

We want to inform you that a Yellow Heat-Health Alert has been issued for our region, effective from 12/06/2025 at 9:00pm to 15/06/2025 at 8:00am.

While most of us welcome the sunshine and warmer weather, hot weather can bring health problems that might affect you or your
family.

To help you beat the heat and stay well this summer, please follow this advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UK HSA):

● Look out for vulnerable neighbours including older people and young children especially those who have an
underlying health issue such as asthma or a heart condition.
● Drink plenty of fluid particularly water, aiming for at least two litres a day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or hot drinks.
● Dress appropriately and cover up including wearing a hat and sunglasses.
● Avoid the heat as much as possible and limit going out during the hottest part of the day (11am – 3pm).
● Wear sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of SP15.
● Follow the weather updates and advice on keeping well.
● Find ways to keep homes cool including closing windows that are exposed to the sun during the day, and opening
windows at night when the temperature has dropped.

Heatwaves can cause other issues too such as travel disruption and power cuts, so please follow the below advice too:

● Be prepared for travel disruption and only travel if it is essential. Follow Essex Travel News (@Essex_Travel) /
Twitter for updates. If you do need to travel, make sure you have plenty of water with you and perhaps a handheld
fan.
● The heat may cause power cuts. In the event of a power cut, report it to UK Power Networks by calling 0800 31 63
105 or 105.
● Taking a dip in open waters and going swimming are great ways to cool down, but please be aware of the dangers of
water. Never swim alone and never leave children unattended around water. For more advice visit: Summer Water
Safety (essex-fire.gov.uk)
● You can also visit the NHS Mid and South Essex website for top tips and advice on how you can stay
well, while enjoying the summer weather: Summer health advice - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System
(ics.nhs.uk)

There are now many ways to access NHS services across mid and south Essex – and a new email series is here to help you make the most of them.

Sign up today and every two weeks you’ll receive practical tips and advice on how to get the right care, first time – whether that’s through your GP practice, a local pharmacy, or by referring yourself directly to specialist services.

The emails will cover:

• How to self-refer to local services without needing a GP appointment
• Getting help from your community pharmacy for common conditions
• Making the most of the NHS App to manage your healthcare
• How new GP practice teams and specialists are working to help patients more quickly
• What’s changing in GP appointment systems and how it benefits you

This series is designed to help you get practical advice straight to your inbox, so you, your friends and families can get the care you need quicker.

Sign up now: Get The Care You Need Quicker

You don't always need to speak to a doctor. We are part of Chelmsford City Health PCN and can book you appointments with a range of healthcare professionals, the benefits of which include being seen quicker and also having support tailored to your needs.

For more information please follow this link

Chelmsford City Health PCN Limited - Whitley House Surgery

For advice and guidance on how our Health and Wellbeing team can support you, as well as for self care and self referral pathways please follow this link

Health and Wellbeing Team - Whitley House Surgery

Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS) provides joined-up mental health and physical health support for people living with dementia or suspected dementia in mid Essex

The service offers:

 Rapid support for people who are in crisis

 Intensive support and treatment at place of residence

 Signposting to further advice and support You do not need to speak with health or social care professional to be referred as self-referrals are accepted.

CALL: 01245 515 313 for advice, support and referral. The helpline is open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am – 5pm.

111 option 2 outside these hours if you are concerned about mental health needs.