News and Events

a cartoon image of different coloured hands touching the earth and the words Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 12th to 18th May. The theme for this year is Community.  Embrace your mind, be kind.
12th May

Mental Health Awareness Week - 12th to 18th May 2025

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is "community."  It is, therefore, an excellent time to highlight several ways that connecting to the community can reap many benefits.

Our Social Prescriber uses Community SWITCH to connect you with local opportunities to help manage your health and well-being. —SWITCH stands for Supporting Wellbeing Improving the Community’s Health.  Community SWITCH is a programme of self-help and signposting services identified and reviewed by social prescribers and members of our network's Patient Participation Groups.

Unlock the potential of in-community health care and wellbeing support through Community SWITCH here>>

Social isolation can have a detrimental impact on mental health and wellbeing.  Social groups offer a platform to meet new people, make friends, and build meaningful relationships. They can provide a network for support, especially during difficult times.

Download and view our information pack on social groups in the community by following this link>>

Being an unpaid carer is a meaningful and important role — but it can sometimes affect your own health and wellbeing.
Many carers experience stress, exhaustion, and isolation, which can take a serious toll on their mental health. It's vital to remember: you matter too.

If you're a carer in Dorset, take a moment for yourself and explore the NHS Dorset Healthcare information booklet, created by the Carers Development Lead. It's full of support, guidance, and resources to help you look after your own wellbeing while caring for others.

Download and view a PDF copy of the printable booklet here>>

 

a cup of tea being poured
5th May

May Event - Carers’ Afternoon Tea

Calling all carers (and those you care for)! Join our Social Prescribers for a relaxed afternoon of tea, cake, connection & support. Whether you're after friendly chat or helpful advice, you’re warmly welcome.

📅 Monday 19th May (early this month due to the bank holiday!)
📍 Parley Place Care Home

👥 Open to carers & cared-for registered with any surgery in our network.

For more information, please call or text Rachel on 07462 521670, Kate on 07462 050616
Or email cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
 
We look forward to meeting you!
Scam email message
30th Apr

Scam Alert - Patient GP Registration

We’ve been alerted to a scam email targeting some patients in England, asking them to update their details to stay registered with their GP. It directs recipients to install software — this is not legitimate.
There is no official programme (local or national) asking patients to confirm registration via additional software.  These messages can look genuine but are not from the NHS. Don’t click any links—just delete it.
 
If you do need to update your details, the safest way is to contact us directly.
 
Please be assured that the official NHS App remains a safe and secure way to manage your health.
 
For advice on how to spot a scam and report any concerns, please contact Action Fraud:
 
Or call 0300 123 2040
A smiling young woman in a wheelchair, the Our Dorset logo and the words Let's talk about Women's Health.  Find the support you need on the Dorset Women's Health website.  Developed locally with Dorset women.  Find out more at ourdorset.org.uk/women
12th Apr

New Website dedicated to Women's Health

Introducing a new Women's Health Website to help women take control of their health.
The new website, produced by Dorset Women CIC in collaboration with NHS Dorset, healthcare professionals, and members of the community, is centred on the voices and experiences of local women. It's a safe, inclusive space for all women—including those who are transgender or non-binary—to explore trusted health information and local services.
 
Whether you're looking for information on contraception, mental health, breast health, menopause, pelvic health, or HPV, this website is designed to support you in making choices about your mental and physical well-being.
 
Visit the Dorset Women’s Health website at ourdorset.org.uk/women
You can also find other resources to help you take charge of your health your way on our Community SWITCH website here>>
The Parkinson's UK logo and the words Affected by Parkinson's? We are here to support you on your Parkinson's journey.  Our team of experienced Parkinson's Local Advisers are working in your area.  Email adviser.southwest@parkinsons.org.uk
11th Apr

Are you or someone you know affected by Parkinson’s?

Parkinson's UK can support you on your Parkinson’s journey.
 
Their experienced Parkinson’s Local Advisers are working in our area, and they include a team of volunteers who run regular groups and activities locally.  You can contact Helen Brown, Parkinson’s UK Local Adviser, by email at adviser.soutwest@parkinsons.org.uk or call their helpline at 0808 800 0303 for support.
 
Visit the Community SWITCH website to learn more about what Parkinson’s UK does, along with details of the friendship and support available locally to people with Parkinson’s, their families and their carers>>
The Crane Valley PCN logo and the words Community Vaccination Centre is located at 131 Newtown Road, Verwood  BH31 6EH (Next to the Lake Road Surgery)
24th Mar

Spring COVID 19 Vaccinations

As we move into Spring 2025, it’s the perfect time to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination. 

Viruses change, and protection fades over time.  The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19 virus, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness.  People at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 are invited to receive the vaccine, which the NHS usually offers in spring and early winter.

The UK’s spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccine  is recommended for: 

  • adults aged 75 years and over (including those who will be 75 by June 2025)
  • residents in a care home for older adults
  • individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined by the NHS *
 * To establish if you are in an at risk group please  download NHS COVID-19 Risk Group information by following this link>> 
 
We will contact you to offer an appointment to attend a COVID vaccination clinic if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.  Clinics are being held as drive throughs at the Community Vaccination Clinic in Newtown Road, next door to the Lake Road Surgery in Verwood starting Saturday the 12th of April, then on Tuesday evenings throughout April on the 15th, 22nd and 29th of April. 
a healthcare assistant speaking with an older man in a GP clinical room
10th Mar

Your Health Matters

If you’re aged 40 to 74 and receive an invitation for an NHS Health Check from us, say yes! 

The NHS Health Check is specifically designed for people aged 40 to 74 because this is when the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia starts to increase. The check helps spot early warning signs and supports people in making lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.
 
a smiling receptionist, the Practice and NHS logos and the words Share your view on your experience contacting us by phone
6th Dec 2024

Share your views on your experience contacting us by phone

Earlier this year, The Barcellos Family Practice introduced a new phone system to improve our patient’s experience when contacting the practice. The NHS is keen to hear from patients who have contacted us by telephone over the past month or so.   

Please follow this link>> to share your views. Your feedback is valuable and your responses will inform future improvements. Thank you.

UKHSA statement on mpox
16th Aug 2024

The UK Health Security Agency Statement on mpox

People in our community may have seen reports in the media about the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying mpox as an international public health concern. 

A statement from the UK Health Security Agency has advised that the risk to the UK population is currently considered low. Nevertheless, be assured that NHS plans are underway to prepare for any cases we might see in the UK. This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.

Information and advice on mpox is available on the NHS website here>>

a woman taking her blood pressure at home, the words Know Your Numbers and the NHS, practice and Viso logos and the words Are you living with high blood pressure
28th Jul 2024

Know your Numbers - Check your Blood Pressure at Home with Viso

We believe every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight. When you #KnowYourNumbers, you can take steps to manage your blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.
 
That's why The Barcellos Family Practice offers patients the opportunity to monitor their blood pressure at home and share their readings directly with us using the Viso app. High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
 
In line with NHS England recommendations, NHS Dorset is partnering with Omron Healthcare to implement blood pressure (BP) monitoring at home using the Viso app.
 
UK Health Security Agency and NHS logos and the words The RSV vaccines is available from September 2024. Speak to your midwife, GP practice of health team
24th Jul 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccinations

The UK will become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), protecting infants & older people from becoming seriously ill. RSV accounts for 39,000 hospitalisations each year.
From 1 Sept, vaccination to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be offered to:
 
• Pregnant women (over 28 weeks) to help protect newborn babies
• Adults aged 75+
 
We plan to vaccinate as many people as possible during September and October 2024 before the expected RSV season. Eligible patients will be contacted with an offer of the RSV vaccine once clinic details are finalised.
 
the nhs logo and the words Young babies with whooping cough can become very unwell andmay need hospital treatment. If you are pregnant you can help your baby by getting vaccinated
15th Jul 2024

Whooping cough vaccinations are available for pregnant women

Whooping cough - also known as Pertussis - cases have been rising in England. We recommend getting the whooping cough vaccine to help protect you and your baby. It's safe and effective and will provide important protection for your newborn in its first months.
 
Please contact us to let us know if you have any questions or if you'd like to schedule an appointment.
a cartoon image of medications, the NHS Dorset logo and the words #HelpYourNHS   Prescriptions for 35 minor conditions are no longer available in Dorset.  Please visit your pharmacy instead.
12th Jul 2024

Prescribing over the counter medicines - #HelpYourNHS

In line with NHS England recommendations, NHS Dorset has asked GP teams across the county to stop prescribing medicine and treatment for 35 minor conditions.  Medications for these conditions are readily available at your local pharmacy or supermarket. 

This will release thousands of hours of clinical time to enable us, as a GP Practice to focus on caring for people with more complex needs, increasing patient access.

Find out more about this by downloading and viewing the patient information leaflet here>>

Or visit the NHS Dorset website:   https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/health/medicines/helpyournhs/

systmconnect online consultation service
18th Jun 2024

SystmConnect Online Consultation Services are now available

The Barcellos Family Practice is trialling a new online consultation system that enables patients to access some of our GP online services such as requesting a fit/sick note or asking about your test results.  

Follow this link to find out more about SystmConnect>>

Please note that the SystmConnect service is NOT for booking appointments or ordering repeat medications, which can be done online using a SystmOnline Services Patient Access account.  However, we invite you to try the online consultation services we are trialling through SystmConnect and let us know what you think. 

The Barcellos Family Practice Patient Participation Group logo
24th May 2024

The Barcellos Family Practice Patient Participation Group

Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) works with us to support and promote the best possible health care for all patients while ensuring that patients are at the heart of decision making.

The next PPG meeting is now scheduled to take place Wednesday the 29th of May at 12pm at Hope Church, next door to our Corbin Avenue surgery.

Find out more about our PPG and how to join on our PPG web page here>>

Our new phone system will be implemented week commencing 22nd April 2024
17th Apr 2024

New phone system being implemented w/c 22nd April 2024

We’re pleased to advise that next week, the Barcellos Family Practice will install a brand new phone system at our Corbin Avenue and Glenmoor Road surgeries to improve the service we provide to our patients.  

This upgrade is part of our continuing commitment to improving patient access.  The new system is better equipped to handle increased call traffic efficiently, meaning that when we receive high call volumes, to save patients “being put on hold,” they can opt to receive an automated call back when their position in the queue reaches number one.

The system also increases the ability of our team to review call volumes, peak times, and demand to help us identify areas for improvement and refine our services.

Our telephone engineers will work diligently to install the new system with minimal disruption to our services.

This communication aims to inform our patients about the changeover. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period.

The Community SWITCH and Crane Valley PCN logos
21st Feb 2024

Community SWITCH - a Path to Improved Health and Well-being

At The Barcellos Family Practice, we want to do all we can to help you with your well-being needs. 

What if together, we could do more for you?

Working with our colleagues in the Crane Valley Primary Care Network we offer a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance local people's overall health and quality of life – Community SWITCH.

We understand that a patient's health and well-being extends beyond traditional medical care. Community SWITCH goes beyond the ordinary and empowering you with additional tools and opportunities to manage your health effectively.

Follow this link to discover more>>

Image depicting the Only Order What You Need Campaign
9th Feb 2024

Making a Repeat Prescription Request? Please Only Order What You Need!

Did you know that approximately 1.6 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Dorset every year?  We are asking our patients for help to reduce this.

We want people to have the right medicine and care while reducing the amount of medicine waste. If you have enough medicine at home, there’s no need to order more every time. You will still be able to request your medicine again in the future.  

The good news is that you can help make a tremendous difference by only ordering what you need. 

Thank you to the many people who are already doing this.

Follow this link to discover more>>

the Armed forces veteran friendly accredication logo and the words Proud to support our Armed Forces.  We're a Veteran Friendly GP Practice
7th Feb 2024

We are an accredited Veteran Friendly Practice

We’re delighted to announce that The Barcellos Family Practice has now been accredited as Veteran Friendly!
 
As a practice committed to providing the best care for our community heroes, we’re honoured to offer specialised support and understanding tailored to our veterans’ unique needs. Your service deserves our utmost respect, and we’re here to ensure you receive the quality care you deserve.
 
 
Thank you for your service!
a cartoon of a pharmacist coming out of a laptop screen
8th Dec 2023

Fake Lloyds Pharmacy Emails

A phishing email campaign is currently targeting people with fake Lloyds Pharmacy emails. The emails falsely claim that by signing up for LloydsDirect you can easily manage prescriptions and get free delivery.
 
These emails contain links designed to steal personal/financial information or install malware. The fraudsters have made the emails appear more genuine by including LloydsDirect/NHS logos and Trustpilot reviews.
 
However, these emails are fake. Do not click any links, provide info, or sign up through these emails. Double check directly with your pharmacy if unsure.
 
To learn more and stay updated on related scams, visit the official Lloyds Pharmacy customer service page: Suspicious Email/Spam Email (lloydspharmacy.com) How to stay safe online Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource
 
Key protections:
• Verify pharmacy emails before clicking links or providing info
• Go directly to your pharmacy's website rather than through links
• Check for spelling/formatting issues indicating a potential fake
• Keep device security protections updated to block malware
 
Stay vigilant against pharmacy-themed phishing campaigns trying to steal personal information or distribute malware. Verify legitimacy through official channels before engaging.
The NHS logo and the words Have you got Long COVID.  If you are suffering from the effects or symptoms of long COVID, seek advice from your GP, they may refer you onto the Post COVID Service who can assess and put things in place to help you start to feel yourself again.
2nd Nov 2023

Are you recovering from Long COVID?

If you have had symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more since having a suspected or positive COVID-19 infection, you should speak to your GP surgery about a referral to the Dorset Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) Service. Dorset PCS provides specialist support for people who have ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more. Any member from the clinical team at your GP practice can refer you to Dorset Post-COVID Service, not just your GP.
 
a person holding a smartphone, the NHS logo and the words Online access to GP health records.  Over 12 million patients withonline accounts now have full access to their new GP health record entries.  Over 2,700 practices now offer this access to their patients by default.
28th Oct 2023

Online access to GP Health Records

From November 2023 all patients in our network who are over 16 will be able to view notes and health records. This includes notes from GP surgery appointments, test results, medications, and letters we receive from hospitals. These can be viewed online via the NHS App, NHS website, SystmOnline or the Airmid app. If you do not want your record to be available online, please speak with the Reception or Patient Services team at your surgery. For more, please visit the Crane Valley PCN information web page here>>

a person using a mobile phone
19th Aug 2023

Have you provided your consent to receive text and email communications from us?

We would like to keep be able to send you Practice communications by email and text message, but first, we need your permission.  Please get in touch with us to provide your consent or follow this link to our online Communications Consent form>>

Not only is it a quick and low-cost way for the NHS to contact patients, but it also saves patients time waiting on the phone to get through to the Practice or having to visit the surgery.

The Practice may use text messages to 

  • Send appointment reminder messages – this reduces the chance of you missing a necessary health appointment and avoids wasted appointment times that another patient could use.
  • Provide you with the opportunity to book directly into clinics such as Winter flu vaccination clinics, request COVID Booster vaccinations or NHS Health checks.
  • Offer digital health management apps to support you in managing any long-term medical conditions, for example, taking blood pressure readings, living with respiratory conditions or managing diabetes.
  • Ask you to complete online questionnaires as part of medical reviews, e.g. asthma or contraception reviews.
  • Obtain your feedback on your experience (Friends and Family test).
  • Support anyone with hearing difficulties or other sensory impairments by offering an alternative way to contact us.

Please be assured that if you cannot receive text messages or choose not to, you can continue to use other communication methods, e.g. phone calls or visits to the surgery.

South West Advocacy Network logo
14th Aug 2023

Integrated Adult Pan Dorset Advocacy Service now available

SWAN (South West Advocacy Network) is a leading independent advocacy charity – providing advocacy services throughout the south west and bordering counties since 1999.  SWAN now offers an Advocacy Service across the county of Dorset. 

This integrated adult advocacy service includes statutory and generic advocacy elements including:

  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy  including Safeguarding Advocacy, Litigation Friend and Relevant Persons Representative
  • Independent Mental Health Advocacy
  • Care Act Advocacy
  • General / Generic advocacy
  • Continuing Healthcare Advocacy
  • Advocacy for parents during care proceedings
  • Carers Advocacy

For more information, please follow this link to download and view a leaflet which sets out the advocacy services that they currently offer across Pan Dorset. 

Or visit their website here>>

An image of a hospital in 1948, two nurses in uniform and a modern day operating theatre scene with surgeons performing an operation
5th Jul 2023

The NHS at 75

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service. Treating 1.3 million people a day in England, the NHS touches all our lives.  The Barcellos Family Practice, along with the other GP Practices in our network are proud to be a small part supporting the people in our local community to obtain, regain and maintain a healthy quality of life. 
a mobile phone displaying social media app icons
1st Jul 2023

Follow us on social media for the latest news

For patients who use social media, please note we have a Facebook page and an Instagram account (@barcellosfamilypractice).  We often post breaking news on Facebook earlier than it is posted on this website, so please follow us so these posts appear in your news feed.  

 
The Help and Care logo with the image of a woman and a man walking, the words Dementia Coordinator Service
30th Jun 2023

Dementia Coordinator Service

Many people living with Dementia feel that having support along their journey will maximise independent living and prevent a crisis.

The Dementia Coordinator Service, delivered by Help and Care, is committed to supporting people to live well with Dementia.

The service is available to everyone across Dorset, age 18 and over, including support for immediate carers and loved ones.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the Memory Assessment Service will make a referral to a Dementia Coordinator at Dorset Healthcare.   However, Help and Care will accept self-referrals and referrals from GPs and other stakeholders as long as a diagnosis of Dementia is confirmed.

Help and Care work in partnership with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset and Age UK, as an integral part of the Dementia Services Pathway for Dorset.

For more information, download and view this Help and Care leaflet or visit their website by following this link>> www.helpandcare.org.uk/services/dementia-coordinator-service

A cartoon hand holding a test result, the NHS logo and the words Finding bowel cancel early makes it easier to treat.  The NHS bowel cancel screening kit detects signs of cancel before you notice anything is wrong.
13th Mar 2023

The bowel cancer screening kit can save your life.

NHS bowel cancer screening checks if you could have bowel cancer. It’s available to everyone aged 60 to 74 years. The programme is expanding to make it available to everyone aged 50 to 59 years.

Just a tiny sample detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong. 

If you’re sent a kit, put it by the looDon’t put it off.

For more information including screening kit instructions in alternative formats visit nhs.uk/bowel-screening.

Help Us Help You – Screening saves lives 

The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym and the words Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there? Speech – is their speech slurred? Time – time to call 999 when stroke strikes, act F.A.S.T.
10th Mar 2023

When Stroke Strikes, Act F.A.S.T.

Act F.A.S.T. Call 999 if you see any single one of the signs of a stroke.

There are around 100,000 strokes in England, Scotland and Wales every year,8 with around 33,000 stroke related deaths each year, as well as being a leading cause of disability.

The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym provides a memorable way of identifying the most common signs of a stroke and emphasises the importance of acting quickly by calling 999.

For more information on stroke, visit the NHS website.

a woman sat at a bus stop holding a windup music box, the NHS logo and the words don't carry the worry of cancer with you.  Clear on cancel.  Help us,  help you.
21st Feb 2023

Help Us, Help You: Cancer – early diagnosis

If something in your body doesn’t feel right, don’t carry the worry of cancer with you.

Tests could put your mind at rest, and whatever the result, your NHS is here for you.

When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is more likely to be successful. However, early in the pandemic the number of people coming forward to their GP with potential cancer symptoms dropped.

Referrals for suspected cancer have been running at record high levels since March 2021, and we need to continue that trend to diagnose more cancers early.

Contact your GP practice if you experience any of the below symptoms:

– Tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more;
– Blood in your pee – even just once;
– Unexpected or unexplained bleeding;
– Unexplained pain that lasts three weeks or more;
– An unexplained lump; or
– A cough for three weeks or more

Find out more about cancer symptoms @ NHS.uk

Page last reviewed: 16 May 2025
Page created: 26 April 2023