The Cranborne Practice

04/09/2026

Ever feel like it’s harder to see the same GP who knows your medical history? You aren’t alone.
📉 Nearly 20% of surgeries have closed or merged since 2015.
📈 At the same time, the average number of patients per full-time GP has surged, with thousands more patients per doctor compared to a decade ago.
General practice should be about continuity of care—seeing a familiar doctor in a surgery you know and trust. We are fighting to protect that relationship.
Find out more about what we're doing to protect your care on the BMA Campaign Hub.
⬇
https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/gp-campaigns/england/patients-gps-are-on-your-side

04/09/2026

Don’t bin your empty medicine blister packs—recycle them! 💊♻️

Verwoodians on Waste (VoW) is running a trial recycling pop-up to help our community keep hard-to-recycle blister packaging out of landfill. Because it’s a trial, we’d love to see as many patients as possible take part to make it a long-term success!

Pop-Up Details

🗓 When: 1st Saturday of every month (launching Saturday, 5th September) 9.30 to 10.30 am
📍 Where: Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre, The Potters Wheel, BH31 6HF

Quick Checklist Before You Drop Them Off

☑️ Empty packs only: Please check that all tablets and pills are completely removed.
☑️ Boxes & leaflets: Pop cardboard boxes and paper leaflets straight into your household recycling at home.
☑️ No unspent medication: Unused or expired medicines must always be returned directly to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Save up your empties and drop them by VoW’s next pop-up—let’s work together to make our community a little greener! 🌱

28/08/2026

📢 Important Reminder: Changes to How You Contact Us 📢
Starting 1st September, we will no longer accept medical or administrative requests via email.

To ensure your care is managed safely, quickly, and linked directly to your medical record, we are moving to SystmConnect! 💻✨

While you can still reach us by phone or visit us in person at Lake Road Surgery, SystmConnect is the fastest and most secure way to manage your healthcare needs.
🩺 What can you use SystmConnect for?
📄 Request a fit/sick note
💓 Submit a blood pressure reading
💊 Request a medication review or ask about your current prescriptions
🔬 Inquire about recent test results
📝 Request a doctor’s report, letter, or paperwork
👋 Enquire about registering as a new patient

👉 Submit your request directly here:
https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/OnlineConsultation?OrgId=J81058

Please note there is no change to how you request a GP appointment.

ℹ️ Learn more about all our online services:
https://www.thecranbornepractice.co.uk/our-online-services-1

Thank you for helping us improve our care and support you more safely and efficiently! 💙

27/08/2026

We value our patients and want to be there when you need us most. But across England, general practice is being pushed to its absolute limits.
That’s why GPs are taking collective action—to demand the investment needed to recruit more family doctors, improve appointment access, and protect your local surgery.
✋ We need your voice. Help protect the future of your local surgery by signing the petition:
🔗 Sign the Petition – BMA Campaign
https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/gp-campaigns/england/patients-gps-are-on-your-side

27/08/2026

🍂 Autumn & Winter Vaccinations Are Starting Soon! 💉
Protect yourself and your loved ones this season. Our seasonal vaccination programme will be launching shortly.
Here is what you need to know:
• Check your eligibility: Visit our website to see if you qualify for the free flu or COVID-19 vaccines.
• Watch for your invitation: If you are eligible, we will contact you directly via SMS text message or through the NHS App with a link to book your appointment.
• Book directly with your GP practice: Getting vaccinated with us ensures your full medical record stays up-to-date and helps us continue managing your ongoing care effectively.
👉 Find out more and check eligibility:
https://www.thecranbornepractice.co.uk/seasonal-vaccinations

25/08/2026

Looking for information about NHS dental services in Dorset? 🦷
We know that accessing dental care can sometimes be confusing, so we wanted to share this helpful resource from NHS Dorset, which includes advice on:
• Finding an NHS dentist
• Urgent dental care and who to contact
• Dental costs and support available
• Services for children and patients with additional needs
If you have an urgent dental problem and cannot access a dentist, NHS 111 can help direct you to urgent dental care services.
Find out more on the NHS Dorset website here:
⬇️
https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/health/dental/

23/08/2026

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. 💙

Our colleagues at Verwood House Care Home are hosting regular, informal support sessions for local carers, family members, and friends.

📍 Where: Verwood House Care Home, Verwood
🗓️ When: First Monday each month at 4 pm
☕ Cost: Free, everyone is welcome!

You can also find more in our programme to help you navigate memory loss or dementia and connect you with the right support to keep you living well.
⬇️
https://communityswitch.org/i-am-worried-about-memory-loss/

💜 Dementia Support Group for Families & Relatives 💜

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new Dementia Support Group at Verwood House, created especially for families and relatives of those living with dementia.

📅 First Monday of every month
⏰ 4pm
📍 Verwood House Care Home

Join us for a welcoming and informative session, facilitated by our Dementia Champion and Wellbeing Coach, Emilia Turner.

It’s a chance to:
💬 Connect with others who understand
🤝 Share experiences and support one another
💡 Gain helpful information and advice
☕ Enjoy refreshments in a relaxed, friendly setting

Whether you’re looking for support, information or simply an opportunity to connect with others, we’d love to welcome you.

Everyone is welcome. 💜

21/08/2026

😎Bank Holiday ahead!🏖️
A reminder to patients that our surgery will be closed on Monday, 31st August, for the Summer Bank Holiday. ☀️
Don't get caught out! We want to make sure you have everything you need to stay healthy and enjoy the break.
💊 Please check your medication today! If you are due a repeat prescription over the bank holiday or shortly after, please submit your request to us as soon as possible. The quickest way to do this is online. Find out more here:

https://www.thecranbornepractice.co.uk/prescriptions

🛑 Don't get caught short this Bank Holiday! 🛑
With a 3-day bank holiday weekend coming up, we want to make sure you have everything you need to stay healthy and enjoy the break. ☀️
💊 Please check your medication today! If you are due a repeat prescription over the bank holiday or shortly after, please submit your request to your GP as soon as possible.
▪ Why? Routine prescription requests take time to process, and pharmacies may have altered opening hours over the long weekend. Ordering early means you won’t run out!
▪ How? The quickest and easiest way to order is via the NHS App or by visiting the Prescriptions page on your GP’s website.

18/08/2026

Use the summer holidays to get your health check done.

If you are 14 or older and have a learning disability, come and see us for your health check this summer.

You, or someone who supports you, can call us on 01202 822825 or 01725 517272 to ask about booking a health check.

Don’t worry if you’ve not had one before, or are still awaiting a learning disability diagnosis. You can still access a health check.

Look after your health and how you feel this summer.

If you're aged 14 and over and have a learning disability, the summer holidays are a great time to have your annual health check with your GP🥼

It's a free check-up to help you stay healthy and get the right support as you grow 💙

Ask your GP surgery to book yours today!

18/08/2026

📢 Notice for Legs Heal Together Club Members & Visitors 📢

Just a quick reminder for anyone considering joining our weekly Legs Heal Together Club at St Michael's Church Hall: there will be no session on Tuesday, 1st September.

We’ll look forward to welcoming returning members and any new faces back on Tuesday, 8th September, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM!

Learn more about the club:
👇
https://www.thecranbornepractice.co.uk/our-leg-club