As your Patient Participation Group (PPG), we act as a bridge between the surgery and the wider NHS.  

We receive regular briefings directly from local healthcare organisations, and we have created a space to share these updates with our fellow patients. 

Why this matters to you

Healthcare is constantly evolving. By visiting this page, you can stay informed about:

• Upcoming changes to local clinics or services.
• National campaigns and patient rights.
• Opportunities to participate in surveys or focus groups that shape the future of healthcare.

PPG Note: We update the PPG Information Hub at least monthly (or as soon as we receive critical news). If you have questions about a specific update, please feel free to reach out to us by email to lymebayppg@gmail.com.

Webinar - Community-based approach to leg care in Dorset

The latest Neighbourhood Connections webinar, taking place on Friday 30^th November at 11am, features Crane Valley Leg Club for people in Dorset living with leg wounds, chronic oedema, and other lower-limb conditions. The club supports a more community-focused approach to healthcare by helping people access appropriate lower-limb care in a familiar, friendly and supportive setting. Find out how it aims to improve health outcomes, encourage early intervention, promote independence and self-management, and reduce loneliness through social connection and peer support. This webinar is created for colleagues in primary care, the wider NHS, councils or voluntary and community organisations who wants to discover how this approach aligns with the aims of neighbourhood-based health and wellbeing services in Dorset. For more information and to book a space on the webinar please click on the following link: Neighbourhood Connections Tickets, Friday 30 October  •  11 AM - 12 PM GMT+0 | Eventbrite

Diabetes information day in Dorchester

Mid Dorset Primary Care Network are hosting an information day for people with diabetes. The event is on Friday 20^th November from 9am – midday where you can view the health & information stall, get dietary information & advice, have your blood pressure checked and have the opportunity of meeting local clinicians supporting people with diabetes. If you or someone you know has prediabetes. Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, this is the event for you! More information is in the attached poster or for any queries please contact Sharon: Sharon.Rust@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Dorset young people call for better breast cancer education

The latest report from Healthwatch Dorset, co-produced with youth volunteers from Bournemouth School for Girls, has found significant gaps in young people's understanding of breast cancer, highlighting a need for better education and awareness in schools. The findings come from a breast cancer awareness project led by young volunteers in Year 12 and supported by Healthwatch Dorset, aimed to explore how much young people know about breast cancer, identify misunderstandings and understand where they find information and support. To read the report please click on the following link: Early awareness matters: Breast cancer education for young people | Healthwatch Dorset

Move for 10, a new campaign encouraging women to get moving

This Girl Can has launched Move for 10, a new national campaign encouraging women to get active for just 10 minutes at a time, 10 times over a month. Designed to help tackle the gender activity gap, the campaign shows how small bursts of movement, from walking and cycling to dancing or gardening, can boost mood, improve sleep and increase energy levels. A free online (or printable) tracker helps participants record their activity and celebrate their progress. I’ve attached a copy of the tracker for information, for more information please click on the following link: https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/movefor10

It’s not too late to get your vaccination

It’s that time of year again to get you Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. There are plenty of opportunities for eligible people to get vaccinated this autumn from your GP practice, community pharmacies and walk-in clinics.

For more information about flu vaccination eligibility and where you can get it, please click on the following link: https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu/

For more information about the covid-19 vaccination and where you can get it, please click on the following link: https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid/

For more information about other vaccinations available including shingles and RSV please click on the following link: https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations/

Help spread the word about hospital pilot project for carers

You may have seen in a previous update email that Help & Care is running a pilot project at DCH to support unpaid carers whose cared-for person has a planned hospital admission. The service offers support to carers both before a planned hospital admission and following discharge, providing follow-up assistance where needed. The pilot aims to improve carers' preparedness, reduce the risk of issues such as missed appointments and avoidable admissions, and help carers feel more supported and organised throughout the process. I have attached a leaflet about the project, it would be fantastic if you could help raise awareness of the project so more carers can benefit from the service. Referrals can be made directly by contacting: contact@helpandcare.org.uk. For more information, please contact Val: val.croucher@helpandcare.org.uk 

New community club launched in Dorchester

The Young at Heart Club is a chance for people over 60 to meet others, enjoy conversations and take part in activities in a relaxed setting. The free sessions include refreshments, games and good company! There is no need to book, the club meets every Tuesday from 10am – midday at Dorchester Youth & Community Centre on Kings Road in Fordington. 

Can you help the Friendly Food Club?

The Friendly Food Club are involved in several initiatives over the coming months that you may be able to help with including:

• Knitters or crocheters needed - Children they work with love their knitted and crocheted fruit and vegetables and are regularly given out to kids at their cooking and engagement sessions. They would like more people to help knit or crochet their fruit and vegetable characters. For more information and patterns please click on the following link: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/knit-for-us
• Volunteers needed – There are a number of events coming up to help raise awareness of their work and they are looking for people who can spare a few hours to attend and help spread awareness of the charity. Awareness events are taking place on 24^th November (Groves Garden Centre, Bridport), 1^st December (Goulds Garden Centre, Weymouth) and 5^th December (Asda Weymouth). For more information please contact Cameron: cameron@thefriendlyfoodclub.org 

Martha’s Rule being rolled out to every A&E Department in England

The NHS is expanding Martha's Rule to all hospital emergency departments in England to help patients and families challenge staff and seek a rapid review of their care if they want. This means there is a clear route for patients or their families to raise concerns if they feel a patient’s condition is deteriorating. Patients, loved ones and staff in A&E units will be able to call a dedicated phone number to trigger an urgent review if a patient's condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being taken on board. For more information please click on the following link: NHS England » Martha’s Rule 

Volunteer Centre Dorset – Training to Promote Digital Confidence within your Organisation

Join Volunteer Centre Dorset and Microsoft in-person, for an eye-opening session all about keeping charities safe in today’s digital age. The free event, held at Hammick House in Poundbury on 21^st October from 9.30am – 12pm,  will include practical tips and real-world advice on how to shield your organisation from online threats. Whether you're tech-savvy or just getting started, this event is packed with valuable insights to help you protect your mission and make a bigger impact. For more information and to sign up to this face-to-face event please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/protecting-your-charity-in-a-digital-world-tickets-1999661389044?aff=oddtdtcreator

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on Monday 29 September at Uplyme Village Hall for our annual Public Meeting and Patient Participation Group (PPG) AGM.

It was a vibrant, positive evening filled with open discussions, thoughtful questions, and constructive ideas shared between our patients, guest speakers, practice staff, and PPG members. Events like this highlight just how vital open dialogue is to shaping local healthcare services that truly reflect the needs of our community.

Meeting Resources & Downloads

Whether you attended on the night and want to revisit the discussions, or couldn't make it and want to catch up, all key materials from the evening are available below:

• Download: Public Meeting & AGM Minutes [PDF 331KB]
• Download: Presentation Slides [PDF 4.4MB]
• Download: PPG Annual Report 2025/26 [PDF 290KB]

Welcoming Our 2026/27 PPG Steering Group

The AGM also marked an exciting new chapter for the PPG Steering Group leadership team:

• Co-Chairs: Elaine & Lynette
• Secretary: Em (re-elected)

A huge thank you to our outgoing officers and members for their dedication and service over the past year.

Get Involved: Your Voice Matters

One of our key priorities for 2026/27 is to involve more patients in our work. You can always drop us your questions, thoughts or suggestions at any time via the practice website or reception. But if you want to get more involved, we know everyone has different commitments, which is why there are two distinct ways to get involved—whether you have just a few minutes from home or want a hands-on seat at the table:

1. The Virtual PPG (Flexible & Low Commitment)

• • Best for: Anyone who wants to share their thoughts at a time that works for them without committing to regular meetings.
  • How it works: Flexible and simple to join. You can share your views, answer short surveys, and offer input via email.
  • The impact: Your feedback goes straight to the practice, directly shaping decisions and helping us improve services.

2. The PPG Steering Group (Active & Collaborative)

• • Best for: Patients who would like a more hands-on, strategic role in the community.
  • How it works: You attend bi-monthly meetings, help set local healthcare priorities, and work directly alongside practice staff.
  • The impact: Gives you a stronger direct influence on how services develop, an opportunity to advocate for fellow patients, and a chance to support wider community health engagement.

Interested in joining either group? Please visit the PPG page to find out more.

Help Us Plan for 2027

We are already reviewing the helpful feedback received from the night to start shaping our 2027 Public Meeting. If you attended—or even if you couldn't make it due to timing, location, or format—we would love to hear your thoughts on how we can make future gatherings as accessible, relevant, and engaging as possible.

Thank you once again for your continued support, partnership, and dedication to our practice community.

Scarlet Fever – know the symptoms and what to do

Scarlet fever is a childhood illness that some might associate with the past, but it remains fairly common in the UK. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases. It’s an infectious disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, otherwise known as group A streptococci (GAS). Symptoms often start with a sore throat, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting and after 12 to 48 hours, a distinctive rash usually appears. If you think you or your child might have scarlet fever, contact your GP practice or NHS 111 as soon as possible. Scarlet fever is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, although a throat swab may be needed. For more information, please click on the following link: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/21/what-are-the-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever-and-is-it-contagious/ 

National Patient Participation Group Forum (NPPGF) webinar coming soon

At the next NPPGF event Eileen Irvin, Co-Head of Survey Research Methods Centre and Molly Dawson, Research Manager from Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, will speak about the annual GP Patient Survey (GPPS) including how the survey works and give a demo of how to analyse the results on their website. The webinar takes place on Wednesday 4^th November from 3pm – 4pm, for more information and to sign up to the event please click on the following link: National PPG Forum – Educational/Speaker Programme. GP Patient Survey (GPPS). (2)

Women's Health Survey launches across Mid Dorset

Women living in Mid Dorset are being invited to share their experiences and priorities for local healthcare as a new Women's Health Survey launches today. The survey, led by Healthwatch Dorset in partnership with Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN), will run for six weeks and aims to gather views from women aged 16 and over living in Dorchester and surrounding communities including Puddletown, Cerne Abbas, Milton Abbas, Portesham and Crossways. For more information and to take part in the survey please click on the following link: Women's Health Survey

Healthwatch surveys – Your opportunity to give feedback!  

Healthwatch is currently running a couple surveys giving you the chance to share your views:

• The first one is GP access – One of Healthwatch Dorset’s top priorities this year is to find out how the national changes to the GP contract are impacting people in Dorset. They would love to hear your experiences, whether good, bad, or indifferent. Please click on the following link to access the survey: Share your experience online
• Leaving the hospital is an important milestone in a person’s healthcare journey. But it isn’t always a smooth experience. Delays, inadequate support and confusing information are affecting people’s discharge experiences – and hampering their recovery. Healthwatch want to understand how the hospital discharge process can be made better for patients and their carers. If you or someone you know has had a delayed or difficult hospital discharge please click on the following link to access the survey: Survey: Delayed or Difficult Hospital Discharge

Health & Community Partnership Event – 16^th October 2026

Volunteer Centre Dorset are holding a Health & Community Partnership Event on Friday 16^th October from 9am – 1pm. The event will feature community services and support already helping patients at the point of discharge, at home, preventing readmissions and improving recovery. Along with meeting the people behind those services there is the opportunity to make contacts that could be a real difference to your patients - and your day-to-day work. For more information and to book a space please click on the following link: Volunteer Centre Dorset - Health & Community Partnership Event - 16 October 2026

Last spaces available for HOPE course in Lyme Regis

There are a couple spaces still available on the first HOPE course being delivered in Lyme Regis. The free 6-week course takes a positive approach about looking after yourself including managing stress & fatigue, getting better sleep, dealing with setbacks and getting more active amongst other subjects. I’ve attached a flyer for information or to book a space please contact: hope@helpandcare.org.uk or call 0300 1113303

Carers cancer survey

Our friends at Wessex Cancer Alliance want to better understand the experiences of the unpaid carers who are affected by cancer. It’s an area where nationally and locally they lack insight.  Many people do not think of themselves as a ‘carer’ and do not see themselves as needing the care and support they deserve. Yet we know that caring for someone with cancer can be challenging, tiring and often invisible. Many care-givers tell us they simply “get on with it” and are not always asked how things are for them. For more information and to take part in the survey please click on the following link: Cancer carers' survey 

Still time to get involved in a community conversation near you!

During summer and autumn 2026, Dorset Council is hosting a series of community conversations in 13 different locations across the county. The sessions will bring together local organisations, town and parish councils, councillors, health partners and council staff for open and honest conversations. The aim is to understand how Dorset Council can work more closely with communities by exploring local challenges and opportunities, and shaping solutions together. The sessions will be friendly and welcoming and we will make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. After each conversation we will update this page with the themes that are raised. If you represent a voluntary or community sector organisation and are interested in being involved, please click on the following link to register your interest: Community Conversations Expression of Interest Form.

Healthy Movers – a programme for children in Dorset

The Healthy Movers programme, commissioned by Public Health Dorset and in partnership with Youth Sport Trust aims to support two to five-year-olds physical literacy, development and wellbeing, helping them gain a better start in life. The free programme helps and supports early years practitioners and families in recognising the progress children can make with their physical literacy, which supports their confidence, motivation and resilience. For more information or to register interest in participating in the programme please see the attached poster or contact Laura Roberts: lroberts@activedorset.org 

New Exercise classes launched for people with MS

The MS Society in Bridport has launched new exercise sessions, starting Friday 4^th September. The classes will provide beneficial exercise that can help people with MS remain active and mobile and are also a great chance to meet new people who share similar experiences living with the condition. Sessions take place every alternative Friday at Bridport Leisure Centre and will cost £3 per session. For more information about the classes please contact: Sarah.Adams@groups.mssociety.org.uk

Action needed by people on Housing Register

Dorset Council is reminding people on the Housing Register to renew their application before the new Housing Allocations Policy comes into effect on 1 September 2026. The Housing Register is used to assess and prioritise applications for social housing in Dorset. Under the new policy, existing Housing Register applicants are being asked to renew their application so the council can assess their circumstances against the updated criteria. For more information please click on the following link: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/reminder-for-housing-register-applicants-ahead-of-september-policy-changes

Free telephone call blockers for vulnerable people in Dorset

Dorset Police and Age UK North, South and West Dorset have successfully launched a call blocker initiative that is protecting elderly and vulnerable residents from scammers and nuisance callers. People considered vulnerable, have memory issues/dementia, have a long-term health condition or live alone can have a free device fitted. For more information please click on the following link: Truecall Call Blocker Service or call 01305 269444 

On Track 2026 – free wellbeing event for Veterans & all in the Armed Forces community

On Track, a dedicated wellbeing event recognising the unique experiences and challenges faced by those in and around the armed forces will be taking place on Thursday 8^th October at the Tank Museum. The event is designed for all members of the armed forces community – including regulars and reserves, service families, the bereaved, service leavers, veterans, and anyone connected to life in the forces. The focus of On Track is on community, celebrating the power of positive, supportive communities and their impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone close to you or simply want to learn more about the resources available, On Track is here to help. For more information and to reserve a ticket please click on the following link: https://tankmuseum.org/events/on-track/

Invitation to join the Land Registry Charity Awareness Event - 22nd October

On Thursday, 22 October, the HM Land Registry's Weymouth office are holding a charity awareness event, with aim of giving charities the opportunity to introduce themselves, share information about the work they do and help learn more about the organisations supporting the local community. They hope this event will enable their Charity Committee to identify local charities that they can support through their fundraising activities, while also helping their colleagues understand where they can seek support should they or someone they know ever need it. For more information and to register your interest please Maisie Pamment: maisie.pamment@landregistry.gov.uk

Tinnitus Support Group in Poole

Living with tinnitus can sometimes feel isolating, but nobody should have to face it alone. The Poole Tinnitus support group has been created to provide a safe, friendly space where people can connect, share experiences, support one another, and find hope. The group will be run by Tinnitus UK Charity volunteers and the first meeting will be held on Wednesday, 19^th August form 7pm – 8.30pm at Upton Bay Care Home. For more information and to book a place please contact: pooletinnitussupport@gmail.com

Carer hospital discharge pilot project at DCH

Help & Care are running a six-month pilot at Dorset County Hospital to reduce unplanned admissions and readmissions for unpaid carers in Dorset. The service will help carers prepare effectively, reducing the risk of cancellations and preventing avoidable readmissions for themselves or the person they care for. The pilot complements and works in partnership with the Home from Hospital service, run by the YOU Trust and the hospital discharge service run by Volunteer Centre Dorset. More information is in this leaflet, any queries please contact: val.croucher@helpandcare.org.uk

Your views needed on the use of Ambient Voice Technology in hospitals

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) wants to hear from patients about their views on ambient voice technology (AVT). AVT refers to a class of AI-enabled ‘ambient scribing’ tools used in healthcare to listen to clinical conversations and automatically generate documentation. AVT can capture spoken interactions (e.g. clinician–patient consultations), transcribe a conversation into text or generate structured outputs, such as clinical notes, letters or summaries. The HSSIB are keen to hear from anybody with an interest in this subject matter before their final report is published. To give your feedback please contact: investigations@hssib.org.uk.

Join the Royal College of Physicians’ Patient and Carer Panel

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is looking for patients and carers to join its Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme's patient and carer council. The panel brings together patients and carers with lived experience of fragility fractures and falls to help shape and improve the quality of care across the UK. Panel members provide valuable insights that inform its audits and ensure that the patient voice remains central to service improvement. For more information or to register your interest to join the Panel, please click on the following link: The Patient and Carer Panel | RCP

Volunteer Centre Dorset August newsletter

The latest newsletter from Volunteer Centre Dorset has been published and includes many interesting articles including menopause support in Dorset, activities available in the county, and support available for people struggling with household bills. Click on the following link to view the newsletter: Latest News for Dorset's Referrers

Free bus travel and cheaper days out this summer

Families across Dorset can enjoy free bus travel for children and cheaper days out this summer through the UK Government's Great British Summer Savings campaign. Throughout August, children aged five to 15 can travel free on local bus services in England. Families can also access discounts on attractions, cinemas, theatres, museums and restaurants until 1^st September, helping make school holiday days out more affordable. For more information about the scheme please click on the following link: Free bus travel and cheaper days out for Dorset families this summer - Dorset Council and for more information about the discounts available in your local area please click on the following link: https://summersavings.gov.uk/

Results of Age Friendly Dorset survey

Dorset Council have published the results of their recent Age-Friendly Dorset survey, which has included many positive comments about life in Dorset, the natural environment and range of activities taking place in local communities. Transport issues, loneliness, concerns about future housing provision and adaptation, along with access to GPs and dentists are seen as some of the challenges people face. To read the key findings from the survey please click on the following link: Understanding Ageing in Dorset: Key Findings from the Age-Friendly Survey - Dorset Council

Beware of Scams exploiting hosepipe bans and the hot weather

Dorset Police are warning that fraudsters are taking advantage of current events to target the public, with reports of criminals using recent hosepipe bans and the ongoing hot weather as hooks for new scams. Residents are being warned to look out for text messages, emails and phone calls claiming to be from water companies. These communications may invite you to check whether your area is affected by a hosepipe ban, apply for a free water-saving device or kit, update account or payment details or claim a refund or discount on your water bill. For more information please visit the My Safer Dorset website: https://share.google/Noh1cjetSu6lYf5Fa 

Life Rebuilt – a new course from Wessex Cancer Support

Following the success of its pilot, Wessex Cancer Support has launched Life Rebuilt – a free four-week course helping people affected by cancer build wellbeing and resilience through peer support and practical self-management tools. For more information about the course or contact your local centre (there is a centre in Bournemouth) please click on the following link: Wessex Cancer Support Launches New Course for Clients – Life Rebuilt - Wessex Cancer Support

Families encouraged to check their vaccination status

August is Immunisation Awareness Month and as part of this the NHS in the South-West is urging people to make sure they and their families are up to date with routine vaccinations. Immunisations work by training the body’s immune system to recognise and fight specific infections before they can cause serious illness, and vaccinations are the way people are given this protection. Vaccines help to protect against infections that can cause severe illness, hospital admission and, in some cases, lifelong complications. If enough people get vaccinated, they can help to reduce the spread of disease in the wider community, including to people who may be more vulnerable. For more information please click on the following link: NHS England — South West » Check your vaccination status this Immunisation Awareness Month

Join Volunteer Centre Dorset’s WhatsApp community

Volunteer Centre Dorset have launched a new WhatsApp Community for voluntary and community organisations across the Dorset Council area. It's a space to ask questions and share advice, connect with other local organisations, request or offer support, resources and equipment or create topic-based groups around shared interests or challenges. This will be an initial trial to gauge interest from local groups. For mor information and to join the community please contact: support@volunteeringdorset.org.uk

Do you know someone who should be on the Priority Services Register for their utilities?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide service that provides extra support and tailored assistance to vulnerable customers during electricity, gas, or water supply interruptions. People on the Priority Services Register can get 24/7 power cut updates, a personalised power cut plan, Tailored communication (braille, audio, large print etc), and a safety password for peace of mind. Eligible people include those who need temporary extra support — for example after hospital discharge, is deaf or hard of hearing, has a disability, lives with children under 5, is blind or partially sighted, has a chronic illness, relies on medical equipment that needs electricity, or is over 60. Registering someone is free and straightforward to do, in Dorset just click on the following link for the SSEN website. You only need to register once and this will apply for your gas and water connection too: https://www.ssen.co.uk/power-cuts-emergencies/priority-services/

Volunteering for St John Ambulance

The Dorset branch of St John Ambulance would like your help to spread the word about a couple fantastic volunteering opportunities that exist in the county. They’re currently looking for Emergency Responders and Community First Aiders. I’ve attached posters for information, if you could print and put posters up on notice boards and share digitally with friends, community groups and on social media that’d be great. I have larger file sizes available if you would like higher resolution posters – just let me know! For enquiries about the volunteering roles visit their website: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/ or email Jane: Jane.Nield@sja.org.uk

Latest Dorset Women CIC Podcast now available

The latest podcast from Dorset Women CIC called ‘compassionate maternal mental health services’ is now available for you to listen. It’s episode 5 in the series and there are 3 bonus episodes to listen to as well!  To listen to their podcasts or access the fantastic range of information available please visit their website: https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/speaking-of-womens-health-podcast/

Help & Care HOPE programme

I mentioned a couple weeks ago Help & Care’s Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) programme, which is a free 6-week course that can help people manage fatigue and stress, deal with setbacks, get active and creative amongst others. I’ve now attached a poster for the programme that runs throughout Dorset including Boscombe, Bridport, Christchurch and Weymouth. If possible, please print and display the poster in public areas, it would be great for more people to know about the course! Here’s a link to their website for information: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/what-we-offer/hope/