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.

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

NHS App webinar 29^th July

NHS England will be holding a webinar on Wednesday 29^th July from 11.30am – 12.30pm to share the latest updates on the NHS app. Updates will include the prescriptions and medications function, ability for patients to update their home address, and how people can register with a GP practice. The webinar will also include an update on the NHS App roadmap and finish with a Q&A where questions can be put to the speakers. For more information and to reserve a space please click on the following link: https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/nhs-app-national-webinar-july-2026. Any queries please email: england.nhseimplementation@nhs.net

Increase in Rogue Traders in Dorset

Dorset Police have seen an increase in reports of rogue traders operating across the county. These criminals often target homeowners, particularly older and vulnerable residents, and use high-pressure sales tactics to persuade people to agree to unnecessary or poor-quality work. For more information, please visit the My Safer Dorset website: Increase in Rogue Trader Activity Across Dorset           

Patients Association survey – experience of being on an NHS waiting list

The Patients Association are interested in learning more about patient experiences of being on waiting lists and waiting list validation. Validation is the process of checking and updating hospital waiting lists to ensure records are accurate. If you’re currently waiting, have recently come off a list, or have been contacted about your position on the waiting list, they want to hear your experience, both good and bad! For more information and to take part in the survey please click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaitingLists_validation

Young people urged to book meningitis jab

Hundreds of thousands of students heading to university this autumn are being urged by the NHS to book a potentially lifesaving MenB vaccine before term starts. Appointments to get the jab can now be booked at high street pharmacies across England, offering vital protection for 17 and 18-year-olds currently in the last year of sixth form and students under the age of 25 who are heading to residential colleges or university this autumn for the first time. For more information about this please click on the following link: Book a MenB vaccination appointment - NHS and for eligible people wanting a vaccine please click on the following link to the National Booking Service: Book a MenB vaccination appointment - NHS

Join Veterans Hub birthday celebrations

The Veterans Hub, on Portland Road Weymouth, is celebrating its 9^th birthday on Saturday 8^th August from 10am. There will be a BBQ, live music, good company and hopefully plenty of sunshine throughout the day. It would be great if you could join them!  Download the information poster.

Dorset County Hospital email address change

From Monday 27 July 2026 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (DCH) will move to the national nhs.net email platform. This means their email address suffixes will change from ‘@dchft.nhs.uk’ to ‘@nhs.net’. A temporary redirect will be in place after the change but after this period people will need to use the new @nhs.net email addresses. For many people/department mailboxes it’s not as simple as replacing their ‘@dchft.nhs.uk’ with ‘@nhs.net’, you will need to confirm the new person’s/department’s email address. If you have difficulty contacting someone at Dorset County Hospital, please email: dch.communications@nhs.net.

Introducing Liver UK - the new name for the British Liver Trust and Children's Liver Disease Foundation

Liver UK is the new name and identity for the charity formed when the British Liver Trust and Children’s Liver Disease Foundation came together in 2024. By bringing together the combined passion, expertise and resources, united as Liver UK, they will be able to reach more people, strengthen the support they provide, and become a more powerful voice for everyone affected by liver disease and liver cancer. To visit the Liver UK website please click on the following link: https://liveruk.org/

Staying safe this summer

As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays with a warmer than average summer forecasted by the Met Office, the UKHSA is urging families to take simple steps to enjoy the summer break safely and protect their family’s health. Young children can be susceptible to the effects of heat as well as older age groups. Anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase the risk of becoming unwell if simple precautions are not taken. There are several useful articles to help families over the summer including:

Keeping cool at home: Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK;

Staying safe in hot weather: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK;

Swimming healthy in open water: Swim healthy - GOV.UK;

Tips if people get in difficulty swimming in open water: Float To Live – What To Do If You Fall In Water

Free taster sessions for adults in Bournemouth with Access Dorset

Access Dorset are offering free trial sessions across a range of inclusive activities designed to build confidence, connection, and enjoyment in a welcoming environment at The Bridge in Littledown. Sessions include cooking, art, gardening, DIY and drama. More information is in the attached poster or contact: enquiries@accessdorset.org.uk

Heat health alerts for the South-West

As many of you will have seen on the news, much of the UK has been under a Heat Health Alert for much of the last week. The South-West is under an amber Heat Health Alert until Monday evening, however this can change and it looks like the weather into next week remains very warm. As highlighted previously to follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat and for information about coping in the hot weather please click the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Cool Spaces directory

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Help & Kindness have created a directory of cool spaces in the Dorset area, which is vital to help vulnerable people at the moment. I’m pleased to say the directory is filling up nicely, you can view the cool spaces directory by clicking on the following link: https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/cool-spaces-in-dorset and to add a cool space please contact: hello@helpandkindness.co.uk or call 01305 595958.

Free Dementia UK clinics in Dorset

Dementia UK have teamed up to hold free dementia clinics at Nationwide building society branches in Christchurch and Bridport over the coming weeks. At the appointment people will meet with a Dementia UK Admiral Nurse in a quiet and private space. They’ll take the time to find out about your situation, answer any questions, and offer tailored advice and emotional support. Appointments are limited and offered on a first come-first served basis. To book an appointment please click on one of the links below or call 0800 888 6678

Bridport branch – 14^th or 16^th July: https://dementiauk.simplybook.cc/v2/#book/location/274/service/8/count/1/provider/293/

Christchurch branch – 11^th, 12^th & 13^th August: https://dementiauk.simplybook.cc/v2/#book/location/59/service/8/count/1/provider/208/date/2026-08-13/

Help with Children and Young People Learning Disability Annual Health Check campaign

Following the success of last year's Children and Young People (CYP) Learning Disability Annual Health Check campaign, this summer NHS Dorset is encouraging children and young people with a learning disability, aged between 14-25 and their families and carers to attend their Annual Health Check with their GP practice. You can help us to spread the word by sharing the attached posters with the young people, families and carers you support, and through your newsletters, websites and social media channels where possible (I have higher resolution versions of the posters if needed).

Stormbreak SEND Activities

Stormbreak are a charity dedicated to supporting all primary-aged children in building the emotional tools to face life’s challenges. In collaboration with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specialists, the team have created supportive resources and materials for children with SEND. Research suggests that up to 40% of children with SEND face mental health difficulties, with prevalence depending on the type and severity of need. Early intervention and tailored support are essential. Please help by sharing their SEND information with relevant people: https://stormbreak.org.uk/media/xxdjoiq4/send-sb-activities-non-surge-opt-2.pdf. Click on the following link to visit the Stormbreak website: https://stormbreak.org.uk/

Blood Pressure monitoring at home with BP@Home

Many of you will be aware that people in Dorset can manage their blood pressure from home with the BP@Home service, and most of you will know how passionate I am about encouraging people to know their BP numbers – just look at my email signature! The Viso app we used for the BP@Home service has recently been replaced by the Luscii app – people using the service will have been contacted about the change. After a few initial technical gremlins more than 10,000 users of the BP@Home service have been transferred to the new app. Some GP practices have also chosen to monitor people’s blood pressure through their own internal systems. For more information about monitoring your blood pressure please click on the following link or contact your GP practice: https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/digital/bpathome/

Yellow Heat Health Alert issued for the south-west

A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the south-west from midday on Saturday 4^th July until 5pm on Wednesday 8^th July. A yellow warning affects vulnerable people (E.g. the elderly with multiple health conditions and on multiple medications) and are likely to struggle to cope as the temperature rises. As we’ve seen recently, the alert may escalate or last for a longer time.

To follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website and

Learn more about coping in the hot weather. 

How to stay healthy while wild swimming

Sticking with the UKHSA, they have received some reports of people suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses linked to wild swimming and have an article about staying healthy while swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers. 

Read more.

Take part in exciting activities to help raise funds for the Friendly Food Club

The Friendly Food Club have recently added some exciting new challenges to their events calendar that will help raise funds for the charity. Events include Snowden (Yr Wyddfa) at night, Three Peaks Challenge, London to Amsterdam Cycle Ride, and Skydiving. Across Dorset, more than 380,000 people are at medium to high risk of food insecurity. This means that they don’t have access to enough healthy, nutritious food that is needed for growth, development and living healthy lives. By taking part in these challenges, you will be raising money that will give them the skills and confidence to change that. For more information please visit their website: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/challenge-events

Healthwatch Dorset’s Annual Report for 2025/26

Our friends at Healthwatch Dorset have published their annual report that highlights how they listened to over 6,000 people last year, supporting them to have their say to improve health and social care and to get information and advice about local services. You can view their report here: 

Speaking up for better care: Annual Report 2025/26 | Healthwatch Dorset

Opportunity to help the Patients Association better engage with patients

The Patients Association is reviewing how it engages with and supports patients to make sure they are reaching and hearing from as many people as possible. To help us do this, they are working with an organisation called White Tail, who will be running an online focus group on Thursday 16^th July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. The focus group will take place on MS Teams and a link will be emailed to participants. As a thank you for your time, people will be offered an £80 voucher. For more information and to register your interest in participating please complete a expression of interest: 

Expression of interest: Patients Association Operational Review Survey

Dorset Women CiC July focus - Let’s talk Pelvic Health

Pelvic Health was the No.2 issue that women in Dorset wanted to know about when Dorset Women CiC conducted research, and yet it's something many women only think about when something goes wrong - but it is a vital part of overall wellbeing at every age and stage of life. You can read more about the importance of pelvic health and explore their website (including their popular podcasts) here.

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/