Cerne Abbas

Surgery

Our local doctors’ surgery is located in

Long Street, Cerne Abbas.

Their website is at

www.cerneabbassurgery.co.uk

For full Surgery information, please

visit the Surgery website

News From Cerne Abbas Surgery

Dispensary

Dispensary Opening Times are now: Monday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 6.30 pm Tuesday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 5.30 pm Wednesday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 6.30 pm Thursday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 5.30 pm Friday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 6.30 pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Please note that for safety reasons, you are no longer be able to order medication through the dispensary phone line. Patients should request medication using one of the following methods: • A week or two before you need medication, leave your repeat slip at the shop where you collect your medication, or at the surgery. • Order on line: ask for information on how to do this. If you have a query and do need to speak to the dispensary, please call reception and ask for a call back. You will not be able to speak immediately to a dispenser but the dispensary will call you the same day. Be aware that this is not an order line.

July Newsletter — Cerne Abbas Surgery

Looking After Yourself During Hot Weather With summer now in full swing, periods of hot weather can bring welcome opportunities to enjoy Dorset's countryside and coast. However, high temperatures can also affect our health, particularly for older adults, young children, and those living with long-term medical conditions. One of the simplest ways to stay well is to drink fluids regularly throughout the day. Water, sugar-free squash, low-fat milk and other non-alcoholic drinks can all help maintain hydration. It's important not to wait until you feel thirsty, as thirst is often a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated. It is also worth keeping an eye on friends, neighbours and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather. Common signs of heat exhaustion include: • Headache • Dizziness or feeling faint • Excessive sweating • Tiredness or weakness • Nausea • Muscle cramps If someone develops these symptoms, they should move to a cool place, rest, drink fluids and cool themselves with water or damp clothing. Most people improve quickly with these measures. However, if symptoms worsen, persist, or if someone becomes confused or unresponsive, seek urgent medical help. We hope you enjoy a healthy summer.

Specimen Drop-Off Reminder

We kindly remind all patients that any specimens being dropped off at the surgery must be received by 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. This ensures there is enough time for them to be processed and prepared for collection by the laboratory. Specimens received after 4:00pm may not be sent and could need to be disposed of and repeated, which may delay your results. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Free Online Mental Health Support for Young People

Kooth is a free, confidential online mental health and wellbeing service for children and young people. It provides a safe digital space where young people can access support whenever they need it. Through Kooth, young people can chat one-to-one with trained counsellors and mental health practitioners, explore self-help tools such as journalling and goal setting, and access moderated articles, activities and peer support communities. There is also an online magazine featuring real stories, tips and advice written by young people and the Kooth team. Kooth is clinically moderated, youth-focused and designed to support emotional wellbeing in a way that feels accessible and non-judgemental. Young people can sign up for free at www.kooth.com

Occupational Therapy Service

A reminder that we have Laura, an Occupational Therapist working with the surgery. Occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks if you are having difficulties. Referrals to Laura can be made directly by yourself or through one of our Nurses or GPs. Laura will then arrange to meet you at your own home or in the environment you are finding challenging. Please contact the surgery if you feel you would benefit from Laura’s support.

SystemOnline & NHS App

Did you know that you can order prescriptions, see your vaccination records and recent blood test results online? There are a couple of ways to do this - You can use the NHS app or website, or you can use our online service ‘SystemOnline’ via our surgery website. Before you can register with either of these services, we will need to create you an online account. This can be done by bringing two forms of ID into the surgery - one needs to be photo ID (driving license or valid passport) and the other needs to be a utility bill with your address on. Our reception team can then register you for online services.

Appointments

With the NHS moving more to on line services, patients who are able to access new technologies are invited to request access to the on line system to allow you to order repeat medication. To register please speak to reception; you will be required to bring identification before a password can be issued and you will need to collect this in person from the surgery; it only takes a moment. If you need help to log on please call the surgery on 01300 341666 or pop in and someone will be happy to help you. The more people that routinely use on line services the better, as this allows us more time to help those who have more urgent queries.

Surgery opening hours

Please be aware that the surgery closes at 6.30pm, therefore if you normally come after that to pick up your medication you will need to visit us earlier. If you will find this difficult, please call reception on 01300 341666 and ask for a call back from our dispensary manager to discuss. We will be offering pre-bookable (via the online portal) evening telephone appointments with a GP between 6.30pm and 7pm: these are aimed at our working patients who struggle to attend surgery during the day. If you would like to register for on line services, you will need to come into the surgery with identification and you will be issued with a password.

Healthcare Apps

Need support with your healthcare app? Our Mid Dorset Primary Care Network Digital Care Coordinators are here for you! Whether you're getting started or navigating apps you already have, they've got you covered. Plus, they can suggest approved apps for various conditions. Connect with them through this quick online form, and they'll reach out for a personalized meeting. Online: www.mid-dorsetpcn.co.uk/digital-skills- workshops/

Social Prescribing

Social Prescribing is about connecting people with non-medical needs to local sources of help and support. It empowers people to take control of their own health and wellbeing. If you are struggling with your mental health, financial worries, bereavement, carer strain or any other concerns please do not feel that you are on your own – we are here to help. We all need support at one time or another, so do not be afraid to ask. If you would like a listening ear about anything that is worrying you and would like help finding support, please contact the surgery on 01300 341666 and ask for an appointment with our friendly social prescriber Norma.

Medication Ordering

Did you know that approximately 1.6 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Dorset each year? In the UK, the NHS has estimated that the manufacture, supply, and use of pharmaceuticals accounts for 25% of the NHS’s total carbon footprint. We need your help to reduce this. Please check what medicines you have at home before you order your repeat prescriptions. If you have enough, only request the medicines you need this time. You will still be able to order your medicine again in the future, and you will be helping your community, the environment, and your NHS. Find out more online at: www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/yourmeds

Unwell Children - Advice

It can be extremely stressful when your child or grandchild is unwell. The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. You'll find clear information on common illnesses, including advice on what serious 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long symptoms are likely to last. Please visit online: www.what0-18.nhs.uk

Remember also that there are lots of places apart from

your GP surgery where you can get help if you are

unwell:

· High street pharmacies can advise on how to treat a range of common conditions; · NHS 111 are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can provide advice on your health; · Minor injuries units (MIU) can help with a range of things that are urgent but not life threatening, for example broken bones, sprains and minor burns; Blandford or Weymouth are your nearest MIUs. · 999 or Emergency Departments (A&E) should only be used in a life threatening situation. Dorchester is your nearest Emergency Department. For more information on local health services for you, your friends and family, visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk

Transport to the Surgery

For those unable to drive themselves, use public transport or avail themselves of friends or relatives to get to appointments, the Buckland Newton Car Neighbour Scheme has agreed to transport clients to the Surgery at Cerne Abbas. Clients need to register with the co-ordinators and give two days notice of visit. Please note that the Surgery will not book the car on your behalf; you need to contact the co-ordinator on 07733 849 264. Please see the Neighbourhood Car Scheme page.