January 2025 Newsletter

Happy New Year from all of us at The Farmhouse Surgery, we are excited to share some updates with you!

Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) has a fresh new look and is now holding in-person meetings after years of being digital. It’s a great opportunity to connect and share your thoughts about the practice—why not get involved? In the waiting room, you’ll find our children’s bookshelf stocked with books for all ages. These can be read during your visit or taken home to enjoy—help yourself! Finally, we’re pleased to share that we are now out of the Inadequate rating and have moved to Requires Improvement. As we head into the new year, we remain positive and focused on continuing to make changes and improvements. A big thank you to both our staff and patients for their ongoing support throughout this journey!

 

Your Local Pharmacy: Expert Help Without the Wait

Did you know your local pharmacy can help with a wide range of health concerns, including common winter ailments? Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice and
treatment for:

  • Winter illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, or earaches
  • Skin conditions like rashes, eczema, or mild acne
  • Digestive issues, including heartburn, constipation, or diarrhoea
  • Allergies, hay fever, or insect bites
  • Managing long-term conditions, quitting smoking, or healthy living

Many pharmacies also offer over-the-counter medications, flu vaccinations, and NHS services like emergency contraception and prescription refills.

Visit your pharmacist for fast, professional care—no appointment needed! 

NHS - Find a pharmacy.

pharmacy2

 

cold

Stay well financially this winter

Looking to reduce your energy bills and live more efficiently?

Ridgewater Energy, commissioned by BCP Council and Together We Can, has created the Energy & Money Saving Booklet.

Packed with tips on heating, insulation, budget planning, and more, it provides practical tools to control your energy use and cut costs.

Access the booklet online and to find more support about keeping well over winter by visiting our website.

 

Share your feedback with the Friends and Family test

After your GP appointment, you can share anonymous feedback by answering a simple question about your experience and suggesting improvements which will be sent to you by SMS but can also be submitted in reception or online.

Your input helps us enhance services and ensure better care.

Results will be published on our website.

feedback2 copy

 

healthy-living-family

Start the New Year with Progress, Not Perfection

Many of us come out of Christmas and jump straight into New Year’s resolutions, setting ourselves tough, often unrealistic, health goals.

We want to be in control, for everything to be perfect. Instead of setting tough, unrealistic resolutions, focus on small, achievable steps for lasting change. LiveWell Dorset offers 1-2-1 coaching, slimming club vouchers, quit-smoking kits, and activity plans to support your journey to a healthier life.

Register online here.  You can also call free on 0800 840 1628.

 

Planning a trip?

Don’t forget to arrange your travel vaccinations in advance! We require at least 3 months’ notice to:

  •  Review your vaccination needs
  •  Book appointments
  •  Ensure vaccines are fully effective before you travel

You can find country-specific vaccine recommendations plus other important advice and tips to stay healthy abroad online.

Please visit the TravelHealthPro site.

travel3

December Activity

45 appointments were not attended

1888 appointments took place

2865 calls were taken by reception

 

Published: Jan 24, 2025