News
Important Update for our BP@Home Patients
We are moving our home blood pressure monitoring from the VISO app to a new, improved platform called Luscii.
This change helps us provide better continuity of care and faster clinical responses to your readings. Please keep an eye on your inbox for an email from Luscii containing your download link and login instructions.
Need help? To keep our surgery lines open for patients needing medical appointments, please contact Luscii Support for any technical questions at 0800 358 6050 (Mon-Fri, 9-5).
Read more about the importance of regularly monitoring your blood pressure.
Meningitis B Update: Information for our Patients
We are receiving some calls regarding the Meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent. To help our team and keep our lines free for emergencies, please read the following guidance:
Am I/Is my child vaccinated?
- Children aged 11 and under: Most will have received the MenB vaccine as part of their routine infant immunisations (introduced in 2015).
- Teenagers & Young Adults: Most were offered the MenACWY vaccine in school (Year 9/10). While this is vital protection, it does not cover the MenB strain involved in the current Kent outbreak.
Can I get a MenB jab now?
Currently, the NHS is only administering MenB vaccinations to a specific "high-risk" group in Canterbury (primarily students in halls at the University of Kent). We are not currently advised to offer MenB vaccines to other age groups.
When should I call the GP?
Only call us regarding this outbreak if you or a household member visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury (March 5–7). Otherwise, the best thing to do is stay vigilant for symptoms.
⚠️ Meningitis is an emergency. Call 999 if you see a non-blanching rash, high fever, stiff neck, or severe headache.
Thank you for your patience while we monitor updates from the Southwest Vaccination Team.
Bungalow Refurbishment Update:
What to expect when you visit
- Limited Parking: The left side of the staff parking area (the gravel area directly outside the front of the bungalow) will be fenced off and inaccessible. This means fewer parking spaces will be available for both patients and staff. Please allow extra time for your journey or consider alternative transport if possible.
- Site Traffic: You may notice workmen’s vehicles entering via the Newtown exit. Large vehicles cannot fit under our drive-through, so this is their only point of entry.
- No Drive-Through: For the duration of the works, the drive-through will be closed. You will not be able to use it to exit the site.
Spring Covid Boosters
Refurbishments at the Bungalow next to our Lake Road surgery site
We are delighted to announce that a major transformation is coming to The Cranborne Practice! Starting 12th March, work begins on the total refurbishment of our bungalow at 131 Newtown Road, next to our Lake Road Surgery.
This isn't just a fresh coat of paint—we’re developing the Bungalow into a dedicated medical hub for our 13,850 patients.
What’s coming?
- 3 Brand New Consulting Rooms
- Dedicated Waiting Room & modern facilities
- Capacity for 28,000+ more face-to-face appointments every year!
- Potential for extended services right here in Verwood.
We currently provide around 10,500 appointments a month, and this expansion ensures we can continue to offer the high-quality, in-person care you deserve.
Construction is expected to be complete by mid-summer 2026.
Team updates - changes to GP availability, new arrivals and familiar faces!
Nervous about your cervical screening? You're not alone.
Nurse Jocelyn (Joy) Brewin-Bland is here to make you feel at ease.
If you’ve been putting it off, you aren’t alone. We recently heard from a patient who received 10 reminder letters before coming in. She told us:
'I don't like having them done. However, I have just had it done by Nurse Jacelyn (Joy) today and just wanted to say what a pleasant experience it was. Her manner was lovely.'
Another patient shared that after a previous uncomfortable experience and a traumatic birth, Joy made her feel 'at ease, relaxed, and the test was over so quickly.'
Cervical screening isn't a test for cancer; it’s a test to prevent it by catching early cell changes. Our team, including Joy, is here to support you with kindness and patience.
Ready to book? Make an appointment using an online form here>>
Contact us by phone or email cranborne.reception@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.
Let us know if you're nervous—we’ll take extra time for you.
Update to the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme
Children under 6 are now being offered the MMRV vaccine instead of MMR as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.
This replaces the existing MMR vaccine and adds protection against chickenpox, in addition to measles, mumps, and rubella.
You don’t need to do anything — your GP will contact you when your child is due.
🔗 nhs.uk/mmrv
All we ask is "Wear a Mask"
Let’s look out for each other.
If you have an upcoming appointment but are feeling under the weather with a cough, cold, or other respiratory symptoms, please help us protect everyone by wearing a mask when you visit the surgery.
Small actions make a big difference in protecting our staff and vulnerable patients. Thank you for helping keep our community healthy!
Our latest GP Practice newsletter is now available
The latest issue of The Doctor's Notes is now available!
Inside, you’ll find:
- Details of upcoming seasonal vaccine clinics
- Updates on the Community Garden at Lake Road Surgery
- Exciting news from our Community SWITCH programme
- Plus other useful health and wellbeing information
You can download and read a PDF copy of the full newsletter here>>
Thank you for staying connected with us and supporting our work to keep our community healthy and thriving.
Changes to the Community Equipment Loan Service in Dorset
Learn more about how this may impact you>>
New NHS Weight Management Medication Update
The new medication Tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro) is being made available on the NHS for eligible patients across the UK, including Dorset.
- Around 1,000 people in Dorset are expected to qualify based on national criteria.
- However, it won't be available locally until Autumn 2025, so please don’t contact the practice yet—we’re not able to help with this currently.
For the latest local updates, visit the NHS Dorset website here>>
The Lake Road Community Garden is officially open!
What was once an unused patch of land outside our GP surgery has been transformed into a peaceful green space for patients and staff, and a lasting tribute created in memory of Stephen, the Practice pharmacist, who sadly passed away at a young age late last year.
This beautiful garden is the result of an incredible community effort. Volunteers of all ages came together to donate plants, materials, time, and energy. Local businesses and organisations also pitched in, showing just how powerful community spirit can be.
This garden is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community. From digging and planting to donating goods and cheering us on, thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.
More information on the Community Garden and our kind donors can be found online here>>
Perimenopause and menopause can bring unique challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Community SWITCH - a Path to Improved Health and Well-being
At The Cranborne Practice, we want to do all we can to help you with your well-being needs.
Working with our colleagues in the Crane Valley Primary Care Network we offer a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance local people's overall health and quality of life – Community SWITCH.
We understand that a patient's health and well-being extends beyond traditional medical care. Community SWITCH goes beyond the ordinary and empowering you with additional tools and opportunities to manage your health effectively.
Page created: 13 April 2023
