The Blandford Group Practice

20/02/2026

🚨 Need to see a dentist urgently? 🦷

Extra dental appointments are now available for some urgent conditions.

Find a list of conditions and other info 👇
https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/update/dental/

20/02/2026

Join us in Tuesday 24th February 10am - 12 noon at our next Wellbeing Event.

Our Digital Champion and Digital Coordinator will be upstairs in the Town Hall. If you need any help with your device, accessing Anima, or anything tech-related, feel free to pop in and see them.

Our Social Prescribing / Wellbeing Team will be there to meet you, along with the following services that have confirmed attendance to support our community:

Help and Care
Alzheimer's Society
Slimming World
In Jolly Good Company
Colton Carer
Dorset Blind
Parkinson's UK
Millbrook Health
Al Non
Sepsis Support
Dorset Mental Health Forum
Sovereign
Health & Activity
U3A
Stepping into Nature
Carer's Support Dorset
Health Watch
Patient Experience DCH
University Hospital Dorset
Weldmar Hospice
Ridgewater Energy
First Point
Clarity
Skills & Learning
Diabetic Eye Screening

20/02/2026

The vaccine is now part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK, adding protection against .

This guide will help you understand when your child should get their MMRV vaccine, if they are eligible to have it.

Read more: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/17/what-is-the-mmrv-vaccine-and-is-my-child-eligible/

20/02/2026

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, alongside measles, mumps and rubella.

You don’t need to do anything — your GP will contact you when your child is due.

🔗 nhs.uk/mmrv

19/02/2026

A yellow cold-health alert for the South West is in place until 6pm on Friday 20 February ❄️

Top tips on staying well this winter: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weather/top-tips-for-keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter

19/02/2026

Luke grew up in North London feeling lost and alone.What started as a way to cope turned into daily ketamine use - even as it caused serious, life-changing damage to his body.

“A scan on my bladder showed it had shrunk to the size of a pea. So, I was urinating every 5 to 10 minutes when I went into rehab - blood every time I went to the toilet.” Luke says.

Becoming a father didn’t end his use. Shame and guilt only made it harder to stop. Eventually, Luke reached a point where he knew he couldn’t do it alone and asked for help.

With support from WithYou in BCP and local services, Luke rebuilt his life. He’s now nearly two years drug-free, reconnecting with loved ones, and volunteering to support others on their journey.

“If you think you might need help, ask for help. I just wish I’d reached out sooner.”

As part of the Forget The Ket campaign in collaboration with Dorset Council and BCP Council, we’re raising awareness about the risks of ketamine use. If you or someone you know needs support for ketamine, the team is here to help. Call us: 01202 558855.

You can read Luke’s full story on our website. Visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/latest/stories/if-you-think-you-need-help-ask-for-help-luke-s-journey-from-ketamine-harm-to-volunteering-and-recovery

19/02/2026

18/02/2026

Only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk.

This includes situations where a person is unconscious, not breathing, or bleeding heavily. Using 999 correctly helps emergency services reach those who need them most.

Find out when to use 999 at https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/options/emergency

18/02/2026

We are seeing a rise in measles cases in parts of England.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from serious illness.

We’re encouraging parents to check their children are up to date with their vaccinations. Check your child's red book or speak to their GP practice.

More information: http://nhs.uk/mmr

17/02/2026

Maternity information for Dorset is moving to the Healthier Together website.

This brings pregnancy, baby and children’s health advice together in one place, making it easier to find clear, up-to-date information and local support. There will be no change to maternity services or care. This update is about improving how information is shared and accessed.

You can read more about why this change is happening and what it means for you on the Stay Well Dorset website. Find the link in the comments below.
Dorset Maternity & Neonatal Voices
NHS Dorset

17/02/2026

Whether you live in or are visiting the county this half term, for any minor ailments make your local pharmacy your first port of call📍

Expert help can be provided to manage long-term conditions or for ailments such as a bad cough or cold.

https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/options/pharmacy/

17/02/2026

🆕 We’re excited to announce the launch of a new government campaign urging parents and guardians to get their little ones vaccinated to protect against serious illnesses such as measles.
🔗 nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations