Cerne Abbas Surgery

14/01/2026

😷 Flu Season Reminder 😷

Due to an increase in flu cases, we kindly encourage patients to wear a face covering if you have flu-like symptoms, to help protect our staff and vulnerable patients.

Face masks are available from the reception desk.

Please also remember to use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep everyone safe. 💙

12/01/2026

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking this New Year?

It’s one of the best things you can do for your health. When you stop smoking, your body begins to repair itself almost straight away, and your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer starts to fall.

💚 You don’t have to go it alone — LiveWell Dorset provides FREE stop smoking support 👉 https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/stop-smoking/

08/01/2026

🌬️ Feeling under the weather this winter?

Winter bugs like colds and flu are usually caused by viruses. Most people can manage symptoms at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief.

⚠️ However, if you’re worried (especially if you’re 65+, pregnant, have long-term health conditions, or your symptoms don’t improve after about a week), book an appointment with us or call NHS 111 for advice.

💡 Important reminder: Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as flu and won’t speed up your recovery — they’re only helpful for bacterial infections.

Learn more about flu symptoms and care here 👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

23/12/2025

🎄 Cerne Abbas Surgery – Festive Season Opening Hours 🎄

As we head into the Christmas and New Year period, please take note of our opening hours:

• Wed 24th Dec (Christmas Eve): Open as normal
• Thu 25th Dec (Christmas Day): ❌ Closed
• Fri 26th Dec (Boxing Day): ❌ Closed
• Mon 29th Dec: Open as normal
• Tue 30th Dec: Open as normal
• Wed 31st Dec (New Year’s Eve): Open as normal
• Thu 1st Jan (New Year’s Day): ❌ Closed
• Fri 2nd Jan: Open as normal

If you need medical help while we’re closed, please contact NHS 111 for urgent care advice, or 999 in an emergency.

Wishing all our patients a safe, peaceful, and healthy festive season. 💙✨

16/12/2025

📢 A Message from Our Dispensary Team

If you’ll need your repeat medication over the festive period, please make sure to place your order by 19th December at the latest. Requests made on this date will be ready to collect on 24th December.

For everyone else — please don’t worry. Although we’ll be closed for a couple of days over Christmas, there’s no need to panic order. Just request your medication as usual, and we’ll process everything as soon as we’re back open.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. 🎄

08/12/2025

🌬️ Coughs, Colds & Flu — What You Need to Know This Winter ❄️

As we head into the colder months, many of us will experience coughs, colds, sore throats and flu-like illnesses. These are very common and are usually caused by viruses, which means antibiotics will not help you get better.

🦠 Why antibiotics won’t work:
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Taking them when they’re not needed won’t speed up your recovery and can cause side effects. It also contributes to antibiotic resistance, which makes it harder to treat serious infections in the future.

💙 Self-care advice:
Most viral illnesses will improve with:

Plenty of rest

Drinking fluids

Over-the-counter pain relief (e.g. paracetamol/ibuprofen)

Keeping warm

Advice from your local pharmacist

⏳ When to seek medical help:
Contact us or NHS 111 if:

Symptoms worsen instead of improving

You still feel unwell after 3 weeks

You have chest pain, breathlessness or coughing up blood

You feel very unwell or have a long-term health condition that may put you at higher risk

Most people will start to feel better on their own within a week or two — but we’re here if you need us.

Let’s all use antibiotics responsibly and keep our community healthy this winter. 💙

Find out about health conditions, including their symptoms and how they're treated.

04/12/2025

Need urgent dental treatment? Urgent dental care appointments are available. Contact NHS111 for an assessment.
www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk/dental

19/11/2025

🌍💙 World COPD Day – Wednesday 19th November 💙🌍

Today is World COPD Day, a day to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult and can have a big impact on daily life.

COPD is often caused by smoking, but it can also affect people exposed to long-term air pollution or certain workplace environments. The good news? With early diagnosis, the right treatment, and lifestyle changes, people with COPD can lead active and fulfilling lives.

👉 If you have a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or frequent chest infections, please don’t ignore it — speak to your GP or our practice team.
👉 For support and information, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/

Let’s breathe easier together this World COPD Day 💨💙