The Barcellos Family Practice

12/05/2026

Today, on International Nurses Day, we’re celebrating our incredible nursing team. Thank you for all you do! 💕

🎉Happy International Nurses Day 2026.💙🩺
Today, May 12th, we join the global community in celebrating International Nurses Day. To all the nurses in our PCN and beyond - thank you for your care, kindness and dedication every day. 🙏

While we love our GPs, the truth is that Nurses are the heart of the team. From managing chronic conditions to providing complex clinical care and empathetic support, our nurses often play the most significant role in a patient's day-to-day recovery and long-term health.

Join us in saying a massive thank you to the incredible nurses across our globe ✨

05/05/2026

We know that talking about difficult personal matters like finances or family can be uncomfortable. Sometimes, reporting concerns feels complicated or too formal.

We want you to know that your GP surgery is different. It’s a familiar, safe place where you are accustomed to discussing sensitive things with people you already trust.

If you feel that someone—even a family member or caregiver—is taking your money without permission, pressuring you about your will, or controlling your finances, please talk to us.

Tell your doctor, nurse, or a member of our practice team. We are here to listen and help connect you with discreet support in a way that feels safe for you.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

03/05/2026

We are so pleased to see Healthwatch Dorset sharing the word about !

This platform was designed specifically for our East Dorset community to help everyone find the local services, support, and activities they need to stay active and connected.

While our Social Prescribers use it every day to help patients, you don't need a referral to use it. You can take the lead in your own wellbeing journey right now by exploring the resources yourself!
Check it out here: www.communityswitch.org 💻✨"

To help improve the patient experience, our Engagement Officer, Lucy met with Jayne Walton who manages Community Switch. This is a programme of self-help and signposting services reviewed by both social prescribers and the local Patient Participation Group.

https://www.healthwatchdorset.co.uk/blog/2025-04-28/supporting-wellbeing-improving-communitys-health-switch

29/04/2026

A reminder to our patients that the Practice will be closed on the following bank holidays:

🔹Monday 4th May (Early May Bank Holiday)
🔹Monday 25th May (Spring Bank Holiday)

We will reopen as normal on the Tuesday following each holiday.

Visit our website to find out what to do when we are closed:
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/opening-hours

May Day Bank Holiday Closure
Heads up, everyone! Just a quick reminder that all GP surgeries within our network will be closed on Monday, 4th May, and will reopen as usual on Tuesday, 5th May.

💊 Need medical help while your Practice is closed?
If you require medical assistance during the long weekend, please use the following services:

For non-emergencies: Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. They can direct you to the best place for care, including out-of-hours appointments.

For minor ailments: Check with your local pharmacy, as many remain open on bank holidays to help with allergies, bites, or minor aches.

For emergencies: If you experience a life-threatening emergency, please call 999 immediately.

📝 A quick tip:
Please make sure to order your repeat prescriptions by ASAP, to ensure you have everything you need before the weekend! The quickest way to do this is online!

Stay safe and enjoy the break! ☀️

25/04/2026

Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place. Details in the post from Crane Valley Primary Care Network
👇

Supporting an autistic child is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. This online course is designed to help you regain your balance.

Hope For The Community CIC and Help & Care are hosting the Hope Programme specifically for parents, carers, and guardians of autistic children.

Course Highlights
▪Strengthen Resilience: Learn to manage stress, fatigue, and the emotional "rollercoaster."
▪Practical Skills: Build confidence in goal-setting and managing daily worries.
▪Work Around Your Life: There are no fixed times to be online; you can complete the 6 sessions at your own pace—even in 20-minute bursts.
▪Accessible Anywhere: Use your smartphone, tablet, or PC to access the materials whenever you have a quiet moment.

Spaces are limited so book your slot at the earliest opportunity.

Find out more, including how to book on the website:
👇
https://communityswitch.org/event/hope-programme-for-parents-carers-and-guardians-of-autistic-children/

24/04/2026

Order quickly and easily with the NHS App or SystmOnline: https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/Login?Redir=1

😎 Beat the bank holiday rush!
Order your repeat medications today and make sure you've got everything you need before the upcoming bank holiday.

17/04/2026

To help everyone navigate the changes. more easily, University Hospitals Dorset has shared wayfinding guidance on new for the top 20 locations that patients visit. Read more in the post below:
⬇️

🏥 Visiting Royal Bournemouth Hospital? Things have changed!
If you have an upcoming appointment at RBH, you’ll notice that ward and department names have changed.
To help everyone navigate the changes more easily, University Hospitals Dorset has shared wayfinding guidance on the top 20 locations that patients visit.
Instead of looking for a department name, you will now be looking for an alphanumeric code. For example:
🔸 Blood Tests / Phlebotomy is now A6.
🔹 X-Ray and Ultrasound is now A19.
🔸 Eye Outpatients is now A2.
🔹 Pharmacy Boots is now A14.

Using these new identifiers improves your experience and, most importantly, helps you findyour way to your hospital appointment without stress.
📍 Download the full wayfinding guide and map here:
https://www.cranevalleypcn.org/_common/getdocument?id=392523

🗺️ Download and view the new RBH site map here:
https://www.cranevalleypcn.org/_common/getdocument?id=392524

13/04/2026

🧠 Free Dementia Friends Session
We’re pleased to share a friendly, interactive session taking place locally for anyone wanting to learn more about dementia.
📍 Heathland House Care Home
📅 23rd April 2026
🕚 11:00am
Delivered by a volunteer Dementia Friends Ambassador, this session will help you understand:
• What dementia is and how it affects people
• How you can support those living with dementia in your community
📞 If you would like to attend please book by calling 01202139895

11/04/2026

Are you living with diabetes, or do you care for someone who is?
NEC Care : Dorset Diabetic Eye Screening is hosting a virtual forum to bring our community together. This is your chance to share your experiences, highlight what’s working, and where the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Service can improve. Event details in the post below:

👁️ Your Voice Matters: Help Shape Diabetic Eye Screening in Dorset!
Are you living with diabetes, or do you care for someone who is?
NEC Care : Dorset Diabetic Eye Screening is hosting a virtual forum to bring our community together. This is your chance to share your experiences, highlight what’s working, and where the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Service can improve. Event Details:
📆When: 22nd April from 12 noon to 1 pm.
🖱️Where: Online via Teams
ℹ️What to expect: A short presentation followed by an open discussion. Whether you have specific feedback or just want to listen and ask questions, your perspective is invaluable.

📝 How to Join:
Sign up via the link below to receive the meeting invite:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/p6p6RpHmcx

Let’s work together to make eye screening better for everyone in Dorset. 💙

08/04/2026

Our Spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign starts the 13th of April 2026!

Stay protected! A quick booster helps keep you and your loved ones safe from new variants.

Patients can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment with us if you:

✅ are aged 75 or over
✅ have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.

Book an appointment online or call us.
👇🏻
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/contact-us