Crane Valley Primary Care Network

25/03/2026

📢 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).

23/03/2026

🐣 Plan Ahead for Easter
The long weekend starts Friday, 3rd April. Most GP surgeries and pharmacies will be closed or operating with reduced hours during this time.

To make sure your medication is ready when you need it, please order your repeat prescriptions well in advance to give your GP sufficient time to process the request and allow the pharmacy team to safely dispense your prescription.

📲 How to Order
Avoid the phone queues! The quickest ways to order are:

▪ The NHS App: Available 24/7.
▪ Online Services: Via our surgery website.

Double-check your medicine cabinet today for any "just in case" items like inhalers or insulin. If you have friends or elderly neighbours, a quick reminder to them could make all the difference!

Stay safe and enjoy the spring break. 🌸

22/03/2026

The HOPE Programme (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) can help you rediscover your strengths and increase your confidence to take charge of your life. Run by Help & Care, it’s ideal for anyone living with long-term conditions or facing the pressures of caring. It's a FREE six-week course designed to help you build confidence and learn how to manage your condition(s), including mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression, better.
A new course starts in Christchurch on the 14th April. For any enquiries on the Christchurch sessions or others in the county, please contact: hope@helpandcare.org.uk
https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/what-we-offer/hope/

21/03/2026

Looking to boost your well-being? It all starts with connection. 🤝

We are highlighting the Community SWITCH Events Diary—your ultimate local guide to finding where you belong in East Dorset. Whether you’re looking to build lifelong friendships, stay active, or just find a welcoming space, there’s something here for everyone.

🗓️ What’s inside?
With over 100 events already listed, you can find local opportunities to:

🫶Connect: Meet new people and build a support network.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Move: Find activities to keep you active and energised.

💖Belong: Discover groups where you can truly be yourself.

Check out the video below to see what it's all about, and feel free to share this post to spread the word!
👇
https://youtu.be/f1IwddhvmmI

Feeling connected is the first step to feeling great. That’s why we’ve created the Community SWITCH Events Diary, our go-to guide of local opportunities to h...

21/03/2026

🌿 Prioritise Your Wellbeing – Join a FREE 12-Week Course!
Looking to hit the "reset" button on your health and happiness? We are delighted to share this fantastic opportunity from partners Dorset Community Action and The Centre Ferndown.

Starting Monday, 13th April, this 12-session Self-Care & Wellbeing course is designed to help you reconnect with yourself and your community. Whether you want to manage stress better or just find more balance in your daily life, there is something here for everyone.

What to Expect:
🧘 Mindfulness & Guided Meditation to calm the mind.
🥗 Healthy Eating tips for a vibrant body.
🌳 Nature Connection and creative activities.
🛤️ The 5 Pathways to Wellbeing (Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active).

The Details:
📅 When: Mondays, starting April 13th, 2026.

⏰ Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.

📍 Where: The Centre Ferndown, Barns Road, BH22 8XH.

💰 Cost: Completely FREE!

Spaces are limited! To book your spot, please contact Lydia Harvey directly:
📧 Email: lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk
📞 Call/Text: 07421 994591

Take that first step toward feeling more like you again. ✨

19/03/2026

🎲 Get Your Game On with Verwood Board Games Club!
Looking for a way to boost your mood and connect with the community? As part of the programme, we’re highlighting how a simple board game session can do wonders for your wellbeing.

🧠 Why Board Games?
It’s more than just fun and markers—it’s a workout for your mind and soul:

For Adults: Reduces stress, keeps the brain sharp, and combats social isolation by fostering meaningful face-to-face connections.

For Children: Builds essential life skills like patience, teamwork, and critical thinking (plus, it's a great "digital detox").

For Everyone: Releases endorphins and strengthens community ties.

Find out more on the Community SWITCH website:
👇
https://communityswitch.org/verwood-board-games-group/

Let’s make a move toward a healthier, happier Verwood. See you there! 👋

19/03/2026

Meningitis B Update: Information for our Patients 📢

Some of our GP Practices 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. T

Thank you for your patience while we monitor updates from the Southwest Vaccination Team. In the meantime, visit the NHS Dorset website to keep up to date :
👇

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS Dorset are reminding young people, parents and carers that meningitis is rare, but it is important to know the symptoms and understand what current vaccinations protect against. Although anyone can get meningitis, it’s most common in babies, young chil...

17/03/2026

See also our programme of support resources:
⬇️
https://communityswitch.org/i-need-help-with-neurodivergence/

Neurodivergence Celebration Week 🎉

OCD-UK has a webpage which includes resources and information about the overlap between OCD & Neurodivergence. On this page you will find:

🔸Freely available expert-led presentations about the overlap between OCD & neurodivergence

🔸Resources including books, workbooks, and links to resources created by other organisations

🔸Real life stories created by people who are neurodivergent with lived experience of OCD

🔸Signposting to charities and organisations dedicated to helping and supporting people who are neurodivergent

🔗 Click here to take a look! https://www.ocduk.org/ocd-nd/

15/03/2026

Is your home phone ready for the 2027 switch? 📞
The UK’s old copper phone network is being switched off and replaced with Digital Voice. While this sounds high-tech, it simply means landlines will soon work via your broadband.

Why does this matter?
If you, a loved one or a friend relies on a landline, or uses technology like personal alarms and telecare systems, you need to know how this change affects you- and them - especially during power cuts.
Confused? You’re not alone. To help our patients stay connected, we’re highlighting that our friends at AbilityNet are hosting a free, jargon-free webinar to explain:
✅ What is actually changing?
✅ Who is affected (and how)?
✅ Simple steps to prepare.
📅 When: Tuesday, 31 March | 1:00 PM 📍 Where: Online (Free)

Don't wait until the dial tone disappears! Tap the link below to sign up:
👇
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0smfjQ0

14/03/2026

Do you use the Viso app to monitor your blood pressure from home?
A reminder that we will soon be moving to a new, improved platform called Luscii! If you currently use Viso to track your blood pressure, keep an eye on your email over the coming weeks for steps to ensure you’re set up and ready for your next check-in. 👀

https://cranevalleypcn.org/blood-pressure-monitoring-at-home

New App for BP@Home: Introducing Luscii

Starting 23 March, we are moving from VISO to a new, improved platform called Luscii.

▪ Existing users: Follow the prompts within your current app to transition.
▪ New users: Your GP will provide setup details if you are joining the program.

This transition helps us provide more seamless care for your heart health.
View our dedicated page to learn more.
👇
https://www.cranevalleypcn.org/blood-pressure-monitoring-at-home

14/03/2026

🛑✋ Stop (scrolling) right now, thank you very much…
It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, and we know the greatest gift a Mama can receive is that their kids are happy and healthy.
So, give yourself peace of mind, and make sure your children are up to date with the NHS vaccination schedule. Vaccines help protect your baby from serious illnesses.

https://cranevalleypcn.org/community-vaccination