Verwood Surgery

05/02/2026

❤️February is Heart Month❤️

Regular movement helps keep your heart strong & healthy by:

✔Strengthening the heart muscle
✔Improving circulation
✔Lowering blood pressure

And the good news? You don’t need to do it all at once.

Every Move Matters

30/01/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring: Care Coordinator 🌟
We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a full-time Care Coordinator to join our friendly, supportive team at Verwood Surgery, part of Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN).
This is a varied and rewarding role that blends administrative work with patient-facing support, perfect for someone who enjoys variety and making a real difference. The role may also include phlebotomy and Healthcare Assistant duties (training/support provided where needed).
Learn more and how to apply here:
👇
https://www.verwoodsurgery.co.uk/current-vacancies

23/01/2026

We wanted to make our patients aware that Dr. Andrew Polkinghorn will be taking a temporary break from the practice at the end of January for a planned hip surgery. He will be recuperating for at least 6 weeks.

Continuity of care is vital to us, and Dr. Polkinghorn’s patients will be well looked after by our covering doctors, many of whom you already know. Please read his personal message below for more details.
👇

Dear Patients,
I will be away from the practice for a couple of months while I undergo planned hip replacement surgery.

During my absence, your care will be provided by stand-in GPs, and wherever possible these will be doctors already known to you. The practice team will continue to ensure continuity of care.

I look forward to returning to work after my recovery and resuming my role as your GP.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,
Dr. Andrew Polkinghorn

19/01/2026

❗️Monday 19th January - Information for patients ❗️
We’re three GPs and a nurse down today, so please note our triage service is at full capacity. If you need urgent medical help, please contact NHS 111. For non-urgent matters, we kindly ask that you contact us again tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding.

12/01/2026

📣 New Service: The Perinatal Pelvic Health Team.
We’d like to share details of a new service available to patients accessing maternity care from Salisbury Foundation Trust or any community hub or home birth affiliated to Salisbury District Hospital.

This specialist team is dedicated to supporting women and birthing people from early pregnancy through to 12 months postnatal.

How can they help?
• Specialist Care: A multidisciplinary team of pelvic floor experts.
• Prevention: Reducing the risk of bladder or bowel-related issues.
• Treatment: Evidence-based care for mild to moderate pelvic health concerns.
Your pelvic health matters. Whether you are looking to prevent future issues or need support with current symptoms, this team is here for you.

The service is free of charge and available to all local women accessing their maternity care from Salisbury. Talk to your Midwife, Health Visitor, or GP to learn more or to request a referral.

You can also self-refer by completing an online form with all the relevant information here>>
⬇
https://tinyurl.com/382tn6ce

Pelvic Health       Menu Pelvic Health Team What is Pelvic Health? Pelvic Floor Exercises Protecting your Pelvic Health Common Concerns Getting support Perinatal Pelvic Health Team Pelvic Health care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal We are a team of pelvic f...

08/01/2026

⚠️Patient Information
Please allow sufficient time when travelling to appointments! Thank you.

Starting today, Station Road in Verwood will be controlled both ways due to temporary traffic lights outside the Verwood Surgery for work by South West Water scheduled until Friday, 09/01/2026

06/01/2026

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, 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

01/01/2026

🌟 Ready to Feel Healthier in 2026? Start Today! 🌟

At Verwood Surgery, we’re here to help you: eat better, move more, manage stress, lose weight, and feel your best! 💪

Here’s what we offer:

✅ NHS Health Check for adults aged 40–74 who don’t already have certain long-term conditions. This check reviews your overall health, identifies risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, and helps you take action early
✅ Personalised advice from GPs and nurses
✅ Health coaching to reach your goals
✅ Weight loss support via LiveWell Dorset
✅ Exercise classes and local wellbeing programmes
✅ Mental health & stress management support
✅ Social prescribing to connect you with community activities
✅ Long-term condition reviews and follow-up

💡 Don’t wait — small steps make a big difference!

📲 Visit our website to find out more about all the support we offer and how to get started:
👇
https://www.verwoodsurgery.co.uk/

Or use our online consultation platform, SystmConnect, to send your GP a request:
👇
https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/OnlineConsultation?OrgId=J81030

📞 Or call us on 01202825353 to speak with our friendly team today.

31/12/2025

Update - Cold Health Alert❄️
The Amber Cold Health Alert has been extended and increased for our region. This alert is in place from 8pm tonight until 10am on Tuesday, 6 January.

Find out more here>> https://tinyurl.com/55fbe9fr

While it’s going to be very cold, there are a few simple things you can do to stay comfortable:

✅Stock up: Make sure you have enough food and any necessary medicines so you don't have to head out in the peak of the cold.
✅Keep the heat in: Check for draughts around doors and windows to keep your home nice and toasty.
✅Check-in: A quick call or text to neighbours or loved ones can make a big difference.

Stay safe and keep that kettle on! ☕🧣

29/12/2025

Patient feedback is vital in helping University Hospitals Dorset ensure their new services meet the needs of residents. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in their online survey here:
👇
https://tinyurl.com/4h37cc8k

Help shape the future of your local healthcare! 🏥✨
University Hospitals Dorset is currently implementing a £500m transformation across its sites. This move is part of a wider plan to make Royal Bournemouth a major emergency site, while Poole Hospital evolves into a specialist centre for planned surgeries and care.

UHD wants to hear from you! 🗣️ Your feedback is vital in helping us ensure these new services meet the needs of residents. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our online survey here:
👇
https://tinyurl.com/4h37cc8k

28/12/2025

️⚠ Yellow cold-health alert ⚠
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a yellow cold-health alert for the South West.

❄️ The cold-health alert is between 8pm on Sunday, 28 December 2025 and 12pm (midday) on Monday, 5 January 2026 ❄️

A Yellow Cold-Health Alert means cold weather will primarily affect people over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, but may also impact younger age groups too.

Here’s a reminder of ways to stay safe in the cold:
🥾 If going outside, make sure you dress appropriately. Wear shoes with a good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
🧤Make sure that you stay warm, eat well and stay hydrated.
🌡️ If indoors, keep bedroom windows closed. Heat the rooms you spend most time in to 18°C, if possible, and wear multiple layers of thinner clothing.
🛋️ When you’re indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. If you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm.
💊 If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example, an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do to stay warm and are well stocked with food and medications.

Are you or someone you know struggling financially, feeling isolated, caring for someone else, or living with a long-term health condition? Find practical help on our Winter Wellness page here>>

https://communityswitch.org/cost-of-living-help/

If you need urgent medical help, please contact your GP practice, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

23/12/2025

📢 Exciting News from Verwood Surgery! 📢

We’re pleased to announce that Verwood Surgery is expanding its catchment area to include Alderholt 🎉

As part of this expansion, we are now welcoming new patients from Alderholt to register with our practice. Verwood Surgery offers continuity of care with a named GP, helping you build an ongoing relationship with a doctor who understands you and your health needs.

Alongside our core GP services, we also offer a wide range of additional services, including:

• Women’s health services
• Dermatology and minor surgery
• Travel services
• On-site private MSK (musculoskeletal) clinic
• Frailty tracker nurse service
• Vaccination and Immunisation service
• Health visitor clinic

We’re also proud of our access and responsiveness — our average phone answering time is under 2 minutes, helping you get the support you need quickly. We aim for you to see your own GP the same day for acute issues.

This expansion means more local access to GP services, personalised care, and support closer to home.

If you live in Alderholt and are looking to join a friendly, supportive GP practice, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Find out how to register by visiting the NHS app, our website https://www.verwoodsurgery.co.uk/ or contacting the surgery directly on 01202 825353.

Please feel free to share this post so others in the community don’t miss out! 💙