News

The Patients Association are interested in learning more about patient experiences of being on waiting lists and waiting list validation. Validation is the process of checking and updating hospital waiting lists to ensure records are accurate. If you’re currently waiting, have recently come off a list, or have been contacted about your position on the…

Dorset Police have seen an increase in reports of rogue traders operating across the county. These criminals often target homeowners, particularly older and vulnerable residents, and use high-pressure sales tactics to persuade people to agree to unnecessary or poor-quality work. For more information, please visit the My Safer Dorset website: Increase in Rogue Trader Activity…

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From Thursday 11 June 2026 we will be offering a walk in service for children to attend from 0-14 years old. This service will be available to children who require blood tests and do not need any reasonable adjustments. The service will be available every Thursday and Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm where parents with children can…

“Ask Damian” is Dorset Police’s 24/7 telephone fraud advice service 01202 144688, giving residents instant access to support and guidance to help protect themselves from fraud. The new service is designed to be easy to use and available at any time.  It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams early and…

Men’s Health Week in June provides an opportunity to raise awareness of NHS screening and prevention offers relevant to men in England. Below we have included messaging around bowel cancer screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, diabetic eye screening and HPV and older adult vaccinations, to help inform men of what they are eligible for…

There is a free webinar FOR PATIENTS on Tuesday 26th May (during Diabetes Prevention Week) aimed at patients who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or those who have been diagnosed but have not yet attended the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP). This session will provide valuable insights and practical tips on…

We are sure you have seen coverage of the hantavirus cases and deaths in passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius over the past week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have published information about the virus for anyone concerned for themselves or loved ones: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/05/what-is-hantavirus-how-is-it-transmitted-and-what-are-the-symptoms/

The Living Tree is a registered charity which offers friendship, creative activities & holistic therapies, relevant diet & lifestyle information for anyone with any cancer. They offer mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring by offering a chance to unwind, share laughter and coping strategies. The…

Good Oaks care home in Poole are holding a free dementia awareness session designed to support families, neighbours, and anyone in the community who want to better understand dementia and feel more confident supporting someone living with it. The event is taking place on Saturday 27th June from 10am – 12pm at the Melton Court…

Bowel cancer affects around 1 in 20 people, but screening can help find it early—when treatment is more effective.   If you’re aged 50–74, you’ll automatically receive a home testing kit every 2 years. It’s quick, simple, and done in the privacy of your own home. The kit checks for tiny traces of blood in…

Too much screen time can affect how young children sleep, learn and play – and small changes make a big difference. Find out how to help your little ones build healthy screen habits right from the start. Visit Best Start in Life for more.   It’s not just about how long they’re watching – it’s…

Men Walking And Talking (MWAT) was founded in 2021 with the aim of bringing men together in a safe space to end the stigma around men’s mental health by supporting each other. There are now 65 groups across 28 counties, including two in Dorset! The Bournemouth walk takes place on Wednesdays and the Dorchester walk…

It’s important to know the symptoms of meningitis. If you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone gets them all. More info: https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/meningitis

An allergy is where your body reacts to something that’s normally harmless, like pollen or dust. The symptoms can be mild, but for some people they can be very serious.   Read more about allergy causes, symptoms and when to call 999 – visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/

People who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. The Healthy Start scheme helps people to buy products including milk, vegetables, pulses, infant formula and some vitamins. For more information please click on the following link: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/  

Physical activity is a proven way for those living with Parkinson’s to manage symptoms and this new walking programme will provide weekly walks around Kingston Lacy with a focus on raising the heart rate whilst connect to the nature around you. The 12-week programme is led by experienced walk leaders and commences on Monday 11th…

This is a wellbeing event showcasing a range of organisations that support our local community. The event is open to everyone and provides an opportunity for patients to connect with a variety of local support services available to them.   Patients will be able to access: Health and wellbeing guidance Financial support Housing and energy…

Do you want to learn about the brilliant skills of paramedics? Or how an emergency department works? Do you want to learn about the latest research taking place in emergency care ? Experts from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, South West Ambulance Service Trust and Bournemouth University will talk about emergency care in Dorset….

The do it yourself mouth cancer check that may save your life. Are you checking your mouth for cancer once a month? Do it regularly and save your life! For more information visit: https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/self-examination/

Have you say on learning disability services NHS England is asking people with a learning disability (18+) and their families or carers to share their experiences of care over the past year. the survey is anonymous and helps NHS trusts understand what’s working well and where things could improve.  Patients can complete it with help…

If you are a Parent, Grandparent or a Carer, it can be reassuring to know that free mental wellbeing support is available for young people. Kooth provides a free, safe and anonymous online service for children and young people aged 11 -25, available 7 days a week. Young people can:- *Speak one to one with…

If someone close to you has had a stroke and you’ve suddenly found yourself in a caring role, this may be helpful. PramaLife, a local charity working with NHS colleagues, is offering a free five-week information course for people caring for someone after a stroke. The sessions are practical and supportive, providing clear information, useful…

Children are heading back to school this week………..but is your child well enough to go in? From sore throats and earaches to high temperatures and tummy bugs – it’s not always easy to know what to do. But the NHS website is here to help. Use the link below for some help and advice

SkinVision are exploring how people might use a smartphone app to monitor changes in their skin. The app is designed to help identify early signs of skin cancer and support decisions about when to seek advice from a GP for moles or skin changes. SkinVision are currently gathering feedback from different groups to understand if…

University Hospitals Dorset has introduced a new wayfinding system at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to make navigation easier for everyone. This update includes new zone and location identifiers, as well as improved directional signage. The hospital is now divided into three main zones (A, B, and C), in addition to the Emergency Department. New parking…

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions – without you seeing a GP. Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.