Short Term Disruption to Routine Blood Tests
Due to factors beyond our control we will be limiting the number of routine blood tests that we are able to take. We have been asked to reduce our numbers by 25% due to a capacity issue at the pathology laboratories at Dorset County Hospital and a world-wide shortage of blood tubes that are required for taking the blood . All practices across the area that use DCH are experiencing similar problems. The local GP practices are therefore working to assist our colleagues at the hospital as requested in managing this issue. We hope that this will last approximately 2 weeks. We will keep you updated when we hear more news. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for you understanding. If you have an appointment booked please attend unless contacted otherwise by the surgery.
Important Prince of Wales Update
After many years of service to the practice population Dr Stephen Scott and Dr Kathy Scott have decided to reduce the hours that they work at the practice.
Dr Kathy Scott will also be leaving the Partnership to make way for Dr Michael Lewis to join the Partnership, he is currently a salaried GP with us. Dr Kathy Scott will remain with us as a Retained GP
From October Dr Mamia Japardize-Richards and Dr Setareh Chavoushi will be joining us as salaried GPs, I am sure that you will join us in welcoming them to the surgery. They have both worked here previously as locums so it will be lovely to have them here on a regular basis.
We wish Dr Steve and Dr Kathy all the best for the changed working patterns, the last 2 years have been challenging for us all including the staff and Doctors at the surgery.
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION (Covid-19)The surgery is experiencing a large increase in requests for appointments and advice at the beginning of the week. If you have a routine request please call later in the week.IF YOU ARE ATTENDING FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT THE SURGERY PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK OR COVERING. HAND SANITISER IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOYER PLEASE USE THIS ON ENTRY TO THE BUILDING, DO NOT WEAR GLOVES. If you have a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste stay at home for 10 days DO NOT ATTEND THE SURGERY. Members of your household must self isolate for 14 days, if they develop symptoms they must stay at home for a further 10 days following onset. If your condition worsens or you are no better after 7 days go online to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or telephone 111.For further information about how the practice is managing your care during Covid-19 please Click Here |
We are open and if you need to see your GP or nurse, please ring us on 01305 250989 or visit our website and complete an eConsult questionnaire. You can also call NHS111. Please try not come to the surgery unless you have an appointment or other valid reason.
If you are waiting for a check-up, we have restarted inviting patients so please be assured we will be in touch.
Appointments are being delivered face-to-face, online and over the telephone. If you are asked to come into the surgery for a face-to-face appointment, please remember to wear a face covering (unless you are exempt) as these are still required in medical facilities. Measures are in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery.
LATERAL FLOW TESTS
The government released a press release saying that Lateral Flow Tests kits will be available to those who wish to use them from the 9th April. The practice will NOT be able to supply these. They can be obtained either online, via selected pharmacies or from workplaces and employers. Please click on the links below for further information
Lateral Flow Tests including a link to local supplying pharmacies
Lateral Flow Test Press Release
Covid Vaccination Clinics Update
The Mid Dorset Primary Care Network are continuing to give covid vaccinations at the Atrium Health Centre in line with government guidelines. If you receive a text from from us for your vaccination, you can book it directly from this text if you have a smartphone. If you have received your vaccination already from another source please can you let the practice know so that we can take you off our list to invite, this will prevent you from being contacted by us unnecessarily.
If the unlikely circumstances you have decided that you do not wish to take up the offer of a vaccination and you receive an invitation from us, please let us know otherwise we will continue to try to contact you. If you are receiving your invitation by smartphone there is an option to decline on the text. The same applies if you have received your vaccination elsewhere.
Large Vaccination Centres and Appointments
The government has set up some large vaccination centre and you may receive a letter asking if you want to go there for your vaccination. Please see the link below which explains how they are here to enhance the options for vaccinations, but please if you already have an appointment booked with the local vaccination hub at the at the Atrium Health Centre please attend so that we do not waste vaccinations. Large Vaccinations Centres and Appointments
Please click this link for guidance about the National Lockdown and Stay at Home information National Lockdown: Stay at Home Guidance
Dorset County Hospital Emergency Department is currently very busy, if you have a minor injury or ailment please visit one of the Units below if you are unable to self care. You will need to phone to book an appointment, you will not be seen if you turn up without a prior booking.
Unit | Opening Saturday/Sunday | Opening Week days | Contact Number |
Weymouth UTC | 8am-8pm | 8am-8pm | 01305 762541 |
Bridport MIU | 9am-6pm | 9am-8pm | 01308 426245 |
Shaftesbury MIU | 8am-8pm | 8am-8pm | 01747 851535 |
Wimborne MIU | 8am-8pm | 8am-8pm | 01202 856436 |
Swanage MIU | 8am-8pm | 8am-8pm | 01929 475009 |
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