News

SURGERY & DISPENSARY CLOSURES

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Do you have COPD? Do you have to stop to catch your breath? Does this stop you from doing your usual activities? Pulmonary Rehabilitation could help you. 

Come along to the Pulmonary Rehab Drop-In Awareness Session to find out more. Details found in the poster.

Contact Us Online

We’ve changed from eConsult to SystmConnect.

For queries or help regarding an existing medical condition or admin requests, please can we ask that you complete a SystmConnect form online as the GP’s do not take questions via our surgery email address. This would also include requests for sick notes.

To access the service, please click on the button on the front page of our website called "Contact Us Online". It works the same way as before – just fill in the form as you used to.

You don’t need online access to use it; we’ll match your form to your medical records. However, you can access the form through SystmOnline or the NHS app if you would prefer. We aim to reply within 2 working days.

Please note: This service is not for urgent issues or new medical problems. If you think you need a face-to-face appointment, the fastest way is to call the surgery.

Lung Cancer Screening

The Targeted Lung Health Check national screening service is being rolled out across Dorset and is offered to people aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers. If this includes you, you will be contacted by the Lung Health Check Team when the service comes to your area. 

Lung Cancer Screening helps us get ahead of lung cancer – spotting lung conditions early, often before you notice any symptoms, allowing us to take fast action and save more lives.

Visit their dedicated website page www.dchft.nhs.uk/lung-health-check to find out more.

Watch this video to see what happens when you go for a lung check https://youtu.be/XuG_ff1fkB4 

Cervical Screening Results

Starting in September, the NHS plans to trial sending cervical screening results through the NHS App. If your test result is negative, you’ll get a message and notification in the app. If you don’t read the message within 72 hours, a letter will be sent to the registered address as a backup. Any abnormal results will continue to be delivered by letter.

To access the app, you need to be signed up to online services at the practice. Speak to one of our receptionists if you are unsure whether you have online services. To download the NHS App and turn on notifications go to www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.

If you would like help to set up and use the app, please speak with our Social Prescribers at the surgery who can signpost you to local help and support.

Dorchester Carers Nook - A Space for Those Who Care

Are you a carer in Dorchester? The Dorchester Carers Nook is here to support you. Created with carers, for carers, this monthly drop-in offers a warm welcome, practical advice, and the chance to connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of caring.

Unfortunately, November's session has been cancelled due to staff shortages - sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. There will be a planned break in December, but they will be back on January 2026 with a brand-new set of focus days. Stay tuned for updates!

👉 For more information, please visit: https://mid-dorsetpcn.co.uk/dorchester-carers-nook 

DNA (Did Not Attend) Appointments

Between May 2025 and August 2025, 195 patients did not attend their appointments, equalling a total of 50 hours of clinical time wasted.

• NURSE time wasted: 23 hours 30 minutes = Equivalent of 141 blood tests; or 47 asthma/COPD reviews; or 47 baby immunisations; or 71 cervical smear tests lost
• GP time wasted: 18 hours 15 minutes = 73 GP appointments lost
• HCA time wasted: 5 hours 15 minutes = Equivalent of 32 blood test appointments lost
• PHYSIO time wasted: 3 hours = 9 Physio appointments lost

Some of these appointments are up to 40 minutes long, so missing your appointment or forgetting to cancel means we waste valuable clinic time. For ONE missed Long Term Condition Review appointment, THREE people could have had blood test appointments, so it's important not to waste these slots.

If you can’t attend an appointment, please can we ask that you cancel it at least an hour before so someone else can receive the care they need. This can be done either over the phone or by replying CANCEL to your text reminder.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter - It could make a huge difference to another patient.

Surgery Facebook Page

Our surgery Facebook page (@miltonabbassurgery) is a great way to stay up to date with surgery news, closures, and helpful information to support you and your family’s health and wellbeing.

If you'd like to learn more about using it, why not book a session with one of the Digital Champions sessions run by Dorset Council? 

Digital Champions at Dorset Council are a group of friendly and patient volunteers who are good at explaining computers, without using jargon. They can help you to:

• set up and using devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers
• get online and show you how to do home shopping
• access digital NHS services like the NHS app or SystmOnline to be able to book appointments, view test results and consultation notes

Dorset Council run Digital Champion sessions in Blandford Library on Tuesdays from 10am till 12.25pm, and every other Friday 10.30am till 12noon. To book a session please call 01305 221048.