Summer Newsletter 2026

 

New telephone system

We are having a new telephone system installed which will improve efficiency and enhance the patient experience.

The switchover to the new system is planned for the end of July and we apologise that there may be a short period of time on this day whilst the phone lines are being transferred that our telephone lines will not work. 

We have worked with our Patient Participation Group regarding the new system, which will alert callers where they are in a queue (if there is one) there will also be a new call back function.  If a person does not want to wait in a queue, they can press the call back function number, and a member of the reception team will call you back when you have reached the number 1 place in the queue. The new system also has the facility to record calls and enable conference calls.

Staff will not use physical handsets but will use headsets connected to their computer stations.

Our main telephone numbers will remain the same, however you can call through on any number. Please bear with us whilst we are getting used to the new system.

  • Royal Crescent Surgery: 01305 774466
  • Preston Road Surgery: 01305 832203
  • Dorchester Road Surgery: 01305 766472
 

Diary dates

  • Closed Summer Bank Holiday Monday 31st August
  • Closed from 3.30pm for Staff Training Wednesday 16th September
  • Flu Clinics at Wey Valley School Saturdays 3rd, 10th and 17th October
 

Book swap scheme

Do you have books you have read and no longer need?  

Why not bring your book(s) to the surgery and swap with another book as part of our FREE Book Swap scheme.

Children’s books also welcome, but please only books in good repair 

 

Flu and covid winter vaccinations

It’s hard to believe, but flu season will soon be here.  We will be running the very well received flu vaccination sessions at Wey Valley School.

Dates for your diary

Wey Valley School vaccination sessions will be Saturdays 3rd, 10th and 17th October. 

We will also be able to offer covid vaccinations to eligible patients.  

How to get your flu and covid vaccines

All patients eligible for the flu vaccination will receive an invite from the practice mid-September onwards.  This may be by text (including a link for you to book your appointment), email, phone call or letter.

If you are also eligible for covid your invite will enable you to book for both vaccinations (or just flu if you do not wish to have both).

 

Staff changes

  • Leanne Birch (Operations Manager) has changed her role to Patient Relationship Manager. Leanne will focus on the patient journey and experience and will also be responsible for estate management across all sites, ensuring consistency and quality from a patient perspective.
  • Welcome to Victoria Boursnell-Brooks our new Patient Services Manager. Victoria will oversee day-to-day operational management, including reception teams.
 

Patient participation group

Are you interested in finding out how your GP practice works and about the health services it delivers?  

Why not join our patient participation group (PPG)?

The PPG meet every three months, and information of interest is shared via email to its members.

If you would like to be part of the PPG, or would like further information, please ask at reception.

Next PPG meeting

Tuesday 29th September 1pm to 2.30pm at Preston Road Surgery.

 

Fundraising Events 

Congratulations to Dr Will Bodger who undertook the Bath to Bristol Railway Race (50k) to raise money for Weldmar Hospice Care and help to support this amazing charity and all the brilliant work they do caring for patients in our community. 

Will said, he was able to raise just over £1000 and managed to survive mostly intact (albeit losing both big toenails not long after!). 

will b

will b

muddy gang

Congratulations to our MUDDY TEAM!

On 30th May, 13 members from the Practice took part in the Poole Muddy Race for Life and raised an amazing £3,500.

They clambered over obstacles, through tunnels and under cargo nets and got thoroughly wet and muddy in the process.

Several members of the Practice Team turned up to support them. What a great Team we are!

 

Return – Recycle – Reuse

Help your local council and NHS services by returning equipment no longer needed. Mediquip will collect equipment supplied with a Medequip or similar NRS Healthcare label from your home, such as Rollators, Zimmer frames, commodes, crutches.

Call 01305 235499 to arrange for collection.

 

Prevent leg ulcers

Key facts: 

  • Leg ulcers are slow to heal wounds and are common
  • 2% of adults are affected
  • Leg ulcers often start with a very small injury to the leg such as being knocked on furniture
  • In summer months legs are more often exposed and at risk from injury, like catching a branch in the garden
  • Leg ulcers can take many months to heal

Prevention is key

Top summer leg care tips

  • Keep moving – walk daily & avoid long periods of sitting or standing
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water & keep cool
  • Protect your skin – moisturise daily & treat cuts early
  • Wear your compression hosiery – follow your nurses’ advice
  • Protect your legs – wear comfortable clothing and shoes & avoid injury

Are you at risk?

  • had a previous leg ulcer
  • varicose veins
  • diabetes
  • poor circulation
  • less mobile
  • over 60

Warning signs – Don’t ignore

  • Swelling in legs & ankles
  • Skin colour changes 
  • Itchy or hardened skin
  • Open wounds or sores
  • Pain or heaviness

Early care prevents leg ulcers

Visit the services page for further information

 

Are you the victim of financial abuse?

You are not alone. Help is available

Tell your doctor, nurse or another member of staff today.

What is financial abuse?

  • Someone taking your money without permission
  • Pressure to change your will or sign documents 
  • Accessing your financial accounts and bank cards
  • Family members or carers controlling your finances 
  • Neighbours or helpers taking advantage of your finances

If you have been a victim of any other type of fraud, contact the report fraud free phone on 0300 123 2040

Published: Jul 21, 2026