51 Long Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JG

Phone: 01300 341666. www.cerneabbassurgery.co.uk/

Kickstart the new year with Dry January!

Take on the challenge of going alcohol-free this January and give your body and mind a fresh start for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to reset your health, improve your sleep, or simply take control of your drinking habits, Dry January is a great way to see what life feels like without alcohol.

Here’s how Dry January can benefit you:

Better Sleep: Alcohol disrupts your sleep patterns—cutting it out can lead to deeper, more restful nights.
Improved Health: Give your liver a break, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your risk of long-term health problems.
Save Money: Watch your wallet grow as you skip the bar tabs and bottles.
Mental Clarity: Feel sharper and more focused throughout the day.

Need support? There are lots of great resources to help, such as the Try Dry app from Alcohol Change UK, which can track your progress, savings, and benefits throughout the month.

Let’s make this January about health, balance, and positive change. Are you in? Let us know how you’re getting on; we’re cheering for you!

Pharmacy First

What is Pharmacy First? The Pharmacy First scheme enables community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.

What are the seven common conditions?

• Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• Earache (children and young adults aged 1 year to 17 years)
• Infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• Shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (women, aged 16 to 64 years)

How can I access treatment from my pharmacy?

More than 95% of all pharmacies in England are signed up to this scheme. You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into a pharmacy or contacting them virtually.

What if I still want to see my GP?

Patients can still choose to visit a GP if they wish to. Pharmacy First offers alternative access for these seven conditions without the need to wait for a GP appointment.

First Contact Physiotherapist

New muscle or joint pain? Did you know that you can book directly to see our First Contact Physiotherapist Chris Brookes?  

Chris works with us on Friday, and can prescribe pain medication, order blood tests and x-rays, and refer you on to hospital services where necessary. Our GPs encourage you to book an appointment with Chris first as he gives you faster access to expert diagnosis and you’ll leave with the advice and exercises that you need to start tackling the problem.

Please speak to one of our receptionists to book an appointment.

Local car schemes

Do you struggle to get a lift to bring you to the surgery for appointments? There are local village car schemes available to help you at a heavily discounted rate. Please give as much notice as possible, and at least two working days:

• CerneCar Nordcat: 01258 473154 (lines open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm)
• Hazelbury Bryan Hillside Car Scheme: 07501 344084 or email hillsidecarscheme@gmail.com

Unwell children – advice

It can be extremely stressful when your child or grandchild is unwell. The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You’ll find clear information on common illnesses, including advice on what serious ‘red-flag’ signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long symptoms are likely to last.

Page last updated 30/12/2024