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Home , Dorset County Council

CARING

MATTERS Autumn/Winter 2018

A FREE Magazine for Carers in , and Know your rights as a carer Each year Carers Rights Day brings organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local communities know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. Carers Rights Day 2018 - Friday 30 November IF YOU are one of the 6.5 million people who currently provides unpaid care for a family member or friend, what rights do you have? SUPPORT The Care Act 2014 states that if you care for another Where Joy’s experience adult over 18 years of age then you are entitled to a counts - page 3 carer’s assessment in your own right. A carer's assessment will evaluate what help, if any, the local authority can offer you. To qualify you must be found to have 'eligible needs', meaning you meet the requirements of the national criteria. The council will reach a decision based on the information you give them. If your local authority decides you are eligible for support, it is legally obliged to provide it. As long as you consent to assistance, a plan will be put together Catching up with the to determine how best your needs can be met. world - page 9 Cont’d on P2

1 Know your rights day-to-day costs. These include: l Council Tax Reduction – a reduction in as a carer (cont’d from front page) your council tax bill of up to 100% Your experiences The kind of help that might be made l Housing Benefit – a portion or all of available to you includes: can improve your monthly expenditure if you rent l Access to technology where such l Income Support – available for people understanding for services are unavailable on low incomes working between 16 l Help with transport costs, where it is and no hours per week new NHS staff considered a necessity WOULD you like to share your l Heating allowances – depending upon experience as a carer or user of l Help to improve your health and age and circumstances, the Winter an NHS service? wellbeing (mental and physical). Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment Why not join our NHS Experts AT WORK or Warm Home Discount can help with fuel costs during the winter months. by Experience programme? Managing work and care responsibilities You’ll play a vital role, giving can be very challenging, so it’s important Not all carers can get help with health staff an understanding of your to find out about your rights. costs but if you claim certain benefits, or have a low income, you may be able to experience of the NHS, both The law gives you ‘statutory rights’, which get help. You may get help paying for: the good and the not so good. everyone has, and include: l Prescriptions in (in We are looking for people l The right to request flexible working Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to share their insights and I feel valued, I’m not isolated l The right to time off in emergencies prescriptions are free for everyone) experience at our staff induction sessions. and I’m doing something l Protection from discrimination l NHS dental charges You will support our trainer to worthwhile, says Joy l Sight tests FINANCIAL HELP facilitate a group discussion Expert by Experience, that’s the grand As an unpaid carer you may also be l Vouchers towards the cost of glasses and deliver a 20-minute talk title I sometimes go by, writes Joy Ford eligible for financial assistance. There is and contact lenses about your journey as a carer/ (above). a range of benefits you may qualify for, l Travel costs. service user. In reality I’m just an ordinary person, wife, along with Carer's Allowance. mum and grandmother who has retired. You can find more information and get You’ll be supported to write and If you are unable to work or your independent advice at www.carersuk.org present your story every step of After a short break at home I felt the need income is reduced due to your caring or through their telephone helpline on the way. to be doing something, I was still physically commitments, you may be able to receive Mondays and Tuesdays between 10am Sessions are organised on a and mentally active. further financial assistance to help with and 4pm - call 0808 808 7777. rota basis. A friend told me about NHS Induction talks An involvement payment and given by people like you and me, to new If you would like a summary of Caring Matters in a different travel costs are provided. staff starting work with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. language, a large format, Braille, or on tape, call 01202 458204 or To find out more and receive email [email protected] an information pack, call 01202 What does an Expert by Experience talk 443261. about? (Please turn to next page) Caring Matters is published jointly by the Borough of Poole, Bournemouth Borough Council (contact Carers Support Service, 01202 458204 for both) and Dorset County Council (01305 221016, Adult Access team) in partnership with NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (01305) 368900. 2 3 advice about navigating ‘the system’, or Working to meet carers’ urgent help in a crisis, are the things that Come join us and sing your cares away diverse needs help them the most. CARERS’ experiences are many and They also show how isolated carers can varied, depending on circumstances, become and what they often must give home situation, family commitments, up, including hobbies, leisure and even geography and the needs of the cared-for person. work commitments. People often do not choose to become a Dorset County Council is in the process carer but find themselves in this position. of redeveloping the advice and support This may happen suddenly because of an it offers carers which recognises and There’s a group that meets on a Monday, accident or illness affecting a loved one. acknowledges the diversity among the It’s a joyous and wonderful thing It can also happen more gradually, caring population. It wakes us all up after Sunday, perhaps as a long-term condition Cos when we’re together, we sing! The council also recognises that many deteriorates to the point where the person There are songs full of joy and of laughter, cannot cope without their support. carers do not even recognise the term ‘carer’ and see themselves as spouse There are songs, some are old, some are new There are songs you can sing to the rafters Carers can be all ages, live in rural or partner, parent, son or daughter or friend. urban areas and be male or female and There are songs that are quiet and blue find themselves caring for the short term The council is working with the voluntary But with Chrissie, our wonderful leader or over many years. sector and health services to provide You can always be sure of some fun The latest surveys of Dorset show that services that recognise carers’ common She will always give us a breather A book of poems is raising peer support, someone to talk to for needs and a single point of contact to To have coffee and biscuits and buns money for dementia patients at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital information, expertise about a condition, help them find the support they need. You don’t need to be able to sing We just love to make plenty of noise to be spent on items like games It fills our hearts up to the brim used by volunteers working with Doing something worthwhile to cancer. We talk about the good, the And gives us a chance to rejoice the patients. The poems include: bad and sometimes the funny moments, Did You Cont’d from previous page So if you fancy a chat Monday mornings just explaining what it is like to be on the Want to sing to relieve all your cares No-one came to see me today Well I’m part of a lovely team of people receiving end. Then join us, come on, don’t be boring I don’t think they did anyway! They might have done, I can’t be from all walks of life and various ages. Why do I personally do it and what do I We’re waiting to welcome you here. sure, I don’t remember any more We explain to all the new recruits what get out of it? In addition to all the above it’s like to be either an unpaid carer to If it was you, please come again, It’s enjoyable to meet and talk to people And when Christmas time comes all too soon someone close to us, or as someone who The choir is open to invites And tell me what we said uses the NHS services as a patient. of all ages. To sing anywhere that you choose (within reason!) I like to have a chat sometimes When I’m confined to bed. I have been a carer to a seriously I don’t feel isolated, I feel I’m part of Give Chrissy a ring with your dates and your times mentally-ill relative. My narrative is hard something. I look forward to catching up She’ll try to fit you all in ‘In their shoes’ is selling well. It to hear, but the feedback I get from the with another member of the Expert by Then we’ll cheer you all up singing carols is available from the RBH PALS new staff is very positive. Experience team as we work in pairs. With the joy only Christmas can bring office, the hospital’s charity shop I also talk about being a patient having I feel valued and that I’m doing something Please contact Chrissy on 07840 976584 or (both near the main entrance) come through two serious operations due worthwhile. email [email protected] and the charity office. 4 5 Top tips to help you stay well this winter

WINTER conditions can be seriously be far more serious than you think. l Close curtains and shut doors to bad for our health. This is especially Flu can lead to serious complications keep heat in the rooms you use true for people aged 65 or older and such as bronchitis and pneumonia and it most those with long-term conditions such can be deadly. as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, l Get your heating system checked asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney That’s why the flu jab is free if you’re regularly by qualified professionals disease. aged 65 or over, or if you have a long- and keep your home well term health condition. Being cold can raise the risk of ventilated increased blood pressure, heart attack If you have young children or l Get your electric blanket tested and stroke. grandchildren they may also be eligible every three years and never use it for a free flu vaccination. The cold and damp weather, ice, snow together with a hot water bottle and high winds can all aggravate any And if you are the main carer of an older l Leaden skies and a wild sea whipped Do not use a gas cooker or oven existing health problems and make us or disabled person you may also be to heat your home - there is a risk more vulnerable to winter illnesses. eligible for the free flu jab. up by freezing winter gales - it’s time to wrap up well against the cold. of carbon monoxide poisoning. But there are lots of things you can do Just speak to your GP or pharmacist. You Keeping the heat in to stay well this winter. can also find more information at Chair-based exercises and simply moving nhs.uk/getflujab your arms and legs and wiggling your toes l Fit draught proofing to seal any Talk to your pharmacist are helpful if walking is difficult. gaps around windows and doors Also, don’t forget that if you’re aged Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice 65 or over, you are eligible for the Dress for the weather l Make sure your loft, wall cavities from your nearest pharmacist. pneumococcal vaccine, which will help Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made and water cylinder and pipes are At the first sign of a winter illness, even protect you from diseases such as from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are insulated if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice pneumonia. Ask your GP. particularly good and help to maintain l from your pharmacist, before it gets Draw your curtains at dusk to stop Keep yourself warm body heat. A hat is especially effective for heat escaping from your room more serious. Act quickly. The sooner keeping warm outdoors. you get advice from a pharmacist the Severe cold snaps can have dramatic l If you use oil heating, you might be better. effects on everyday life, especially for Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent interested in joining an oil club to slips and falls when walking outside. those people who are already vulnerable save money. For more information Pharmacists are fully qualified to Always take a mobile phone with you when because of their age, illness or disability. visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ advise you on the best course of you go out. action. It’s important for you as a carer to take oilclubs. care of yourself as well as the person you l Heat your home to at least 18°C This can be the best and quickest way Contact the Energy Saving Advice care for. These tips may help: (65°F) to help you recover and get back to Service (ESAS), which is funded by normal. If you can’t get to a pharmacist Stay active l Set your heating to come on just before the government, for more free advice you get up and switch off after you’ve yourself, ask someone to go for you or When you’re indoors, try not to sit still on how to reduce fuel bills and make call your local pharmacy. gone to bed. If you can’t heat all the your home more energy efficient. for more than an hour. Get up and walk rooms you use, heat the living room Make sure you get your flu jab around, make yourself a warm drink and during the day and your bedroom just ESAS can be contacted on 0300 123 spread any chores throughout the day. The flu virus strikes in winter and it can before you go to sleep 1234 (9am to 8pm Monday to Friday).

6 7 Computer help for carers to bring the world to their fingertips Dorset charity provides working, beyond repair, she was lost Free help to get you without it. The replacement we gave her laptops and tablets for meant that she could take up her old connected to the web carers activities again. STAY connected and cash in on free ‘We had a request from Jim, who was computer help. A group of trained IN THE last four years, Dorset caring for his wife who suffers from volunteers is ready to help anyone Computers4Carers has provided over 60 depression and psychosis,’ said Christine. wanting to use the internet where you can laptops and tablets for full-time carers. ‘He was unable to leave her, and living in find information, advice and support as Christine Edwards, administrator for the countryside felt isolated and cut off’. well as save hundreds of pounds a year. the charity, said: ‘When we started up The internet is where you can find the ‘He had never used a computer, and In touch with the world via a laptop DorsetComputers4Carers, we were was nervous about doing so, so we most up-to-date information, find out worried about adding to carers’ problems. what help and support is available, keep provided him with a tablet, which, with its 80 next year and I don’t really want to be ‘If you haven’t used a computer before, it touchscreen, he found easy to use and in touch with friends and family, as well as make savings on things like insurance, left behind, so I thought I must learn how can be just a box of mystery which comes very helpful.’ to use a computer. up with strange responses when you try gas, electric, holidays and eating out. Christine said: ‘We always try to get new ‘It’s great to have someone who knows to get started. So, is it worth trying to get users up and running with their laptop or Many public services are also moving to grips with it? Many of our clients would online, making it easier to do things what they are doing and helps you as tablet, but are very pleased to say that we much as possible. I’m enjoying say “yes, most definitely!”’ have also teamed up with AbilityNet.’ like book a GP appointment and tax the car. ‘I don’t really shopping – there are a lot more One of those is Sue, caring for her AbilityNet provides trained volunteers shops online than in your high want to be left husband in a village near . who can help disabled people and older If you’re new to using the street.’ internet or just need some behind... I must Although Sue’s husband is severely people get the most from their home Digital Champion Paul disabled, he was able to drive, and so computers, tablets and smartphones. guidance then there’s lots of learn how to use a help available. Hobbins said: ‘Both my car shopping and so on wasn’t a problem. Christine added: ‘If you would like to know computer....’ and motorcycle insurance However, after a health set-back, he more about us, please get in touch on In Bournemouth, most of the Mary Witt, aged 79 renewals were due recently – a had to stop driving, and as Sue had no 07931 804999. If you have a friend with a libraries have sessions in the total of £1,095. I browsed the licence, this made life very difficult. computer, have a look at our website week to help people get online. In web using some comparison sites www.dorsetcomputers4carers.org. Poole, they have Computer Buddies and some company sites. Sue had used a computer in the past, who show you how to access online and so she was very quickly able to shop, tuition, or help you to find a solution to ‘I was able to get slightly better car make appointments, contact friends and your IT problem. insurance for £50 less and an equivalent many other benefits with the laptop we motorcycle insurance for £247 less. A gave her. Superfast Dorset has more than 50 cool £297 saving for an hour’s work.’ Digital Champion volunteers spread Tracy has been a full-time carer since across the county. They can show If you could use some free and friendly the birth of her son, who has multiple people how to use a computer, tablet or help getting online ask at your local disabilities needing round-the-clock care. smartphone. The help is completely free. library for more information or call 01305 221048 and Superfast Dorset will answer She had always found her old laptop Mary Witt attended a session at any questions you have and book you on so useful, that when it finally stopped A garden party for the charity Dorchester Library. She said: “I shall be to a session near you. 8 9 Dorset County Council can provide an The service is for non-injured fallers only. emergency care plan form, which you A Lifeline to give Plan ahead for It is not always possible to lift someone can use to record all the information. and the Lifeline officer will decide whether emergencies Call 01305 221016 or go online. See you peace of mind the website at the or not it is safe to do so. HAVING a plan in place can help ease bottom of the page. POOLE Lifeline provides two services to If it is, we use a Raizer Chair, a simple your worries if you’re not able to care for help give you peace of mind when you You can also use battery-operated mobile lifting chair that the person you look after in the future. This are at home and worried about falling. the ‘Message in helps a fallen person up to an almost could be in case you experience a sudden a Bottle’ scheme The first is a Monitoring Service costing standing position within a few minutes. illness or accident, or if you are delayed for to store basic £3.62 per week. You will need keyholders, a few hours getting to them. It is built around the person on the floor personal and who can be friends, family or neighbours, and as it raises them it becomes a chair It’s a good idea to put together details medical details.This Lions Club scheme is who are contactable in case there is an that supports them until they can transfer about the person you care for and the care recognised by all the emergency services. emergency. themselves to where they want to be. they require, and keep them in one place. For further information log on to their They can then go to your home and Last year we carried out 686 assisted lifts This should include: website (see below). help if they can, or call a doctor or the for non injured fallers. Below are a few l The name, address and other contact You could consider a secure key safe emergency services if necessary. details of the person you care for comments from customers who received in which to keep a spare door key, only There is also a Mobile Service where l this service: Who you and the person you care accessable with a combination code. Lifeline holds a set of keys to your home for would like to be contacted in an For contact details of key safe providers at the secure Borough Operations Centre. Mr B said: ‘Thanks to the gentleman that emergency contact your council (see pages 14/15) came out and lifted her up with the Raizer l Details of any medication the person or go to the website below and search for When help is needed a Lifeline officer will Chair. She said he was very kind and you care for is taking and any ongoing ‘key safe’. go to your home with the keys, so it’s not helpful and wanted to thank him for all necessary to have keyholders. medical treatment they receive It’s a good idea to have an ‘In Case of that he did. She really appreciates the l Dates of appointments in a diary Emergency’ (ICE) number on your phone. You could install a key safe at home, service and thinks its great.’ or calendar (keep somewhere visible). Then if something happens to you, accessible by a code, as this makes a r r r response even quicker. Lifeline does sell You should let your emergency contacts ambulance, police or hospital staff can find out quickly who to contact. and install key safes if you are interested. Mrs R thought the Raizer chair was know where to find the information and ‘marvellous’ keep their contacts handy so that you or You store the word ICE in your mobile’s The Mobile Service costs £5.77 per week someone else can get in touch with them. address book with the number of the which includes Assisted Lifting after r r r someone has had a fall. Check the details regularly to make sure person you’d like contacted, for example Mrs A said: ‘Thank you for helping my they are up to date. your back-up carer. If you have more than mom when she fell and to your officer and one you can list them as ICE1, ICE2, etc. Bournemouth and Poole Councils offer a (Cont’d from facing page) the wonderful chair.’ free-to-join emergency back-up scheme If your phone has a lock with a password, r r r under which you will be able to contact an you can put ICE information on your Carer’s Allowance and emergencies emergency call centre 24 hours a day, 365 phone’s ‘lock screen’. Consult your You can still get Carer’s Allowance if you Mrs S said: ‘Please also pass on our days a year. For more information and to phone instruction manual or go to the ICE temporarily stop caring for someone. heartfelt thanks to your staff for all join call 01202 458204. website (see below). (Cont’d on facing page) the many times they rescued dad If you can’t provide care because you’re ill EMERGENCY PLAN: www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/carers-emergency-plan from his floor and for their skill and or in hospital, you can continue to receive professionalism at all times. It was LIONS: www.lions105sw.org.uk/district-projects/message-in-a-bottle/ the allowance for up to 12 weeks. KEYSAFE: www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/keysafe-provider-directory hugely appreciated both by dad and the ICE: www.incaseofemergency.org/wallpaper/ rest of our family’ 10 11 News for young carers News for young carers Poole Young Carers Dorset Young Carers have been very busy throughout In August, Poole Young Carers of all ages congregated at Merley House to spring and summer. We have celebrate the hard work they do every day, and the support they receive from the been able to take the young Poole Young Carers Service. carers on some fantastic Activities included making bath bombs and soaps with Lush, crafting on the trips. Honeypot Children’s Charity bus, scaling new heights on the climbing wall and Our older group had simply making the most of the outside space Merley House had to offer. the opportunity to see A feast of food and cake was enjoyed by all, and provided some much-needed the powerful, moving, energy for taking the day’s festivities into the early evening. educational and outstanding performance of War Horse The celebration was a perfect opportunity for young carers all of ages to come at the Mayflower Theatre together, spend time letting their hair down and do what they do best – being during the May half-term young people! holidays. had respite from their caring roles. Bournemouth Young Carers have One of the most popular events of the Our younger group enjoyed a day at the The Purbeck Youth and Community had some exciting activities and trips year is the annual National Young Carers MyTime Centre in Worth Matravers during Foundation took 18 Dorset young carers throughout the spring and summer. residential at Fairthorne Manor, now in its May half-term, where they had great fun and young adult carers to Perranporth making lanterns The Easter holidays got off to a good 19th year. for a four-day/ three-night stay to learn start with a great day out at Avon Heath The feedback from the 30 local young Sixteen young carers went to the Young how to surf and see an outdoor puppetry Country Park, where the young carers carers who attended was extremely Carers Festival weekend. performance at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. enjoyed a picnic followed by an afternoon positive and everyone had a wonderful A great weekend was had, where they all of games, all finished off with a much- time mixing with young people from all attended a silent disco, firework display, Dorset Young Carers would like to say a needed ice-cream. over the country. outdoor cinema and much more. huge ‘thank you’ to all the organisations who continue to support us and make A fantastic day at took In June we were able to send some of There was a lot of fun and laughter place where our young carers got to take our families on a well-deserved outing with these amazing young people who these trips possible. So, thank you to: part in a Ranger Session which involved to Paulton’s Park to celebrate Father’s Mytime for the activity days they offer going on a bug hunt and trying their hand Day. Thank you to Bournemouth Lions for (Cont’d from facing page) at pond-dipping. making this fun-filled day possible. Purbeck Youth and Community The trip to Ringos and the Alpine Foundation for the surfing trip A highlight of the holidays was an Easter The summer holidays were particularly Adventure Park was a huge hit while our Egg hunt at The Henry Brown Youth busy, with a varied programme for all our The Leonardo Trust for funding the older group spent a great day at Harbour Festival trip Centre – luckily the Easter Bunny had left young carers. Challenge and had a go at kayaking and lots for the young carers to find. We went bowling, spent an afternoon paddleboarding. A fantastic way to spend The Careline Appeal who funded the day During the May half-term a group got at Avon Heath, enjoyed a lovely day at a record-breaking summer! to Marwell Zoo and the trip to see War Horse creative and spent a day at the MyTime Hengistbury Head creating art work with On behalf of our young carers and their Centre on the . materials from the beach…. with one of families we would like to say a very big Friends of Dorset Young Carers who They made some very impressive our young carers even making a kite. thank you to all the organisations who continue to offer support on an individual dinosaur heads and lanterns. (Cont’d on facing page) continue to support us. basis and to larger groups. 12 13 Help and where you can find it Help and where you can find it Social services for carers are provided by the local authority where the cared-for person lives.: l Bournemouth Borough Council l The Borough of Poole l Dorset County Council (for the rest POOLE BOURNEMOUTH of the county). DORSET

Care Direct provides information to help Social Services Helpdesk for any DORSET support to carers is available people find the services they need: To find support for young carers call: enquiry about Social Services for an from several sources. adult: call 01202 454979 BOURNEMOUTH: If you, or the person you care for, call 01202 633902 minicom 01202 454874 Sarah Norris is already in contact with Adult and text relay 18001 01202 633902 email call 01202 456230, Community Services, you can speak to e-mail [email protected] email your social worker or care manager for [email protected]. [email protected] in person call at the office. Mon-Fri further information and advice. To make a comment or complaint Town Hall Annex, St Stephen’s POOLE: about Social Services: Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6EA. Each local office has a carers’ Maggie Harris caseworker who is there to support call 01202 261159 To make a comment or complaint about call 01202 261550, carers. e-mail Social Services: email If you are not receiving any support from [email protected] call 01202 458953 [email protected] Adult and Community Services, and are e-mail Children’s Social Services duty desk: DORSET not sure what to do next, contact: [email protected] call 01202 735046 call 01305 225677 The Adult Access Team, Dorset Direct, Children’s Services: email Poole on the web: 01305 221016, [email protected] Find information about any Borough of Multi-Agency Safeguarding team (MASH) email [email protected]. Poole Service at call 01202 458101 or write to: Adult Access Team, Dorset www.poole.gov.uk Bournemouth on the web: Direct, Dorset County Council, County Bournemouth and Poole Find out about any Bournemouth Borough Hall, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ. Carers’ Service Council service at To register as a carer go to To find out about support for carers of www.bournemouth.gov.uk www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/carers people living in Bournemouth and Poole

contact the Carers Centre: and Fridays between 10 and 12 at OUT OF OFFICE HOURS: St Ambrose Cottage, Alumhurst Road, This service provides emergency cover and access to essential Social Services when call 01202 458204 Westbourne, BH4 8ER. the daytime offices are closed. It covers Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset adults and e-mail Carers Support on the web: go to children and is open from 5pm to 9am Monday to Thursday, and from 4pm on Friday [email protected], www.CRISPweb.org to find local support to 9am Monday, as well as Bank Holidays. Drop in on Tuesdays between 2 and 4. and to join the Carers Information Service online. Call 01202 657279 14 15 Dr Forbes Watson (pictured) is a local Improving GP and Chair of NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group. access to He said: ‘We want people in Dorset to get the best healthcare they can, and with primary care this improved access we are confident that we are better able to offer the right PRIMARY care* appointments in Dorset care in the right place at the right time. are now available between 8am and ‘For example, if you work in Dorchester 8pm seven days a week, including bank and are registered with a practice in holidays. Weymouth, you may not be able to see a Appointments can be booked either by GP during working hours and may put off your local GP practice or by the 24/7 getting help. urgent care number 111. ‘Now you can contact the surgery and When you call 111 you will be assessed they could make an appointment at the by a member of the team. If you Weymouth Urgent Treatment need it, you may be offered a Centre in the evening. face-to-face appointment at a ‘By doing this you would be time and place that suits you. able to get the help you need Your practice can also make on the same day, avoiding you an appointment. This the potential of becoming may not be with your usual more ill or having to seek GP, but you will see the most help elsewhere. appropriate health professional ‘We hear a lot about NHS to suit your needs. This may be a services coming under increased local GP, nurse or advanced nurse pressure, so we are really pleased practitioner. we can offer this service to everyone in The additional appointments are part of Dorset. the Improving Access to General Practice ‘We hope that we can make a real Services (IAGPS) programme which will difference to people who need to access make primary care easier to access. care, along with helping to alleviate some It is anticipated that these changes of the pressure and demand that the will mean fewer people using services health system is experiencing.” inappropriately – for example attending For more information on what is available, their local emergency department speak to your local GP practice or visit (ED/A&E) when they could be treated www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk. more effectively elsewhere.

*Primary care services act as the ‘front door’ of the NHS and include general practice, community pharmacy, dental and optometry (eye health) services.

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