Please note that GP practices in Mid Dorset are not yet set up to provide the new NHS weight management medication, Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®), which is due to become available nationally from 23 June 2025.

While around 1,000 people in Dorset are expected to meet the national eligibility criteria for this treatment, local access will not begin until autumn 2025.

What’s Happening Locally?

NHS Dorset is currently working to commission a new community-based weight management service during the summer. This service is expected to launch later in 2025 and will provide access to Tirzepatide through a dedicated referral pathway – not directly through GP practices.

We kindly ask that you do not contact your GP about this medication at this time, as we are currently unable to offer advice, prescriptions, or referrals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible under the national NHS guidelines, individuals must:

• Have a BMI of 40 kg/m² or more, or 37.5 kg/m² or more for people from minority ethnic backgrounds
  and

• Have at least four of the following long-term conditions:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Dyslipidaemia

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea

This guidance comes from NHS England’s interim commissioning framework (based on NICE TA1026).

What to Expect

The upcoming local service is being designed to reflect public feedback, focusing on:

• Choice – both face-to-face and online options

• Accessibility – easy to access and inclusive support

• Equity – addressing health inequalities

• Integration – linking with behavioural and lifestyle support already in place in Dorset

Until the new service launches, existing weight management support remains available via LiveWell Dorset.

We will share more information as soon as the service is ready.

For more information please visit: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – NHS Dorset

From 1 July 2025, the cervical screening programme in England is changing. Thanks to improvements in testing, most people aged 25 to 49 will now be invited for screening every 5 years, instead of every 3 – if they are low risk.

What’s Changing?

• If your screening result shows no high-risk HPV, you’ll now be invited every 5 years.

• If you have or recently had HPV, you’ll be invited more often based on your risk.

• This new approach is more personalised, helping to prevent more cancers while reducing unnecessary appointments.

How Will You Be Invited?

From June 2025, invitations will be sent through the NHS App. Make sure your app is installed and notifications are turned on.
If you don’t have the NHS App, you’ll still receive an invite by SMS or letter.

What Is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin sexual contact. It usually clears on its own, but certain high-risk types can cause cancer. Screening helps detect it early.

Vaccination Helps – But Screening Still Matters

The HPV vaccine is offered to boys and girls aged 12–13. It’s safe and effective, but doesn’t protect against all strains – so cervical screening is still important, especially for those not vaccinated.

Why the Change?

We now use HPV primary testing, which is more accurate than older methods. If you’re HPV negative, research shows it’s safe to screen every five years without increasing cancer risk.

These changes start 1 July 2025. Invitations begin via the NHS App from June.
Please attend when invited – cervical screening saves lives.

For more information visit - Cervical screening moving to every five years in England  - The Eve Appeal

Lung Cancer Screening is a new service in Dorset that will be offered to those aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers. Following an initial telephone conversation with a health professional, anyone who has a higher chance of developing a lung condition, including lung cancer, will be offered a low dose CT scan of their lungs.

You will be invited for a Lung Cancer Screening assessment even if you feel fit and healthy and currently have no lung problems, or if you currently have a lung condition.

Lung Cancer Screening assessments are a really important check-up of the overall health of your lungs and can spot any early signs of lung problems, often before you notice anything is wrong. This means that, if lung cancer, or another problem with your breathing or lungs is found at an early stage, treatment could be simpler and more successful.

The Dorset Lung Cancer Screening is being run by specially trained nurses from Dorset County Hospital. All assessments are offered as telephone assessments for patient ease. 

The nurse will ask you some questions about your breathing, overall lung health past medical history, family history and lifestyle. They will also ask for your height and weight to calculate your BMI.

The nurse may also talk to you about having a lung scan. If you are invited to a lung scan, you will be asked to travel to the appointment which will be provided from either University Hospitals Dorset (Poole) or Weymouth Hospital.

You will be contacted with the results of the CT scan via letter or telephone call.  A copy of your results letter will also be sent to your GP.

For more information, please visit https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/service/lung-health-check

A new community support space for unpaid carers is launching in Dorchester on Wednesday 9th July 2025. The Dorchester Carers Nook, hosted at Dorchester Connect Day Centre, invites carers to drop in between 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm — no booking required.

The launch event will offer refreshments, informal activities, and information stands from local health and care organisations. While there won’t be pre-booked sessions for those being cared for on the day, the event is a chance to meet the team, explore the space, and find out how the Carers Nook can support carers moving forward.

A Space for Connection, Support, and Respite

The Carers Nook is a new initiative designed with carers, for carers, and aims to offer a friendly, practical, and understanding environment. Whether you’re looking for advice, peer support, or simply a chance to take a breather over a cuppa, this new hub provides space to connect, recharge, and access trusted local services.

With support from Mid Dorset Primary Care Network, Age UK, Dorset Council, Carers Support Dorset, and Dorchester Day Centre, the project brings together expertise and compassion to serve local carers in one dedicated place.

Monthly Drop-Ins with Tailored Support

Following the launch, the Carers Nook will run every second Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm. Each session will include:

• Carer Café – A relaxed space to meet others and share experiences.

• Activities for the Cared-For Person – Supervised, engaging sessions (booking required).

• Information and Advice Stalls – Access guidance from local charities and health services.

• On-Hand Support – Provided by social prescribers and long-term condition coordinators.

The monthly sessions will each focus on a different theme, helping carers access the right support and information for their circumstances.

To find out more about this service visit: Dorchester Carers Nook - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network