When you book an appointment at your local GP surgery, you’re supported by a whole team of health professionals - not just the GP.
At Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN), our practices work together so you can get the right care from the right person, as quickly as possible.

What is a Primary Care Network?

A Primary Care Network is a group of local GP practices working in partnership to share staff and specialist services.
In Mid Dorset, this means we can offer a wider range of expertise close to home and make the best use of everyone’s skills.

Why this matters for you

• You can see the most appropriate professional for your needs.
• It can help you get an appointment sooner.
• You benefit from specialist knowledge for specific health issues such as joint pain, respiratory conditions, or long-term conditions.
• Our team works closely together, so your care is joined-up and well-coordinated.
• Our goal is to catch potential health issues early and provide support for any physical, mental or social challenges you might be facing.

Get to know your team

Here are some of the people you may meet when you contact your practice:

• Reception & Care Navigation Team – The friendly voices who guide you to the right person for your needs. Your information is always confidential.
• GPs (General Practitioners) – Look after complex or ongoing health conditions and lead treatment plans.
• Practice Nurses – Provide health checks, vaccinations, cervical screening, wound care and support for long-term conditions.
• Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) – Carry out blood tests, blood pressure checks, ECGs and other routine monitoring.
• Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians – Experts in medicines who review prescriptions, check for side-effects and support long-term condition management.
• First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) – Specialise in muscle, bone and joint problems and can often be booked directly.
• Paramedics – Support urgent home visits and some acute conditions.
• Mental Health Practitioners – Offer support for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns.
• Frailty Team – Provide specialist support for care homes, helping to keep residents healthy, safe, and supported.
• Health & Wellbeing Clinic – A full holistic review of your physical, mental, and social health. We aim to catch any potential issues early and provide support for challenges you may be facing.
• Respiratory Specialist Service – Provides expert care for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
• Social Prescribers – Help with non-medical support such as local activities, advice services, or groups to reduce isolation.

How to make the most of your GP practice

• When you call, share a brief reason for your appointment – it helps teams book you with the right professional first time.
• Use the NHS App or online services (where available) to request repeat prescriptions, check test results or book routine appointments.
• Ask us if you’re unsure – reception and navigation team are here to help.

Keep an eye on our socials

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting some of the amazing members of our Mid Dorset PCN team on our social media channels.
Follow us to meet the people behind your care, learn more about what they do, and see tips for getting the most from your local GP practice.

We’re here for you

By working as a team across Mid Dorset PCN, we aim to give you faster access to the right care, make the best use of our clinicians’ skills, and keep your care local, joined-up and personal.

For more information about Mid Dorset PCN and the services we offer, visit:
Homepage - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

To learn more about tthe roles in general practice watch this short video - General practice roles - Stay Well