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Important Update: Changes to the Cervical Screening Programme

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England is changing, and we’d like to keep our patients informed about what to expect.

What’s changing?
From July 2025, the programme will adopt a more advanced approach known as HPV Primary Screening. This means:

  • Cervical screening samples will be tested first for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

  • If high-risk HPV is not found, no further testing is needed, and the patient will be invited again in 5 years, even if they are under 50.

  • If high-risk HPV is detected, the sample will then be checked for abnormal cells, and further monitoring or treatment will be arranged if needed.

Changes to how often you’ll be invited for screening:

  • All eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 will continue to be invited.

  • Under the new approach, if your screening result is HPV negative:

    • You will be invited every 5 years, regardless of your age (previously, it was every 3 years for those aged 25–49).

    • If HPV is detected, screening intervals and follow-up will depend on the results and clinical advice.

Why the change?
HPV testing is more effective at identifying those at risk of cervical cancer. This means fewer people will need to be screened as often, and those who do need further care can be identified and supported sooner.

What stays the same?

  • You will still receive a screening invitation when you're due.

  • The test procedure at your appointment remains the same.

  • Screening continues to be one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer.

If you have any questions or would like to book your screening, please contact the surgery.
Your screening could save your life – please don’t delay if you're invited.

For further information, please visit: Cervical screening - The Eve Appeal


Published on 3rd Jul 2025

New Weight Management Medication – Not Yet Available from Your GP

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


Published on 2nd Jul 2025

Changes to Medication Ordering Times

🏥 Important Notice

Changes to Medication Ordering Times

Due to increased demand on our dispensary, we are asking all patients to order their medication further in advance.
This allows us enough time to safely and accurately prepare your prescriptions.

⏱️ Minimum Notice Required: 3 Clear Working Days

  • This does NOT include:
    ❌ The day you place your order
    ❌ The day you collect your medication
    ❌ Weekends

📅 Example:
If you order on a Monday, your medication will be ready for collection on Friday.

✅ To Avoid Delays:

We strongly recommend ordering your medication at least 7 days before you run out,
whether ordering online or handing in your repeat prescription slip.

🙏 Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
— Your Dispensary Team


Published on 27th Jun 2025

Page last reviewed: 03 July 2025
Page created: 02 September 2024