Alliance Bite Size No.9 May 2025
Welcome to the third Alliance Bite Size for 2025 - an update from the Dorset General Practice Alliance which aims to provide a brief overview to all our member practices on how the Alliance is continuing to progress and support you.
It’s been a challenging time for all of us lately, with the ongoing pressures facing the NHS and ICB. We know the strain is being felt across the system — from long hours and high workloads to the emotional toll of navigating such a difficult environment. We want to acknowledge how tough it’s been and reassure you that, as always, we are here to support you.
The Alliance will continue to represent your voice in general practice and have started the process of setting up our new Community Interest Company due to launch in the next few months. Check your emails for info on how practices can sign up.
Tell us what matters to you: Alliance Staff Wellbeing survey is open!
The Alliance Staff Wellbeing Survey 2025 is live and we need your voice. Tell us the good and the bad. Take 3 minutes to shape the support and training for you and your team.
Click here to complete the survey now open until 31 May 2025 | Open to: All Dorset general practice staff
Please can you share this survey with all your teams and encourage them to complete it.
Upcoming Membership Webinars via Microsoft Teams & events
Wednesday 21st May 1-2pm: Includes updates from the Vaccination Team with Covid and flu uptakes about how practices have increased uptake for pre school children as well as Dr Lisa Naylor Right to Choose ADHD guidance and Fiona Arnold and Richard Brown Oral Contraceptive and Pharmacy First.
Wednesday 18th June 1-2pm: Dr Sarah Kay Testicular Torsion and LFPSE system, and Ellie Pollock Dorset Specific Service Info on Perinatal Health, Pelvic Health and Active Dorset.
In person - Autumn Membership Event October 2025 (Date TBC)This autumn, our membership event will be focused on Nursing — a profession that continues to shape lives with compassion, skill, and resilience. We're excited to dedicate this event to celebrating, supporting, and learning from those in the nursing profession and led by Clare Mechen the Alliance Nursing Lead and key speakers Look out for the agenda and invite coming soon to your inbox!
Green General Practice
Following on from the launch of the Dorset General Practice Alliance ‘Green Practice Guide’ we are delighted to offer a very small number of practices the opportunity for a free Carbon Footprint Audit which includes a report on the steps your practice can take to become a ‘Green Practice’ by reducing your carbon emissions and waste and make savings too! To nominate your practice:
1. Describe in a brief paragraph what the benefits would be to your practice in terms of reducing carbon emissions.
2. Send your nomination to dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk no later than Wednesday 28 May 2025.
Training Opportunities
Following the success of the Dorset Women’s Health menopause Q&A webinars with Mr Tim Hillard (Consultant Gynaecologist) from UHD the Alliance is pleased to share that a new series is planned with different topics each time – more info to follow.
Open to all staff supporting women — in clinical or non-clinical roles — as well as women working in healthcare who want to better manage their own symptoms. Please share the invites with anyone in your team who would be interested in attending. Tuesday 17th June 1-2pm; Tuesday 1st July 1-2pm; Tuesday 23rd September 1-2pm.
Wellbeing Training for Staff - 26th June Dr Tamsin Betts Take a Break for GP Retainers
Vaccinations and Immunisations Training: -book online Imms Vaccs Update.pdf
Alliance in the News
We’ve been busy sharing key updates from general practice across Dorset.
Read our Alliance Annual Update that provides a great overview of all that we have collectively achieved together since July 2022!
Did you know 100% of practices in Dorset are now veteran friendly? Catch up on our latest news stories and campaigns via the Alliance Newsroom.
These have been being picked up by the local media, helping to raise more awareness about the great work in general practice across Dorset.
We’re also sharing highlights on LinkedIn and BlueSky so give us a follow, like, and share to help spread the word.
Got a story to share about an event or a new initiative? Email: dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Alliance Fellowship focus: Building even better practice support
Our Communications Officer Casey Jeffery is working on a year-long Fellowship focused on strengthening practice manager wellbeing through better communication and behavioural insight.
This work will align closely with NHS Dorset’s Employee Assistance Programme to ensure we’re improving the day-to-day experience of those who keep general practice running.
If you’re a practice or business manager in Dorset and would like to find out more, email the Alliance on the email address above.
For all meeting/event dates, please visit our website:
Please do get in touch with the Alliance if you need any further information by email dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or visit the website Dorset GP Alliance