New video shows who’s who at your GP surgery

A new video and social media campaign has launched across Dorset to help people understand who they can see at their GP surgery, and how to get the right care more quickly.

The short film, created by the Dorset General Practice Alliance, shows how local surgeries now include a wider team of health professionals, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics, and social prescribers, who are all working together to support patients.

The campaign follows feedback from more than 2,400 people who took part in the Alliance Self-Care Survey. People said they wanted clearer information about how to get help and who to speak to.

Dr Ben Sharland, GP and Deputy Chair of the Alliance, who is in the video said: “A GP surgery is no longer just about seeing a doctor. It’s about seeing the right person for your health concern. We want to help people stay well and keep their families well too.”

Laura Adams, a clinical pharmacist working in Bournemouth GP practices, features in the campaign video and shares the story of a patient who had been getting frequent urine infections.

“After looking closely and chatting with her, we found she no longer needed many of the tablets she was on. We were able to stop them straight away. That helped stop the infections and really improved her life.

“If you’re not sure your medicines are working for you, ask your practice about a medication review with a clinical pharmacist.”

This message is especially timely, as the campaign is being shared around World Pharmacist Day (25 September), a chance to recognise the important role pharmacists play in healthcare, including in GP surgeries.

The main campaign video is presented by Ian Gall, Patient and Public Lead at the Alliance, and features real staff from GP surgeries across rural Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. It highlights how different professionals, including digital coordinators, pharmacists and physiotherapists work alongside GPs, as part of the same team.

Ian said: “This is better for patients. You’re more likely to get the right help, more quickly.”

This way of working means GPs can focus on people with more complex health needs, while other experts in the team support with specific concerns, such as joint pain, mental wellbeing, long-term conditions, or social issues like housing and money worries.

The campaign also points people to your surgery’s online forms and the Our Dorset Health App Library. 

Mark Winterburn, Digital and Transformation Lead with Weymouth and Portland GP surgeries, said: “Trusted health apps can help you look after your health at home, and booking appointments online helps keep phone lines clear so others can get through.”

The campaign aims to help people feel confident using the wider team and to reassure them that whoever they see, they will receive safe, personal care.

To learn more about who works at your GP surgery, visit: General practice – Stay Well Dorset