Health
The latest health news for Swanage and Purbeck, including coverage of Swanage Hospital, Swanage Medical Practice and advice from the NHS and Public Health Dorset.
New approach to healthcare across Purbeck announced Swanage, Wareham and the surrounding villages are to get a new integrated neighbourhood team to deliver healthcare across Purbeck in Dorset 
Top guest speaker invited to Swanage Hospital Friends meeting All are welcome to come along to the Friends of Swanage Hospital’s annual meeting to hear from the CEO of the NHS trust which runs the community hospital 
Look out for Swanage nurse on Purbeck Breezer bus! While medics have to be prepared for anything, a nurse who works across Swanage and Purbeck in Dorset was surprised to be the face on the back of a bus! 
Dorset’s first seaweed spa opens in Studland A new health experience is making waves on the beach at Studland, and it’s all thanks to an abundance of Purbeck’s overlooked superfood - seaweed. 
Out of hours service at Dorset hospital put patients at risk says coroner Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester has been urged to improve its out of hours services after a Wareham woman bled to death following a hip operation. 
Swanage community invited to support local hospitals Swanage Hospital and Wareham Hospital in Dorset are separately holding events and asking everyone to come along and show their support. 
Welcome home for Swanage teen after life changing US treatment Friends and family of Emily McDonald joyfully reunited with the 17 year old in Swanage, Dorset, after medical treatment in the US allowed her to walk again free from pain. 
New sanctuary garden officially opened in Swanage Designed as a quiet place to sit and reflect, a beautiful garden has been created in Swanage for cancer charity Cancare, made possible by a generous bequest from a local ... 
Under new ownership: Open day at Swanage’s Focus Centre Swanage Children’s Centre and Day Centre has got a new name and a new management team, with the aim of bringing more family and adult services back to the town. 
Campaign kicks off for second dementia nurse for Purbeck A £100,000 fundraising appeal has been launched to fund another Admiral nurse - a registered nurse who specialises in dementia - due to the increasing demand in Purbeck, Dorset. 
Hospice care charity forms partnership with Swanage Cricket Club A new opportunity for those with life limiting illnesses is being offered by the charity Lewis Manning Hospice Care at Swanage Cricket Club in Dorset. 
New home for Swanage food bank as churches rally to the rescue Swanage food bank is on the move after the surprise closure of the Salvation Army Church building. 
New focus for Swanage’s Children Centre and Day Centre The Chapel Lane community buildings in Swanage are now under new management and will be renamed the Focus Centre. 
Swanage family’s fund raising thank you for saving their baby’s life Swanage parents Rob and Alice Cattle are on a fund raising mission to thank those who helped as their baby daughter fought for her life. 
Sheila’s grand gesture to Swanage heroes who saved her life Swanage woman Sheila Walker has presented £1,000 to the medical heroes who saved her life after an everyday medicine sent her into anaphylactic shock. 
Celebs back appeal to raise funds for hospice care in Purbeck Well known personalities have recorded video messages to raise money for hospice support and bereavement services across Purbeck - WATCH VIDEOS. 
Fit for life as new outdoor gym opens in Studland An outdoor gym has opened in Studland to help locals stay fit and has already proved a huge success with villagers of all ages. 
Access to NHS dentistry in decay across Dorset Latest figures reveal there’s been a further decline in the number of adults in Dorset who got to see an NHS dentist and it’s having, “long term health and wellbeing ... 
Swanage man saves a life using a defib A local man is being recommended for an award after saving the life of a person who had a heart attack while staying at Ulwell Holiday Park in Swanage. 
Reduced hours at Swanage’s minor injuries unit to continue Dorset Healthcare Trust which runs Swanage Hospital has announced that the temporary reduced opening hours of the minor injuries unit over the summer, will now remain until the end of ... 
Health trust scraps another clinic for Purbeck residents Following the closure of the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset has now scrapped the rheumatology follow up clinic at Swanage Hospital with no warning. 
Candles on the Beach returns to Swanage to remember loved ones The magical sight of Swanage Beach lit up with candles to reflect, celebrate and remember loved ones is to return, organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. 
£70,000 fundraiser to free brave Swanage teen from extreme pain When sporty Swanage teenager Emily McDonald went into hospital to have her appendix out, it led to a living nightmare. 
Chemo clinic for Purbeck cancer patients to close Cancer patients living in Purbeck now face a longer journey to hospitals in Poole or Dorchester to receive treatment after the decision to close the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham Hospital. 
Nearest NHS dentist for new Swanage patients is now Portsmouth Swanage and Purbeck is close to becoming a dental desert as access to a NHS dentist continues to get harder and the travelling distance gets longer. 
Dorset health providers hold Swanage event about NHS changes An information event in Swanage is being held by all the NHS trusts in Dorset, ahead of the closure of Poole Hospital’s accident and emergency and the reorganisation of services ... 
Hours to be cut at Swanage Hospital’s minor injuries unit Dorset Healthcare, the trust that runs Swanage Hospital, has announced that the minor injuries unit will be open for less time over the summer. 
Food for thought as Swanage opens second mobile larder A second community larder has been set up in Swanage to tackle the dual issues of a war on food waste and the cost of living crisis. 
Call to help improve health services in Swanage during time of change A group of patients registered with Swanage Medical Practice, is calling for more people to join them to help change local health services for the better. Swanage minor injuries unit to close on bank holiday due to strike As a result of industrial action in England by the Royal College of Nursing, Swanage Hospital’s minor injuries unit is to temporarily close. 
Lulworth heart op hero Charlotte is raising £6,000 on the run Ultra runner Charlotte Clarke of Lulworth has set off on a 630 km run to raise money for Help for Heroes charity - despite heart surgery. 
Swanage and Wareham dementia charities expand across Purbeck Now offering support across Purbeck, two dementia friendly organisations have joined together to benefit the whole local area, 
First changing places toilet opens in Swanage The installation of a toilet for those who need extra equipment and space has been completed at North Beach car park in Swanage. 
Plans to revitalise Swanage day centre and children’s centre Swanage day centre and the children’s centre in Chapel Lane off the High Street, are to become a health and wellbeing hub for all ages. 
Better breathing clinics expand in Purbeck to meet ‘desperate need’ A new clinic to help those with breathlessness has been launched at Wareham Hospital by a hospice charity, following the success of its clinic at Swanage Hospital. 
Rugby club in Wareham gives community group new lease of life A Purbeck support group for people living with dementia and their carers has been given a new home - by a rugby club. 
New helipad for Dorset County Hospital As part of the redevelopment of the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, it's to get a new air ambulance landing pad, helped by a £2 million donation. 
Swanage gets share of grant for changing places toilet A toilet for those who need extra equipment and space to use the facilities safely and comfortably is to be installed at North Beach car park. 
Striking ambulance crews thank Swanage for ‘fantastic’ support A picket line at Swanage ambulance station was joined by local residents in support of the crews who are on strike in protest against low pay and poor working conditions. Swanage Hospital minor injuries unit to close due to nurses’ strike The health trust which runs Swanage Hospital has decided to close the minor injuries unit during the two days of industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing on Wednesday ... 
Purbeck ambulance staff go on strike over conditions and pay Ambulance staff from Purbeck say there's a constant shortage of staff, hours spent waiting at hospitals and dying people can be left without the care they need. 
Mobile larder launched in Swanage to combat cost of living crisis A new mobile pantry has launched in Swanage to help tackle the growing issue of food insecurity in the town. 
New parents urged to join Swanage study to beat ‘silent killer’ Mums and dads in Purbeck are being urged to enrol their young babies in a ground breaking study at Swanage Medical Practice. 
Hospice care charity expands its clinical team in Purbeck Two new members of staff have been recruited to the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care team to deliver services in Swanage and across Purbeck. 
Nurses across Dorset vote for strike action Royal College of Nursing members at all of the NHS trusts that cover Dorset have voted to strike in a dispute over pay. 
Thousand candles to light up Swanage Beach for loved ones A hospice care charity is organising a festival of lights on Swanage Beach to reflect, celebrate and remember everyone we love and care about. 
Meeting about future of Swanage Hospital and local healthcare Amidst a national crisis in the NHS, the Friends of Swanage Hospital is holding a meeting, open to all, about future local healthcare changes. 
New day hospice service to start in Purbeck Lewis Manning Hospice Care is beginning a new day hospice service for people in Swanage and across Purbeck with life-limiting illnesses. 
Friends of Swanage Hospital ‘appalled’ at weekend closure of minor injuries unit The friends group that supports and fundraises for Swanage Hospital says it’s “concerned and disappointed” that the MIU has been closed over the weekend. Swanage Hospital’s minor injuries unit to close over hot weekend Despite an expected surge in visitor numbers heading to Purbeck’s beaches, Swanage Hospital minor injuries unit is to temporarily close. 
Hospice services in Swanage to be funded by new charity shop A new era of bringing care into the homes of those with life-limiting illnesses in Swanage and across Purbeck, is being piloted by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. 
Community group concerned by increase of lonely people in Swanage A growing number of people in Swanage are suffering from loneliness with some not even having left their homes since the start of Covid according to a local group which ... 
Swanage resident pioneers new 5G care monitor A Swanage resident is one of just three people in Dorset who helped in a ground breaking trial of a new 5G monitoring system for vulnerable and disabled people. 
Rapid community response saves Swanage Ambulance Car! The power of a community, united behind the single cause of keeping the Swanage Ambulance Car in Purbeck, has been credited for the decision by NHS bosses to retain the ... 
Health bosses announce they will not withdraw Swanage Ambulance Car It’s just been confirmed that the Swanage Ambulance Car has been saved from being scrapped and will continue to serve Purbeck. 
Swanage’s missing defib turns up after three months! To the delight of the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership, the defib and trauma pack that went missing just before Christmas 2021, has now been returned. 
Wareham Hospital still has a future, confirms NHS bosses NHS Dorset Healthcare says it will continue to provide services for Purbeck residents at Wareham Hospital despite withdrawing from health hub plans 
Purbeck Health Hub scrapped as NHS pulls out of plans A new vision for the old Wareham Middle School site is being proposed after NHS Dorset Healthcare decided not to build new hospital facilities on the site. 
Legacy to Will becomes a reality as #Willdoes bus launches in Swanage An impressive fundraising drive by the founder of the charity #Willdoes in memory of her son, has provided for a mobile youth bus. Visitors to Swanage Hospital need to take lateral flow test New rules are being introduced for people visiting patients on the ward at Swanage Hospital, to help reduce the spread of Covid. 
More Covid cases now in Dorset than at any other time in pandemic Latest figures show that the number of people testing positive for Covid in Dorset, has hit its highest peak than at any other point of the pandemic. 
Heartfelt plea to return missing Swanage defibrillator Essential life saving equipment costing £1,000 has gone missing from outside the Swanage Sea Rowing Club near the pier. 
Bumper fundraising effort in Swanage to get #Willdoes bus on the road A launch date in early 2022 has been set for a mobile youth centre based in Swanage, thanks to youth charity #Willdoes. New clinic at Swanage Hospital to help with breathing difficulties A better breathing clinic has been launched at Swanage Hospital organised by a charity that provides care to patients facing life-limiting illness. 
New booking system for Covid booster jab rolled out in Purbeck To ensure more residents in Swanage and across Purbeck can get their Covid booster jabs at Wareham Hospital, a new text booking system is being introduced. 
Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage rated as ‘Good’ by regulator To the delight of the team at Gainsborough Care Home, it has moved from the grading ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ following a recent inspection. 
Dorset hospitals see sharp increase in Covid patients as cases rise Public Health Dorset is warning that the vaccine is not a magic protective cloak as Covid cases and hospitalisations substantially rise in Dorset. 
Campaign success as Swanage Hospital walk-in access restored Hailed as a victory for common sense, Friends of Swanage Hospital say that patients will now be allowed to turn up at Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit without an appointment. Latest on Swanage Ambulance Car In response to concerns from Swanage residents, a special committee is to be set up by Dorset Council to scrutinise proposals about the future of the ambulance car. 
NHS boss confirms end of walk-in access to Swanage Hospital MIU NHS Dorset Healthcare Trust says the 111 first approach to access minor injuries units is working extremely well but Dorset councillors are to scrutinise the decision. 
Million pound investment in Swanage Hospital unveiled to residents After years of planning and months of building work, a major refurbishment of Swanage Hospital including a new therapeutic garden for patients has been unveiled. 
Purbeck View School in Swanage graded as inadequate for social care The regulator, Ofsted, has told the management of the Purbeck View School in Swanage it must not admit any more students following its latest inspection, which found the social care ... 
Campaign launched to reinstate walk-in access to Swanage’s minor injuries unit The Friends of Swanage Hospital says it is horrified that the minor injuries unit is locking its doors to walk-in patients. 
Purbeck’s district nurses get on their e-bikes! Inspired by healthcare staff in Holland, district nurses in Purbeck have been turning to pedal power to get them to appointments in Swanage and the surrounding area. 
Covid vaccine rollout to 16 and 17 year olds starts in Purbeck Swanage Medical Practice, along with GP surgeries across Purbeck is sending out letters inviting young people to get a Covid jab at Wareham Hospital. 
Housing scheme plugs gap for adults in social care across Purbeck A year after being completed, the modular apartments in Wareham are being deemed a success, as residents become more independent. 
Get a jab on Swanage seafront as Covid cost is revealed in new figures A mobile vaccination clinic is heading to the beach so anyone may walk in and get a jab, as new statistics for Swanage are released. 
Swanage surgery staff face “rude” patients, angry at changes to service Staff at Swanage Medical Practice say they are facing rude and aggressive behaviour from some patients. 
Walk-in Covid jab clinics start at Wareham Hospital as case rate goes up As the number testing positive for Covid rises in Swanage, people can get the vaccine without an appointment at Wareham Hospital. 
Change of advice for Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit visitors Swanage Hospital has altered the sign outside the Minor Injuries Unit, so if a person turns up and requires immediate support, they will be assessed by its staff. NHS directive ends walk-in access to Swanage minor injuries unit Swanage Hospital, along with all the other minor injuries units in Dorset, is asking people not to turn up for treatment but to ring 111 and book an appointment first. 
Swanage care home closes after Covid crisis Following the death of 16 residents from Covid, Wordsworth House in Swanage has closed, after it was unable to financially recover. 
Deaths due to Covid drop sharply in Swanage for March Following February’s peak, the official ONS figures of deaths due to Covid-19, show that in Swanage and across Purbeck, the worst was over by March 2021. Swanage 40 to 49 year olds offered Covid jabs Swanage Medical Practice says it’s now sending out invites to its patients aged 40 to 49 years to get a Covid jab. 
Swanage Councillors pledge action to retain the Purbeck Paramedic Car In response to residents' concerns about the scrapping of the paramedic car, Swanage Town Council says it would like to meet with the South Western Ambulance Service Trust. Covid testing site to be set up in Swanage Residents will be able to get tested for Covid-19 in Swanage from this week, while asymptomatic testing is now operational in Wareham. 
Swanage care home residents vaccinated as visiting restrictions eased Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage says that 100 percent of its residents have now received their first Covid-19 vaccination and the home is currently Covid-free. 
Urgent appeal as pandemic impacts staffing at local hospitals Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust that runs both Swanage and Wareham Hospitals is making an urgent appeal for volunteers to help support its NHS staff. 
Crisis in Swanage care home as residents and staff get Covid Wordsworth House Care Home in Swanage is appealing for more qualified staff to come to their aid after 34 residents and 30 staff tested positive for coronavirus. 
First of the over 80s in Swanage get Covid vaccine Among the first to receive the Covid vaccine in Purbeck were husband and wife, 89 year old John and 86 year old Shirley Abbott, who live in Swanage. 
Christmas in full swing as Swanage playground is unwrapped Just in time for the festive holidays, Swanage Town Council has delivered a brand new play park, and re-named it The Chadwick Playground, after a local hero who saved the ... GPs in Purbeck get ready to roll out Covid vaccine The vaccination programme against Covid-19 starts to be delivered by GP practices across England this week, with Wareham Hospital expected to be Purbeck’s local hub. Temporary reprieve granted for Purbeck Paramedic Car The South Western Ambulance Service Trust has confirmed that it won’t scrap the Purbeck Paramedic Car without first consulting with local organisations and residents. 
First people in Dorset receive the Covid vaccine The rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 has started at Dorset County Hospital - one of the first hospitals in the world to do so. 
Dorset County Hospital to start world-first Covid vaccination programme As one of the 50 chosen hospital hubs in England, Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester will start to roll out the Pfzifer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination to Dorset residents. 
Sea swimmers warned to “respect the water” this winter Following the drowning of a man in Studland Bay and the sudden increased popularity of swimming in the sea this year, the RNLI is warning of the dangers of cold ... 
Swanage’s older residents invited to join in an Age UK coffee morning over Zoom Zoom may not be everyone’s cup of tea but Age UK for North, West and South Dorset are trialling virtual coffee mornings to keep everyone in touch over lockdown. 
Hospital NHS trusts confirm merger to “disappointment” of Swanage campaigners Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are to merge, meaning that A&E will be able to move from Poole to Bournemouth. 
Dorset County Hospital gets multi million cash injection Dorset County Hospital has announced that it has secured £62.5 million of government funding to expand its A&E and its intensive care unit. 
Latest COVID-19 death data for Purbeck released As a COVID Health Protection Board is created for Dorset to tackle any new coronavirus flare ups, the ONS issues new stats. 
Bournemouth Hospital redevelopment gets planning approval Building plans at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, as part of the proposals to remove A&E and maternity services from Poole Hospital, have got the go ahead. 
Dorset County Hospital treating second confirmed coronavirus case in Dorset Council area As the Swanage community prepares to face the challenge of coronavirus, a second case has been confirmed in the Dorset Council area. 
First case of coronavirus confirmed in Dorset Council area It's been officially confirmed that a resident in the Dorset Council area has tested positive for coronavirus.