Spring Newsletter 2026

Recently a text pinged up from my own GP practice reminding me that I would now benefit from medication to reduce my risk of heart disease and stroke by improving my Cholesterol. I was so pleased! During my career the increase in Preventative Healthcare by GPs has been huge and has made it noticeably rarer to see patients with strokes and heart attacks. My own maternal Grandmother died before I was born, from a stroke that would almost certainly have been prevented through our modern advice around smoking and our routine treatment of high blood pressure and Lipids.

At Easter this year I will be retiring after a very happy 25 years as a Partner at Hadleigh Lodge in Corfe Mullen. It seems no time at all since a smiling Dr Howard first showed me around. I immediately loved the magical combination of friendly positive staff in a bright cheerful building and have cherished my time here. My amazing colleagues in all their many roles throughout both the Hadleigh practices have made working life so enjoyable. 

What I did not appreciate when I started at Hadleigh Lodge was how kind and friendly my patients would be and what a joy it would be to get to know them and their families over the years. It has been an absolute privilege to serve this lovely community for so long.

Throughout this time, I have received many grateful words from patients which have meant the world to me. Some of my favourites were those overheard from a little toddler as he left my room with his Mum many years ago – he said, “Her made me better!”  That sentence made all the hard work worthwhile and has always stayed with me.

Becoming a new Granny in recent months has been overwhelmingly special and made me feel incredibly lucky. I’m really looking forward to having more time to spend with my family and friends around the country and across the world! 

With my new Statin tablets, my aqua aerobics and sunny beach walks, I’m determined to stay as fit and healthy as I can and encourage everyone to do the same.  

Lipid Lowering Medication

As well as the gold standard Statins recommended by NICE there are also some milder lipid - lowering medications which our pharmacists or other medical staff are happy to discuss. The British Heart Foundation Website has plenty of information, including decision making advice for when that Spring health text or email arrives in the inbox!

Practice updates

Our lead nurse, Jo, retired in August last year, whilst we miss her, we have Teresa that has joined us, she is settling in brilliantly.

We have welcomed new Nurse Practitioner, Tracey and a Prescribing Paramedic, Amy.

Published: Mar 5, 2026