Spring event brings AHPs together in Dorset

Written By Casey Jeffery

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) from across the county came together last week for the Dorset General Practice Alliance’s 2026 Spring Membership Event.

AHPs are increasingly important healthcare professionals working within GP surgeries, bringing multidisciplinary care to the front door of the NHS and other healthcare settings across the Dorset system. They include physiotherapists, paramedics, dietitians, podiatrists and many others.

Lee McFarland, Co-head of Region for Pure Physio said about the event:

‘’It was the best healthcare event I have been to, and you did an absolutely fantastic job!’’

At the event, AHPs of all levels of practice from students to ICB strategic leads had time to meet each other and share ideas. The agenda showed how wide-ranging AHP work is, including topics like patient safety, polypharmacy, neighbourhood health, women’s health, ageing well, and managing back pain without unnecessary scans.

The Alliance organised the event, to celebrate the important work AHPs do every day. Liz Hoskinson, Allied Health Professional Lead at the Alliance said:

“I truly believe that AHPs are integral in the change in the provision of healthcare. This event was to inspire each other and help create a network of AHPs across the county who can support each other.

“We felt incredibly lucky to have Professor Suzanne Rastrick join us as one of our speakers. Her presence meant a great deal to everyone in the room.”

Professor Suzanne Rastrick OBE CBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England shared on social media how energising she found the afternoon, thanking the Alliance for creating a space for learning and connection across the Dorset AHP community.

For more information about the event and the presentations, visit the dedicated AHP Spring Membership Event page.

If you are an AHP, don’t forget to join a growing network that is driving major shifts in care, from digital innovation to prevention and stronger community support.

To join the network mailing list email:

Casey Jeffery
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