Connect
Work together and share best practice
Learn
Access training, resources and development
Grow
Build confidence, skills and leadership
Impact
Improve outcome for patients and our communities
Our GPN Community of Practice brings together General Practice Nurses across Dorset to connect, learn, and grow together, improving care for our patients and strengthening our profession.
Our GPN Community
We are passionate about supporting GPNs in their vital role across primary care. Through our Community of Practice, we provide opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and influence positive change.
What we offer
- Regular educational sessions and workshops
- Peer support and mentorship opportunities
- Updates on clinical guidance and best practice
- Resources and tools to support your role
- A voice to shape services for the future
Latest news for our nurse community
- The Lopez Lowdown – Dorset Community of Practice Update October 2026
- Invitation to Participate in Research: The Future Role of General Practice Nurses
- General Practice Nurses – Dorset Community of Practice Update September 2026
Latest training opportunities for general practice nurses
Events
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Oliver McGowan Tier 2
Bournemouth Life Centre 713 Wimborne Road,, Dorset, Dorset, United KingdomAll day in person training, delivered by https://www.peoplefirstforum.co.uk/ Tier 2 The one-day in-person training consists of two essential components: Morning
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ECG Interpretation Workshop
Provider: Bournemouth University Course Leader: Enrico Sgro This course is suitable for: This course is designed for registered healthcare professionals
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Oliver McGowan Tier 2
Cobham Sports & Social Club Merley Park Road, Ashington, Dorset, Dorset, United KingdomAll day in person training, delivered by https://www.peoplefirstforum.co.uk/ Tier 2 The one-day in-person training consists of two essential components: Morning
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Discover the new community-based approach to leg care in Dorset – Neighbourhood Connections Webinar
The Neighbourhood Connections webinar is your monthly update for all things Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing in Dorset. In this edition,
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Polypharmacy Action Learning Set (ALS) – Places Available
Places are available on upcoming Polypharmacy Action Learning Set (ALS) cohorts for GPs and other primary care prescribers with at
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ECG Interpretation Workshop
Provider: Bournemouth University Course Leader: Enrico Sgro This course is suitable for: This course is designed for registered healthcare professionals
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Refreshing Your Leadership Backpack Coaching Workshop – For Non GP Clinicians
Virtual EventCoachingSpeaker: Dr Patrick Seal This workshop will explore your challenges, skills, behaviours, opportunities and self care as you lead
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Paediatric Presenting Conditions in Urgent and Primary Care
Provider: Bournemouth University Course Leader: Alex Hull This course is suitable for: This training is aimed at anyone with a non-medical
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Motivational Interviewing
Virtual EventDo you feel confident in having wider health conversations? What if there is resistance? How do you broach behaviour change
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Oliver McGowan Tier 2
The Dorford Centre Bridport Road, Dorset, Dorset, United KingdomAll day in person training, delivered by https://www.peoplefirstforum.co.uk/ Tier 2 The one-day in-person training consists of two essential components: Morning
Free -
Introduction to Vaccinations and Immunisations
OnlineProvider: Wessex Local Medical Committees Speaker/Trainer: Mrs Cherry Brennan This course is suitable for: This training is aimed at Practice
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Oliver McGowan Tier 2
Bournemouth Life Centre 713 Wimborne Road,, Dorset, Dorset, United KingdomAll day in person training, delivered by https://www.peoplefirstforum.co.uk/ Tier 2 The one-day in-person training consists of two essential components: Morning
Free
Webinars and resources
Webinars
Catch up on previous sessions and learn at your own pace. Webinar recordings from our General Practice Nurse Community will be available on our General Practice Sharepoint intranet pages soon.
Resources
Access presentations, guidance, tools and other useful materials to support your role.
Useful links
Primary Care & General Practice Nursing Career & Core Capabilities Framework
General Practice Nursing (GPN) teams are a key component of the general practice and primary care workforce. Every member of the nursing team has a vital role in delivering care and treatment across the life course.
Read more on the Skills for Health website: General practice nursing capabilities framework | Skills for Health
The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing – Faculty of General Practice Nursing
The QICN Faculty of General Practice Nursing was established in 2025. The new Faculty will bring together the QICN’s existing work to support General Practice Nurses (GPNs), including the national standards of education and practice for General Practice Nursing, and the General Practice Nurse Network.
Read more on the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing website: Faculty of General Practice Nursing – The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing
Meet the GPN team
Name: Cheryl O’Sullivan
Job Title: ANP (LTC) / GPN workforce fellow
Years with NHS: 35 years
Favourite part of my job: Working together to ensure General Practice Nursing
remains at the heart of General Practice. Championing our voice and the important
role we play not only in Primary Care but our value across the System. Ensuring we
have the skills and competencies to deliver the highest quality patient care but to
also flourish in our roles.
Hidden talent: Trained chef
Coffee order: Tea (lots!)
Weekend you’ll find me: Park Run!
Name: Nikki Lopez
Job title; GPN fellow, (Nurse Manager for SCMG and Respiratory Nurse Specialist.)
Years with the NHS; Too long !
Favourite part of my job: Representing and empowering Dorset’s General Practice Nursing workforce by fostering connection, enhancing local support, and influencing national recognition for GPNs.
Hidden talent:
Coffee order: Cappuccino
Weekend you’ll find me: Kayaking on the Stour or with my family in the forest.
One word my team would use to describe me: Empowering ( I hope ! )
Dream holiday: Costa Rico
Job title; Professional Nurse Lead for DGPA and PCTH (Also, Nurse Manager for The Adam Practice and Wessex LMC Nurse Advisor)
Years with the NHS; 36 years
Favourite part of my job: Championing the voice of the Dorset General Practice Nursing workforce at a strategic level, influencing policy, driving innovation, and advocating for the needs of patients, communities, and the profession.
Hidden talent: Nutrition coach (in training)
Coffee order: A good cup of English Tea or homemade kombucha
Weekend you’ll find me: With my dogs and family hiking the hills of Dorset or on a campsite somewhere in the UK
One word my team would use to describe me: Compassionate
Dream holiday: Anywhere I can explore different culture and experiences.
Get in touch
Stay Connected.
Join our mailing list to receive the latest GPN news, events and resources.
Together we can connect, learn, lead and continue to raise the profile of General Practice Nursing across Dorset.
Working together to support primary care and improve health outcomes across Dorset.