With one of the busiest weekends of the year approaching and Dorset affected by planned industrial action, local health and care partners are asking people to familiarise themselves with local services and consider which is the most appropriate should they need help.

Keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies

No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during busy periods or industrial action and people with serious, life-threatening conditions should continue to call 999 or attend their nearest A&E (Emergency Department).

Please keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for other urgent care needs

Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for other urgent care needs. If you are contacting 111, please give as much information as you can, as that will help you get the right support and advice.

If face-to-face support is needed, an appointment may be booked at a local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). While you can simply turn up at an MIU or UTC, you may be offered an appointment later that day (or the next) or signposted elsewhere, depending on your needs.

Contact your GP practice for non-urgent care

For non-urgent care services please contact your GP practice to make an appointment.

Many common ailments or complaints can better be dealt with by another member of the practice team so you may not have to speak to a doctor; this also helps manage demand and free up appointments for people who may need them more.

Mental Health support

If you need mental health support call Connection on 0800 652 0190. The Connection service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit your local pharmacy

Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments. Over the long weekend, opening times may vary so check online before travelling.

Find a pharmacy near you.

Think home not hospital

If you, a family member, or friend are being admitted to hospital, start to think about what will happen when you leave.

Please think ahead of any changes that could be made at home or any family and friends who might help to get you or your relative home as soon as possible.

Due to the extreme demands that hospitals continue to face, people may be asked to transfer to an alternative care setting out of hospital after their treatment, to start their recovery.

This is necessary so that space can be made available for the next person who needs hospital treatment.

For more information on which service to use when please visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk.