The NHS and patients are facing further disruption as three more days of historic joint walkouts by junior doctors and consultants are set to continue 2, 3 and 4 October 2023.

In Dorset, the NHS is asking the you to play your part by taking some simple steps to stay well and stay safe.

You can help by taking some simple measures to keep yourself and others safe during this period by finding out when local services are open, knowing where to get urgent care if it is needed, stock up your medicine cabinet and by checking in on your loved ones, vulnerable friends and family members and neighbours.

Appointments

Whilst hospital and community NHS services in Dorset will be making sure they have adequate staffing levels on these dates, regrettably some appointments and surgeries may be postponed maintaining the safety of patients.

Any patients affected will be contacted directly.

Please assume your appointment is going ahead unless you are told otherwise. Please check your voicemail before attending your appointment, as we may leave a message if we are unable to reach you.

Help us continue to provide care for those who need it most by using the right services at the right time:

  • Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches, and many other ailments find a pharmacy near you.
  • Use NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs.
  • Contact your GP (General Practice) practice for non-urgent care.
  • 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.
  • Keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Patient discharge

Staying in hospital for longer than needed has a negative impact on how well patients recover. Most patients will continue to recover at home once they leave hospital. In fact, many patients need to leave hospital to be able to complete their recovery fully.

Help us get patients who are ready for discharge home, so our hospital beds are available for people who need them most urgently. Please speak to the ward team if you need more information and respond quickly to any calls from us about your relative leaving hospital.