NHS Dorset are asking the public to think carefully about the services they use as the local health and care system faces significant pressures due to increased demand as well as planned strike activity.

Dorset is one of a number of areas affected by industrial action and NHS services are working hard to keep people safe during the planned strike on 20 February 2023, while delivering the best care possible.

NHS Dorset’s Chief Operating Officer, Dean Spencer said:

“As a system we have been working together to minimise disruption, but it is inevitable there will be an impact on services.

“Regardless of strike action, no-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Departments.

“Our health and care services remain under significant pressure so I would urge people to help us by using the right service.”

Hospital and community NHS services will be making sure they have adequate staffing levels to keep patients safe.

Here is some key information about our services and how you can help us continue to provide care for those who need us most.

  • Attending appointments unless you have been contacted direct to reschedule
  • Keeping 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies
  • Going to NHS 111 online or by phone 111 for other urgent care needs
  • Contacting your GP practice for non-urgent care
  • Using your local pharmacy. Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments
  • Helping get patients who are ready for discharge home, so hospital beds are available for people who need them most urgently

NHS services are working hard to keep people safe during the planned strikes, while delivering the best care possible.

No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Departments.

However, please keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies, and use NHS 111 online or by phone 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.

For non-urgent care services please use your GP practice or contact your local pharmacy. Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments. Find a pharmacy near you.

Appointments

Local hospitals will be continuing to run as many of our services as possible during the industrial action on Monday 20 February.

Please attend your hospital appointment as planned unless you hear from us directly.

Any patients affected will be contacted by us. Please do check your voicemail before attending your appointment as we may leave a message if we are unable to reach you.

Patient discharge

Help us get patients who are ready for discharge home so our hospital beds are available for people who need them most urgently.

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.

Staying in hospital for longer than necessary has a negative impact on how well patients recover.

Please speak to the ward team if you need more information and respond quickly to any calls from us about your relative leaving hospital.