Dorset is one of a number of areas affected by planned industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) between 8pm 30 April and midnight on 1 May.

Hospital and community NHS services will be making sure they have adequate staffing levels to keep patients safe and our priority is to deliver effective care to people. 

Regrettably, this means some appointments and surgeries may be postponed in order to maintain people’s safety. 

Anyone affected will be contacted directly. 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: 

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

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 life-threatening emergencies. 

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

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. 

Contact your GP practice for non-urgent care 

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

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 bank holiday opening times may vary so please check before travelling. 

Find a pharmacy near you. 

Patient discharge 

Staying in hospital for longer than necessary 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.