Who we are and what we do

NHS Dorset is the name by which Dorset Primary Care Trust (PCT) is generally known.

The Trust is responsible for the health of people in Dorset (excluding Bournemouth and Poole) and ensuring they can access high-quality health services when they need them.

We do this by commissioning health services on their behalf. These include primary care services (from GPs, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists) hospital services and public health services.

We are also responsible for commissioning a wide range of community services from a number of provider organisations including Dorset Community Health Services (DCHS).

These include health visiting, district nursing, intermediate care, school nursing and mental health services.

DCHS also provides specialist community services, for example for people with drug or alcohol problems.