Choose the right treatment in Dorset

Get the right treatment for your symptoms.
Choose the right NHS service.
Choose well.

Attending the emergency department (A&E) and dialling 999 should be for emergencies only. Locally, there are a number of other places to go to get advice, support and treatment.

Please make sure you go to the right place for your symptoms - last year over 50% of people who went to the emergency department could have been treated elsewhere and did not need emergency treatment.

Use the information on this page to find out where you can go for the effective treatment of your symptoms.

Choose self care

Many common illnesses or injuries can be treated at home. If you
do become ill, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Stock your medicine cabinet with :

• paracetamol
• ibuprofen
• anti-diarrhoeal medicine
• rehydration mixture
• indigestion remedy
• cold and flu remedies
• first-aid kit with bandages, plasters, antiseptic wipes, eye wash, medical tape and a thermometer.

Choose NHS Direct

For absolutely any questions about health. NHS Direct can help you if you are unsure where to go for treatment and can give confidential advice 24 hours a day.

Contact them on 0845 46 47 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

NHS Direct can help you:

• check symptoms with an advisor by phone or online
• get phone numbers, addresses and opening times of GPs, hospitals and walk-in centres
• get advice on what to do next

Choose a pharmacist

For common colds, sickly stomachs and everything in between. The pharmacist is a qualified expert in medicines. Your local pharmacy can treat many illnesses and minor injuries without you going to your GP.

Visit www.nhs.uk or simply text 'pharmacy' to 64746 and receive three free texts with details of your nearest pharmacy.

Your local pharmacy can help you with:

• dispensing prescriptions
• treatment of minor ailments
• provide health and lifestyle advice - including skin care, healthy diet, sexual health
• emergency contraception
• stop smoking advice
• review of medicines use

A pharmacy near you will operate late opening hours.

Choose a GP

Your GP can help you with a variety of illnesses and injuries which aren’t life threatening. 

Visit your GP for:

• treatment for health problems and concerns (non emergency)
• vaccinations and immunisations
• prescribing medicines
• health checks
• lifestyle advice - stop smoking, healthy diet, sensible drinking
• support for long-term conditions including diabetes and coronary heart disease. 

GPs offer a variety of extended opening hours. Contact your GP practice to find out more.

To find a GP visit www.nhs.uk or for out-of-hours GP on 0845 600 1013.

Choose a walk-in centre

Weymouth Community Health Centre accepts all patients. Your GP may refer you or you can simply go along. No appointments are needed. 

The centre is located at:

Melcombe Avenue
Weymouth Community Hospital
Melcombe Avenue
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 7TB

Open 8.00am – 8.00pm

You will be seen by an experienced nurse or the GP. 

Choose a Minor Injuries Unit

If you have a minor injury or ailment, you can seek the help of the highly-trained staff at the MIU (Minor Injury Unit).

These are located at the following community hospitals:

• Blandford
• Bridport
• Portland
• Shaftesbury (Westminster Memorial)
• Sherborne (The Yeatman)
• Swanage
• Wimborne (Victoria Hospital)
• Weymouth and
  Lyme Regis Medical Centre

For further information please visit the hospitals page under local services.

 

Choose A&E or 999

The emergency department (ED) is for life-threatening illnesses and injuries only. There are lots of NHS services which can help you get better quickly if you become ill or injured without visiting the emergency department (ED). 

In a real emergency don’t delay, call 999 or visit the emergency department (ED) at either Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole hospital or Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester.