Dorset NHS asks people to consider if they need medical help

NHS services in Dorset have pleaded with members of the public to use services “appropriately” over fears that busy bank holiday footfall will increase pressure on emergency services.

The county’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) say that while Covid-19 cases are beginning to level off, the virus is still having a “large impact on staffing levels” and say local emergency hospital departments continue to be under “extreme pressure”.

Dr Forbes Watson, GP and NHS Dorset CCG chair, said: “Please stop and think this weekend if you need medical help.

“The NHS and its partners are under continued pressure as demand remains incredibly high and at the same time Covid-19 continues to impact local services.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure services remain available to everyone in Dorset when they need them. By using them appropriately you can really support both us, and those people who need our help”.

The CCG provided seven ways people can support the health service:

1. Use NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. Our hospital emergency departments are under extreme pressure
2. Think NHS 111. If you have an urgent need that cannot wait until you can access your GP visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. We’ll do our very best to answer your call as quickly as possible though it may take a little longer due to the current demand. Please be patient and kind when you speak to our teams
3. Speak to your GP where you live if you are visiting Dorset
4. Get prepared. Contact your own pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues or to get your repeat prescriptions
5. Use Digital Health services as an on-demand alternative to in person services
6. Stay at home if you are unwell with Covid-19 or experiencing symptoms of any infectious illness
7. Only ever call 999 in a medical emergency – this is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk