A message from Public Health Dorset:
Changes to Dorset’s health services
NHS services in Dorset are gearing up for changes to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and deal with any upturn in patient numbers caused by the outbreak.
From now on, people won’t be able to turn up at a GP surgery, minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre without an appointment.
If you need GP services, please refer to your practice website for information on how to access
More information can be found here.
Stay home. Save lives.
We along with both councils, the three hospitals and other health care services in Dorset are asking everyone to stay at home and help save lives.
Our plea to you now is to only leave your home for the following reasons:
- to shop for basic necessities
- to pick up medicine or to provide care to those who need it
- to exercise once a day, alone or with members of your household
Only travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home. If you have to go out for any of these reasons always stay two metres apart. Do not meet others outside your household; even friends and family.
Support Dorset Together
Many of us have a network of family, friends, neighbours and community volunteers supporting us to get the food, medicines and essential household items that we need.
We’re proud to see our communities come together to help each other during this time and to see support groups launched across the Dorset Council area.
But there will be some vulnerable people who don’t have any support networks available to them.
To support these people specifically, we’ve set up a dedicated helpline: 01305 221000. Lines open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Or you can email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Find out how Dorset Council are helping residents.
Looking after yourself
The Five Ways Challenge Join more than 1,000 people taking steps to take care of their wellbeing together. Over the following week, LiveWell Dorset will guide you through the Five Ways to Wellbeing which are: connect, take notice, keeping learning, be active and give. Receive your free five-step plan to improve and maintain your wellbeing. Sign up here.
Helping pharmacies
Pharmacies are feeling the same pressure as other parts of the healthcare system and are working round the clock to ensure you get your medicines.
Some pharmacies are having to change the way they work to keep their customers and staff safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19. There is no shortage of medicines so please order and purchase products as normal and remember some over-the-counter medicines can be bought elsewhere.
Please be patient and treat our pharmacy staff with respect.