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Other services available when your GP has reached safe capacity

As a Practice we are striving to follow the BMA safer working guidance. This is to ensure the safety of both our patients, and our staff. When we have reached our safe capacity of appointments, and we can no longer book any further appointments, same day medical care can be accessed from the following local services.

Pharmacy First

You can walk into any local community pharmacy and the Pharmacy First scheme means that you can now consult a pharmacist about several minor illnesses that you would previously have needed to see you GP about. These are:

In addition to these, your community pharmacist can also advise on:

  • Aches and pains – such as, back pain, headache and period pain.
  • Accidents – such as, sprains, minor cuts, and grazes
  • Colds, flu and other infections – such as, cough, congestion, fevers and/or temperature.
  • Ear care – such as, ear wax.
  • Eye care – such as, conjunctivitis, styes.
  • Hay fever – which is not controlled by standard over-the-counter treatments.
  • Rashes.
  • Skin problems – such as, athlete’s foot, cold sores, or mild eczema or psoriasis.
  • Stomach aches – such as, constipation, diarrhoea, or indigestion.

Mental Health Support

For urgent support with your mental health, you can contact Access Mental Health.

  • Connection – a 24/7 helpline open to all ages. Dorset residents or people visiting Dorset can call 0800 6520190 or NHS 111 for free
  • The Retreat – working in partnership with Dorset Mental Health Forum providing a safe space for anyone aged 18 or above to seek face-to-face help and support from registered mental health practitioners and peer specialists with lived experience. The site in Bournemouth is open every day, 4.30-11.30pm and Weymouth is open Friday to Tuesday from 4.30-11.30pm, and closed Wednesday and Thursday until further notice
  • Community Front Rooms – open to anyone aged 18 or above Thursday-Sunday, 2.15-9.45pm in Bridport, Shaftesbury and Dorchester. They provide a welcoming, safe space where you can discuss problems, and work towards possible solutions alongside mental health support workers. A pop-up Community Front Run is also available at AIMCreekmoor (Creekmoor Youth Centre, Northmead Drive, Poole, BH17 7XZ) from 2-10pm every Friday until 1 April.

Urgent Treatment Centre- Bournemouth

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Bournemouth Hospital is open for at least 12 hours every day. They can diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems that people go to A&E for.

Call 111 for further information.

NHS 111 Online

If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next:Get help for your symptoms – NHS 111

Emergency Prescriptions

Emergency prescriptions – NHS 111

Emergency A&E

Call 999 now for any of these:

  • signs of a heart attack 
    chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest
  • signs of a stroke 
    face dropping on one side, can’t hold both arms up, difficulty speaking
  • sudden confusion (delirium) 
    cannot be sure of own name or age
  • suicide attempt 
    by taking something or self-harming
  • severe difficulty breathing 
    not being able to get words out, choking or gasping
  • heavy bleeding 
    spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle
  • severe injuries 
    after a serious accident
  • seizure (fit) 
    shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (can’t be woken up)
  • sudden, rapid swelling 
    of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
  • labour or childbirth 
    waters breaking, more frequent intense cramps (contractions), baby coming, or just born

If your problem is not urgent, you may find that contacting us online is your best option.

Page published: 18 May 2026
Last updated: 18 May 2026