Back in March, Dorset HealthCare switched its MIU services to provide telephone support and offer face-to-face appointments only where strictly necessary. This has helped to keep patients and staff safe, and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Since then, the Trust has been able to support many people remotely without the need for on-site appointments.

Until further notice, if you have an ailment or injury which requires urgent care, please continue to call either your local MIU, 01305 762541 or 111 and you will be given advice or booked in for a face-to-face appointment at the appropriate site.

Please do not just turn up, as you can’t be seen without an appointment.

Helen Persey, Dorset HealthCare’s acting service director for Integrated Community Services, said, “Although COVID-19 infection rates have reduced, we remain in a pandemic situation. We need to all be mindful of this, especially with winter on the way.

“For now it’s essential we keep the restrictions in place at our MIUs to help us manage the impact of the virus, while still providing robust and reliable services across the county.” 

Calling 111 or your nearest MIU could save you a trip and a lengthy wait at one of the county’s emergency departments in Bournemouth, Poole or Dorchester. You can call:

Victoria Hospital (Wimborne) – 01202 856436;  Bridport Hospital – 01308 426245; Swanage Hospital – 01929 475 009; Westminster Memorial Hospital (Shaftesbury)  – 01747 851535 and Weymouth’s Urgent Treatment Centre – 01305 762541.

MIUs in Blandford, Portland and Sherborne remain closed for the time being.

If you or someone you are with has an emergency or is in a life-threatening situation, don’t hesitate to call 999 as usual.

For further information visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu