Surgery Times

Out Of Hours Emergencies

We will do everything possible to ensure that our system for contacting the duty doctor is easy to follow, reliable and effective.

Telephone Bournemouth 0844 477 3490. You will hear a recorded message giving you a number of choices. Numbers given will be repeated for your convenience.  You will then need to note and redial direct to either of the emergency services: NHS Direct (0845 4647) or Urgent Care Service Dorset and Somerset (UCSDS), supplied by Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust, on 0845 600 1013. If you are able to travel, you will be asked to attend the treatment centre at Bournemouth General Hospital, or possibly Poole General. 

You will be asked by the receptionist for the name of the doctor you are calling, your name, address and telephone number and a brief description of your problem. Your call will be recorded. Please remember that the duty doctor will normally be providing his usual service the next day. Your discretion in using UCSDS for problems that cannot wait until the morning is therefore much appreciated. In the case of an accident which you think may require immediate hospital treatment, the nearest casualty departments are at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, telephone 303626, and Poole General Hospital, telephone 665511.

Alternatively, for general medical queries or health advice, the NHS Direct 24-hour nurse-led advice line is available by phoning 0845 4647, or logging on to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Please note that under the terms of the General Medical Services Contract (GMS), the Bournemouth and Poole Primary Care Trust has assumed responsibility for the provision of out-of-hours services to our patients. This includes emergency Saturday morning surgery provision. There is no change to the NHS Direct advice line. However, it is anticipated that this service will develop over time through the increasing use of technology.

Access To The Surgery

Our premises are suitable for wheelchair access on the ground floors. Please ask the staff for assistance if you are disabled. Similarly, if you have visual or hearing difficulties please let the reception staff know so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your comfort. Within the limitations of the current buildings we have made as many reasonable modifications as practicable to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Waiting Times

Surgeries will normally start on time and we will endeavour to enable patients to be seen within 20 minutes of their appointment time; in the event of a delay we will offer an explanation.
When a doctor is called away on an emergency we will inform the patients and give them an opportunity to book an alternative appointment  or, if preferred, to be seen by another doctor.