Emergencies and out of hours support

If you are an emergency patient, you will be seen as soon as possible.

Urgent cases will be seen on the same day, but you may be required to wait.

Outside of the University Medical Centre opening hours, please phone 0844 477 2416.

Depending on the problem, you will be:

• Asked to attend the Emergency Surgery at the Talbot Medical Centre (open Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.30pm)
• Given advice
• Visited at home.

The 24 hour GP

Did you know that you can access a GP 24 hours a day? Using the GP out-of-hours service is an easy way to get treatment throughout the year. All GPs across Dorset offer an 'out-of-hours' service by calling 0845 600 1013 when your surgery is closed.

Some patients are not aware that they can get treatment from a GP 24 hours a day, often going to the emergency departments (ED) at hospitals during the 'out-of-hours' period instead. This not only causes pressure on the ED but can mean a lengthy wait for patients with non life-threatening illnesses or injuries whilst urgent cases are prioritised.

Dr Ros Maycock, a GP from Poole said: "Bank holidays are always a time of increased activity for the NHS. By using the GP services you could be treated faster than waiting to be seen in hospital as a non-emergency case. Many people who become unwell have a viral illness which they can be treat themselves at home. Pharmacies are an excellent source of information, advice and treatment if you become unwell and many are open late at night."