Dorset County Hospital say they are 'very full'

The hospital in Dorchester is asking residents to help them help those that need acute hospital care by using the 111 service, pharmacies, community minor injuries units and by only going to their emergency department for emergencies.

The plea came from Dorset County Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, Nicky Lucey in a tweet that read: “Our hospital Dorset County Hospital is very full. Please help us help those that need acute hospital care.

“Support your loved ones discharge, only come to ED for emergencies. Call 111, use pharmacies and use the community minor injury units.”

This comes as NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group make a plea for residents and visitors to Dorset to choose the right health services this Easter over the busy holiday period.

Dorset emergency departments continue to be under extreme pressure, with increasing Covid cases continuing to have an impact of staff levels.

You can support the NHS this Easter in the following ways:

1. Use NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. Our hospital emergency departments are under extreme pressure.

2. Think NHS 111. If you have an urgent need that cannot wait until you can access your GP visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. We’ll do our very best to answer your call as quickly as possible though it may take a little longer due to the current demand. Please be patient and kind when you speak to our teams.

3. Speak to your GP where you live if you are visiting Dorset. Contact your own GP practice for support or advice on your ongoing or minor health issues.

4. Get prepared. In advance of the Easter weekend, contact your own pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues or to get your repeat prescriptions – make use of online services such as eConsult and remote consultations.

5. Use Digital Health services as an on-demand alternative to in person services.

• The Digital Health App Library recommends apps that help with a wide range of health conditions, from managing joint and muscular problems, to how to improve mental wellbeing https://ourdorset.orcha.co.uk

• The Our Dorset Video Library provides advice and guidance on a range of conditions and general health https://healthvideos.ourdorset.nhs.uk

• Healthier Together provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women Home :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)

6.Covid-19 restrictions have ended but cases are still very high. Stay at home if you are unwell with Covid-19 or experiencing symptoms of any infectious illness.

• Get vaccinated – for the latest information visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-service

• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors – meeting outdoors is safer

• Consider wearing a face covering

• Stay at home and avoid contact with others if you’re feeling unwell to avoid passing Covid-19 and other infectious diseases on to other people, particularly those who are most vulnerable

• Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes

7. Only ever call 999 in a medical emergency – this is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.