What happens when I need the Doctor and the surgery is closed?

After surgery hours your call will be answered by a machine which will give a message containing a different telephone number to use in the case of urgent need. Dorset Emergency Care Services provide the out of hours service and can be contacted by phoning 0845 600 10 13.

Please note this is not a walk-in centre - always telephone first. Please give them the correct details of the patient’s name, date of birth, address and medical problem.

NHS Direct

This is an alternative service which offers telephone advice from a qualified nurse. The telephone number is 0845 46 47. It is available 24 hours per day, every day of the year