GP Surgeries
Please click here for a list of local GP surgeries.
Your local doctor's surgery (or GP practice) provides a wide range of family health services, including:
- advice on health problems
- vaccinations
- examinations and treatment
- prescriptions for medicines
- referrals to other health services and social services
Most surgeries can also provide family planning/contraception services, care during pregnancy, child health checks and immunisations, health promotion/health screening services - such as smear tests and well person checks - and minor operations and procedures.
All you need to know about services from your GP surgery is listed below. Please remember it is important to attend for appointments, or notify the surgery if you have to cancel or change it. GP surgeries which come under NHS Dorset are listed at the end of this section. For a directory of local GP practices within NHS Dorset, please click here.
All you need to know about services from your GP surgery
- How do I choose a GP?
- How do I register with a GP?
- What do I do if a GP does not accept me?
- Can I change my GP?
- Can I receive treatment from any GP even if I am not registered?
- Will my GP visit me at home?
- What if I need my GP when the surgery is closed?
- What if I am experiencing a problem with the service provided by my surgery?
- Help us to help you
Your GP works as part of a practice team to provide a range of services. The team may include a practice nurse, district nurse, health visitor, midwife, a practice manager and reception staff.
Your surgery’s practice leaflet will tell you more about your practice team and will give you details about the services offered, surgery and clinic times, home visiting arrangements, how to obtain a repeat prescription etc.
If you are invited to attend the surgery, it is important that you keep your appointment. It is especially important that children and adults are fully immunised and that women have regular smear tests. If you prefer to see a female doctor/nurse at these clinics, please ask if one is available.
How do I choose a GP?
To help you choose a GP, the nhs.uk website includes information on all GPs in your area. Search nhs.uk here
. It will give you a wide range of information about GPs, their surgery times and clinics, what their clinical interests and skills are and if they speak other languages.
You can contact NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 4647
It is worth visiting one or two GP surgeries near where you live. Ask for a practice leaflet and see if the range of services suits your needs.
How do I register with a GP?
Simply go to the surgery of your choice and ask if you can register. If you have your medical card, take it with you. If you do not have a medical card you can complete a form at the surgery. REMEMBER: Do not wait until you are ill to register with a GP.
What do I do if a GP does not accept me?
Try another surgery. If you have further difficulties, contact the registration department on 01202 893000. Please ask for registration, they can help you find a GP if necessary.
Can I change my GP?>
Yes, you can change your GP at any time. Take your medical card to another surgery of your choice and ask to register.
If you have any difficulties, contact the registration department on 01202 893000. When you change your GP, the registration department will transfer your medical records to your new GP.
Can I receive treatment from any GP even if I am not registered?
Yes, if you are away from home or are not registered with a GP and fall ill, contact the nearest surgery and ask for treatment. If you are away from home for up to three months you can register with a GP as a temporary resident. If you intend to live in the area for more than three months you should register as a permanent patient.
Will my GP visit me at home?
Normally you should go to the surgery for treatment, but if you are too ill to do this you can ask your GP to visit you at home. Whenever possible contact the surgery before 10am for a daytime visit.
What if I need my GP when the surgery is closed?
If you are very ill when the surgery is closed, telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice or Dorset Emergency Care Service on 0845 6001013.
You may be offered advice and a home visit may not always be necessary.
What if I am experiencing a problem with the service provided by my surgery?
If you are unhappy with any NHS service provided by a GP or any member of the practice team:
Talk the problem through with your GP or practice manager.
If you are still unhappy and wish to take the matter further, contact the PALS Co-ordinator on 01305 361265 who will be able to help you.
Help us to help you
You can help your GP surgery give you the best service possible. Your practice team is there to help you but they need your help too.
- Read your surgery's practice leaflet. It is designed to help you.
- Try to keep appointments and arrive on time. If you can't keep an appointment, let the surgery know without delay.
- Practice staff try to see you on time. Please be patient as delays can happen.
- Sometimes misunderstandings crop up because a patient hasn't explained and a doctor hasn't understood exactly what the problem is. Try to describe your problem clearly and if you don't understand what your doctor says, ask.
- Please ask for repeat prescriptions in good time. Check your surgery's practice leaflet for repeat prescription arrangements to avoid delays.
- Please only ask for a home visit if you are too ill to go to the surgery. Try to ring before 10am for a visit.
Out of Hours Service (OOHS) operates from 6.30pm until 8am and weekends. Contact Dorset Emergency Care Service on 0845 6001013.