DOTS
Service

Dorset Orthopaedic Treatment Service (known as DOTS)

What does it do?

To see, assess, treat and either discharge or refer on to secondary care, all patients over the age of 15 who are referred with musculo skeletal conditions.

Service Delivery Area

Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Bridport, Blandford, Swanage, Wimborne, St Leonards

What are the service opening times?

Clinics run every day of the week, both morning and afternoon, but at various locations

How can I refer?
[For appropriate professional/clinical referrers only - service users please see below]

Referrals can be made either via Choose and Book or by a “hard copy” referral sent direct to the appointment co-ordinators at Bridport Hospital

What functions/treatment and therapies are offered?

New patients receive a 30 minute consultation.  Treatments offered include corticosteroid joint injections, epidurals both in a clinic and theatre setting, physiotherapy, manipulation, acupuncture, inclusion in healthy back programmes, lifestyle advice, referral for orthotics.  Investigations include x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, nerve conduction studies.

Which types of illness/medical condition does the service treat?

Patients with any type of  routine musculo skeletal problem.  Any urgent referrals go direct to secondary care

Who will I see?

Doctors with a specialist interest in orthopaedics, extended scope practitioners, osteopaths, physiotherapist.

As a patient, how do I access services?

Via GP or Nurse practitioner or through Physiotherapy services

How can I get involved / what support groups are available?
Do you have information for Carers?

Carers can access the service information leaflets which are sent to all new patients with their appointment details

Where, when and how often are the clinics?

Weymouth Community Hospital: Tuesdays am and pm, Wednesdays am and pm, Fridays pm

Portland Community Hospital: Monday afternoons, Thursday mornings, Friday am and pm [acute back]

Frederick Treves Health Centre Dorchester: Monday am, Tuesdays am and pm, Thursdays am and pm, Friday pm

Bridport Community Hospital: alternate Monday mornings and Wednesday mornings

Blandford Community Hospital: Tuesday am and pm [acute back] and Wednesday afternoons

Swanage Community Hospital: Wednesday am and pm

Victoria Hospital Wimborne: Tuesday morning [acute back]

St Leonards Community Hospital: Friday pm [ acute back]

Who can I contact to find out more?

For general enquiries about the service : Lynn Norris, Business Manager 01305 762634

For appointment enquiries : 01308 426235

To contact a member of the clinical team:  Medical Secretaries on 01305 762631, 762587, 762638

Also please see our website in useful Websites