How we are running our services

You must not visit our hospitals if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Face coverings are no longer mandatory in Dorset HealthCare locations but face masks are available at all main entrances to our sites if you would like to wear one. Hand sanitising products are also available.
Patients may have two visitors. This doesn't have to be arranged in advance unless If the patient is receiving end of life care, more visitors are permitted but this also has to be discussed with the ward.

Hospital matrons and ward leads do have the discretion to support more visitors to visit where requested. We offer virtual visiting, where friends and family can arrange to speak with patients via a video call.

The visiting times for all of our hospitals are 2-4pm and 6-8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. You do not need to contact the hospital in advance to attend but, if you'd like to, you can contact the hospital directly.

We have now re-opened all of our services after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but we may deliver them in a different way. For instance, a service may use virtual or telephone consultations alongside, or instead of, physical service where appropriate.

If our staff need to see you out in the community, they will take every precaution to keep you safe. See our visiting sites and inpatient wards page.

Remember, your NHS is here for you. If you or your family members need care or support, please seek it out. Call NHS 111 or access it online for advice, or contact the service you need direct. See below information on how our services are running. 

Mental health services

Our mental health services are now operating with a blended approach of face-to-face, virtual consultations and over the phone appointments.

To find out more information including opening days and times, locations and contact details of the service you require, please visit our Mental health and learning disabilities page

Community services

Our community services are also operating with a blended approach. To find out more, including opening days and times, locations and contact details of the service you require, please visit our physical health page.

Children and Young People services

Services

Status

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy

 

Service running face-to-face in clinics and schools as well as providing telephone and video call appointments as appropriate

 
Contraception, sexual health, genitourinary medicine (GUM) and HIV

All services running via face-to-face, telephone calls and video appointments. Online STI testing and contraception offers can be accessed via SH:24. 

 

Health Visiting and School Nursing

Services running face-to-face and via telephone and video calls as appropriate.

ParentLine and Chat Health text messaging services continue to be available for confidential text message support.

Children in Care Team

Service running as normal via face-to-face appointments, telephone and video calls as appropriate

 

Newborn Screen Hearing Programme

 

Service running as normal in community clinics.

School Age Immunisation Service

Service running as normal in schools and community clinics

 
COVID-19 hub