17th July 2009

New era for health care in Weymouth

By Harry Walton

THE new Weymouth Community Health Centre opened to patients last week.

The walk-in centre, based in Weymouth Community Hospital and run by GPs, offers a range of services, including health information, advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. It will be open every day of the year from 8am to 8pm.

It can be used by anyone, whether registered with another practice or not, and there is no need to make an appointment.

NHS walk-in centres have been introduced to help people with busy lifestyles needing access to flexible and convenient health services, and those who are temporary residents or visitors to the area.

The centre is adjacent to the existing Minor Injuries Unit  in the hospital, which is open from 8am to 10pm every day. It does not replace your own GP, MIU or hospital services, but offers everyone the opportunity to see a GP at a time which is most convenient to them.

Opening for 12 hours every day, including weekends, it is hoped that the new walk-in centre will help to reduce the pressure on Dorset County Hospital’s A&E department.

Both the MIU and walk-in centre operate on a first-come, first-served basis, unless someone is acutely unwell and needs immediate attention, in which case they will be seen straight away. Each service will have its own receptionist.

For minor ailments and illnesses patients should go to the walk-in centre receptionist.

Examples of what will be seen at the walk-in centre include: minor illnesses, emergency contraception and advice; minor skin infections, rashes; minor eye conditions, infections, stomach upsets, coughs and colds; other common illness; asthma; wound dressing; mental health problems; alcohol and drug problems and immunisation programmes.

For example, people with minor head injuries, wounds, strains, cuts and bruises, minor burns, bites and stings and eye injuries or needing emergency contraception will be seen at the MIU.

This walk-in centre is run on behalf of NHS Dorset by The Practice plc, an independent provider of healthcare services.

Jacqueline Swift, Chair of NHS Dorset, said: “The opening of this new service will be of benefit to both residents of Weymouth as well as people who do not have a permanent address.

“It will provide an invaluable service to the thousands of visitors who come to the town. In particular, it will help to ease the pressures on the local NHS before and during the Olympics.

“The centre will provide a convenient, flexible service that complements the excellent existing primary care services in the area.”
An official opening ceremony will be held in the autumn.

A handy booklet about the new walk-in centre is being distributed to households in the area during July. Anyone who does not receive a copy by the end of the month can contact NHS Dorset’s communications department on 01305 361219 or email: [email protected]

Return to news headlines