What service is available out of hours?
For emergency cases occurring after the health centre is closed (between 8pm - 8am), please call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Alternatively, our out of hours service will be handled by the Dorset Urgent Care Service - you can call them on 0845 600 1013. For extreme emergency cases, please call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Does the health centre offer a repeat prescription service?
Yes. We just ask our registered patients to put your request in writing to the health centre either by letter or email giving 2 workings days notice to issue a repeat prescription. We may provide an emergency prescription service for non-registered patients in the interim until you are able to return to your GP for your ongoing medication.

Does the health centre dispense prescriptions?
Not currently, although there are several pharmacists available in the area. Please ask our reception for more details.

How can you make a comment, complaint or suggestion?
We welcome feedback as the service is for the benefit of you, our patients. Please feel free to discuss your feedback with a member of staff at the health centre, or alternatively you can complete a feedback questionnaire available at the health centre. If you have a complaint, you can download our complaints leaflet, or ask a member of staff for a copy. We will then do everything we can to rectify the situation to your satisfaction. If you are still not satisfied that your complaint has been resolved, you are invited to use the NHS complaints procedure - one of our staff will be pleased to assist you.

What are the patients' responsibilities?
If you have a pre-booked appointment, we kindly ask you to be prompt to allow the smooth running of the centre. If you are unable to attend your pre-booked appointment, please call us to cancel the appointment as early as possible to make it available to other patients. The health centre promotes mutual respect - any patient exhibiting verbal or physical abuse towards doctors or staff will be asked to leave the premises.

Is there parking available at the health centre?
There is extremely limited parking, which is prioritised for the use of disabled patients or for emergencies. We kindly ask patients to use the street parking, or the pay & display parking at the Sovereign Centre or at the end of the road at Palmerston Road. There are also bicycle racks available for those wishing to take the healthier option!

Who will have access to your information?
Your clinical records are confidential. All our practice staff are strictly bound to maintain absolute confidentiality on any personal medical information they may necessarily have access to in the course of their duties. Access to these records by third parties will only be permitted with express consent of the patient.

Does the centre provide disabled access?
Yes, the centre is fully accessible for patients with disability.