Hello,
Treatment for people with non-life-threatening injuries and urgent medical problems in Weymouth and Portland is changing this summer, with the introduction of a new service at Weymouth Community Hospital. We have contacted you because your organisation/group plays a key role in the local community, and we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about the changes. If you could circulate this information among your staff/members and any other people or groups you know who might be interested, it would be a big help.
The Weymouth and Portland Community Urgent Care Centre (CUCC) will open its doors on 1 July, replacing the existing Minor Injuries Unit and Walk-in Centre at Weymouth Community Hospital.Open from 8am to 11pm, seven days a week, the centre aims to bring care closer to home, reducing the need for trips to Dorset County Hospital (DCH) and offering a more efficient, joined-up service for patients. However, people will be directed to their GP or local pharmacy if their problem is not urgent or can be dealt with through self-medication.Commissioned by the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, the CUCC will be run by Dorset HealthCare in partnership with DCH and local GP surgeries, and link closely to the South West Ambulance Service.The centre will be located in the same part of the hospital, in Melcombe Avenue, as the existing MIU and Walk-in Centre, and offer seven-day X-ray facilities. It will provide treatment for problems such as:• sprains and broken bones• minor burns, cuts, animal bites and infected wounds • chest infections and asthma attacks• bladder and kidney infections.Having a single service will be less confusing for patients, and we are confident it will offer better, more accessible care when people need it most. We aim to relieve the pressure on DCH’s emergency department – though anyone with a serious injury or illness should still head there for help.The CUCC will not be a substitute for GP treatment. People will be referred to their GP or community pharmacy if the problem is not urgent. However, if people do need urgent treatment between the hours of 8am and 11pm, the centre will be the place to go.
If your organisation/group has any questions about the new service and how it will work, please contact Helen Persey, Dorset HealthCare’s Locality Manager for Weymouth and Portland, on 01305 762575. We will shortly be circulating a link to a webpage holding full details, along with a leaflet which signposts people to the appropriate care provider when medical hep is required.
Many thanks for your help.
Regards,
Jonathan Slater Communications Manager Communications TeamTel: 01202 277080
E-mail: [email protected]