DORSET'S full network of minor injuries units (MIUs) reopen for pre-booked appointments next week. (June 21)

People are being asked not to just turn, but to call for a telephone assessment first – a system which has been running during the pandemic.

NHS officials say the best thing to do is to call 111 or visit 111online., and if you need to go to a MIU the service will book you in.

Jane Elson, Dorset HealthCare’s service director for integrated community services, said: “We’re delighted not only to re-open all our MIU services, but also to provide them in a more targeted, efficient way.

"We had to change things over the past year, and pre-booked appointments worked extremely well.

"It will save people travelling when they don’t need to, and ensure patients who do require face-to-face appointments won’t have to sit around waiting for very long.” Dorset's MIUs include The Victoria Hospital, Wimborne; Swanage Hospital; Blandford Hospital; Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury; The Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne.

As well as Portland, Bridport and Weymouth Community Hospitals.

A Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "Also this summer, Dorset County Hospital’s emergency department will temporarily relocate its minor injuries team to Weymouth Hospital while vital refurbishment work takes place at Dorchester ED to increase its capacity.

"The Dorchester emergency department will still be available 24/7 as usual for serious and life threatening injuries and conditions, but will not be able to accommodate less serious cases while the refurbishment work takes place.

"Any patients who attend Dorset County Hospital for non-serious conditions will be booked into the Weymouth service.

"As with all minor injuries and ailments, members of the public are urged to call 111 ahead of their visit to be assessed and booked appropriately."

Dorset's MIUs are set to reopen on June 21 for pre-booked appointments.

Visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services-hospitals/physical-health/minor-injuries-units-mius for full details of all Dorset HealthCare’s MIUs, including opening times.