The practice runs extended hours for patients who are unable to attend between 08:00 and 18:30 – (i.e. work out of the area, leave work late, childcare, caring or cared for by people). These appointments can be booked direct with a GP, and are available at Cranborne on a Monday and Tuesday between 18:30 – 20:00 and on a Wednesday at Lake Road Surgery between 18:30 - 20:00.

The Practice also runs nurse led clinics at Lake Road Surgery on Saturdays twice a month from 09:00 – 12:00.

Improving Access to General Practice Services

We are working to improve access to appointments for our patients, in particular at evenings and weekends. If you like to be offered one of these appointments, please ask. These appointments may be at a different site - e.g. Poole General Hospital.

If you require urgent medical attention or advice outside of normal surgery hours please call NHS 111.

Calls to this number are free from both landlines and mobile phones.

Out-of-hours services are generally busy so please think carefully before asking to see a doctor and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.

In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency. 

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service and provides an option for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you need:

• Treat yourself at home
• Go to a Primary Care Centre

If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre.

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.

If you have an illness that is not life threatening, contact your GP surgery first if possible. You can still call your GP outside normal surgery hours, but you will usually be directed to an out-of-hours service. The out-of-hours period is 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.

• sprains and strains
• broken bones
• wound infections
• minor burns and scalds
• minor head injuries
• insect and animal bites
• minor eye injuries
• injuries to the back, shoulder and chest

If there is not a minor injuries unit in your area, these services will also be provided by an A&E department. 

• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• major injuries
• problems usually dealt with by a GP
• stomach pains
• gynaecological problems
• pregnancy problems
• allergic reactions
• overdoses
• alcohol related problems
• mental health problems
• conditions likely to require hospital admission

Click here for more information on MIU's and UCC's.