Information for Outpatients
Outpatient name changes
We have changed the names of some of our outpatient areas at the Dorset County Hospital site so they are no longer specialty-specific. This is to reflect how we are now being more flexible with where outpatient clinics are held.
As of 10 February 2025, the following changes came into effect to rename these locations as other specialties now run services in these areas of the hospital:
- Orthopaedic Outpatients is now Sandsfoot Outpatients
- Women’s Health is now Maumbury Outpatients
- The middle area of what was previously Medical and Surgical Outpatients is now Fleet Outpatients.
Dorset place names have been chosen to be in keeping with the naming conventions for our wards. Your appointment letter will reference these new names and advise you on which entrance to use.
Virtual outpatient appointments
In addition to traditional face-to-face appointments at the hospital, we also deliver virtual outpatient appointments. Virtual appointments mean you do not have to attend the hospital for an outpatient appointment if the information we need to discuss with you can be done safely without a face-to-face meeting. Virtual appointments may not be suitable for all patients and how your appointment will be delivered is a clinical decision.
Telephone appointments
Telephone assessment clinics are outpatient appointments conducted by telephone. A time slot on a certain day will be allocated to you, but rather than the appointment taking place at the hospital, it will be done with you over the telephone. You do not need to attend the hospital for this type of appointment. For more information regarding Telephone Assessment Clinics please read our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.
Video consultation appointments (Attend Anywhere)
Attend Anywhere is a secure web-based video platform that allows you to have your consultation via video from your home or own private space. Video consultations allow you to be seen by your clinician via an online video call avoiding the need to travel to hospital for appointments, saving you time and money.
Attend Anywhere is for patients with pre-arranged appointment times only. Patients due for appointments that could be done by video consultation will be invited to do so. For more information, please visit our Attend Anywhere page.
Patient information leaflets and questionnaires
Some appointment letters will be accompanied by a patient information leaflet. Please read all of the information enclosed in the letter and leaflet carefully and follow any specific instructions for your appointment. Find all leaflets in our Patient Information Leaflets section.
Cancelling or changing your appointment
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please tell us as soon as possible and, if possible, at least 48 hours before your appointment so that your appointment slot can be allocated to another patient. You can do this by calling the telephone number on your appointment letter, call our appointments team on 01305 255779 or email us on outpatientappointments@dchft.nhs.uk
Preparing for your appointment
Whether your appointment is being delivered virtually or you have been asked to attend the hospital, we recommend you make a list of important questions that you want to ask the doctor prior to your appointment. Please also ensure you know the details of any tablets or medication you are taking.
Attending the hospital for an outpatient appointment
If we cannot deliver your outpatient appointment virtually and you are asked to attend the hospital. Please report to the outpatient reception indicated on your appointment letter on your arrival. The receptionist will check your personal details to ensure the details we hold on record for you are accurate.
Video tours for patients with additional needs
We have put together a selection of video tours that we hope will help prepare patients with additional needs before visiting Dorset County Hospital.
Waiting times in clinic
Whether your appointment is virtual or face to face, all clinics run in the same way with allocated appointment times for each patient and appointments will be in time order. We do our utmost to make sure you are seen on time, however, there may be occasions when delays are unavoidable and your wait may be longer than usual.
During your clinic appointment, you may be asked to have a test such as a chest x-ray so that the doctor has all the information needed to assess you. Please be aware that it is advisable to leave extra time for your visit in case you are required to have a test carried out once the doctor has seen you.
After your appointment
If the doctor asks you to make another appointment, please return to the reception desk before you leave where we will arrange your next appointment for you.
Missed appointments
Please be aware that if you fail to keep your appointment without notifying the department, or if you change your appointment more than twice, we may discharge your care back to your GP.
Patients who fail to attend their appointment cost the NHS millions of pounds every year. If you need to change your appointment please contact the number at the top of your appointment letter.
The Trust endeavours to treat patients within maximum wait times (treatment could be either an operation, medication or advice). Please refer to the NHS Constitution for further information on the NHS website here.
Text reminders
To help patients remember their appointments, the Trust (for the majority of specialties) provides a text reminder service. Patients will be contacted a few days before their appointment. Please ensure we have the correct mobile number on record for you. If you need to inform us of any changes to your mobile number or wish to opt out of this service, please call the number at the top of your appointment letter.
How can we keep in touch with you?
Please ensure you inform us of any changes to your contact details by contacting the appointments team on 01305 255779, emailing outpatientappointments@dchft.nhs.uk or speaking to a receptionist when you attend for your appointment.
Emailing correspondence
Patients can now choose to receive correspondence from Dorset County Hospital by email rather than post. Changing to email will enable you to receive correspondence quicker and in a convenient format. This will also help us to reduce the amount of paper we use and become more sustainable.
You can sign up to email correspondence here.
A step-by-step guide on how to sign up to email correspondence is available here.
Frequently asked questions on email correspondence are available at the bottom of the page.
Interpretation and translation
Our aim is to ensure that our services are accessible to all patients and visitors. With adequate notice the Trust can offer interpreter services for many different languages and we can also offer sign language support. For further information regarding this please contact the Patient Experience Team on 0800 7838058 or email patientexperience@dchft.nhs.uk
Appointment locations
If you have been asked to attend the hospital for an appointment, please check the location of your appointment on the letter you have received. Face-to-face appointments will be at one of the following locations:
Dorset County Hospital
Willliams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
01305 251150
Charlton Down Outpatients Therapies Centre
Sherren Avenue
Charlton Down
DT2 9UG
Weymouth Community Hospital
Melcombe Avenue
Weymouth
DT4 7TB
01305 760022
Bridport Community Hospital
Hospital Lane
Bridport
DT6 5DR
01308 422371
Blandford Community Hospital
Milldown Road
Blandford Forum
DT11 7DD
01258 456541
Yeatman Community Hospital
Hospital Lane
Sherborne
DT9 3JU
01935 813991
Portland Community Hospital
Castletown Road
Portland
DT5 1AX
01305 820341
The Gatehouse Surgery
Castle Road
Portland
Dorset
DT5 1AU
The nearest entrance to your appointment location will be marked on your appointment letter.
Travel and parking
Car parking across the main hospital site – including the multi-storey car park – operates using automatic number plate recognition. We hope this will make it easier to park, as you will not need to worry about your ticket running out.
As you enter our site via Williams Avenue or Damers Road you will need to take a ticket at the barrier to be able to pass through. This also applies if you are dropping off/picking up or a Blue Badge holder.
If you are parking in a car park without a barrier (Diabetes Centre, Robert White Centre or Trust Headquarters), please follow instructions on signs in these areas. Payment machines are available.
Further information is available on our Travelling to Dorset County Hospital section.
Refreshments
Damers Restaurant is located in North Wing Level 2 and is open from 7.30am until 7.30pm seven days a week. A selection of hot and cold food and beverages are available, as well as cakes and snacks.
The Terrace is located in South Wing Level 2 and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. A selection of both hot and cold beverages are available, as well as sandwiches, toasties, salads, cakes and snacks.
Costa Coffee is located in North Wing Level 1, close to the main reception. It is open Monday to Friday 7am until 7pm and weekends from 9am until 5pm.
Vending machines have been installed across the main hospital site and at South Walks House. You can find the new machines in the following areas: Education Centre (hot drinks, snacks and soft drinks); Emergency Department (hot and soft drinks); South Walks House, Level 1 (hot drinks) and Maternity (hot and soft drinks).
Your personal information
Please be assured that all of your information is treated confidentially and only shared on a ‘need to know basis’. Under the Data Protection Act you are entitled to see information held on your health record. For details please call 01305 255692 or 01305 255440, or email subjectaccessrequest@dchft.nhs.uk
Pharmacy
There is a pharmacy on site at Dorset County Hospital where you can collect medicines that may be prescribed to you at your appointment. The pharmacy can be found on the South Wing Level 0, using Entrance 2. For more information, please visit our Pharmacy page.
Staff protection
We have a responsibility to protect our staff from violence, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse. Staff have the same rights as patients to be treated with respect and dignity at all times and are asked to record incidences of violence and aggression.
Research studies
This hospital actively contributes to research. You may therefore be approached to discuss the opportunity to participate in a study. Read more about the Research Department.
Copying letters to patients
You are entitled to receive a copy of any letter that is sent to your GP from your hospital consultant. Please ask your consultant at your appointment who will request that a copy is sent to your usual address.
No smoking policy
A no smoking policy is strictly enforced at all our hospital sites. If you would like assistance to give up smoking, please speak to your GP about getting support or contact the LiveWell Dorset service on 0800 840 1628, or visit the LiveWell Dorset website.
Mobile telephones
Mobile telephones can be used in the hospital. However, they should not be used around sensitive medical equipment where there is a particularly high risk of interference. Signs around the hospital will make it clear which areas you shouldn’t use your mobile telephone in. In these areas, mobile telephones should be switched off or have ‘airplane mode’ enabled. Please do not just leave the device on silent or vibrate as it could still affect medical equipment. For further information, please visit the NHS England website.
Queries
Please call the phone number on your appointment letter or our Appointments Office on 01305 255779 for any queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Telephone appointments
What is a telephone appointment?
Telephone appointments are outpatient appointments conducted by telephone. A time slot on a certain day will be allocated to you, but rather than the appointment taking place in a hospital clinic, it will be done with you over the telephone. You do not need to attend the hospital for this type of appointment.
Why am I not being seen in person in clinic?
Telephone appointments are nationwide and supported by NHS England. They are recommended as they can speed up the investigation and diagnosis process. Telephone appointments can also be more convenient for patients and save a journey to the hospital.
Who will call me?
You will be called by the clinician named on your appointment letter.
When will you call me?
As with any other outpatient appointment, you will of been sent an appointment letter confirming the date and time of your telephone appointment. Whilst we try very hard to keep to time, the appointment time is approximate and we request that you be available for up to 30 minutes before and after this time. Please ensure that you are available and free to talk at the time of this phone call.
What will happen during my telephone appointment?
When we ring you we will ask some security questions to ensure we are speaking with the correct person. During the assessment you will be asked questions about your health, medication, your symptoms, and personal circumstances.
What telephone number will you call me on?
Your appointment letter will confirm the telephone numbers we have on record for you. If there is a blank space where your telephone number should be, or if it is incorrect, please call the direct line stated on your appointment letter and provide us with a contact number. Please let us know if you have a call barring system on your telephone as calls made from the hospital are displayed as withheld.
What if I miss your call?
The clinic runs in the same way as a hospital appointment with allocated appointment times for each patient. If we are unable to make contact with you during your allocated assessment time you will be marked as ‘did not attend’ and it will be a clinical decision as to whether your appointment is rebooked or you are discharged back to the care of your referrer.
What happens if I need to change my telephone appointment?
If you are not available for your appointment please call the number at the top of your appointment letter or the Appointments Office on 01305 255779 to rearrange. We kindly ask that changes to appointments are made with as much notice as possible.
I am hard of hearing so how will this work?
If you have a speaker phone setting then this can work well. You may wish to ask a family member of friend to be with you to help with your appointment. If this is not possible please call the number at the top of your appointment letter or the Appointments Office on 01305 255779.
Can I take the call at work?
We will contact you on whatever number you would like. This is a formal medical appointment and your employer should allow you to attend in the same way as if you were being seen at the hospital. If you would like us to call you at work, or on your mobile, it is helpful to have somewhere private to talk.
Email correspondence
How do I sign up for email correspondence?
To sign up for email correspondence please follow the sign up instructions on https://consent.dchft.nhs.uk
How will appointment letters be received in an email?
The letter will be attached as a PDF document to the email. You will be able to download and save or print this letter. Appointment letters may contain hyperlinks to patient information leaflets and /or questionnaires. Please ensure you access these leaflets and read prior to your appointment. Questionnaires (or similar) must be completed before you attend, you will be required to print this out, complete it, and bring it with you.
How do I opt out of receiving email correspondence?
You can opt out at any time by calling the Appointments Office on 01305 255779 or by speaking to a receptionist when you attend the hospital for an appointment. You will need to state your full name, date of birth, hospital or NHS number and confirm the email address we have on record for you.
How do I change the email address that you have on record?
You can update the email address that we have on record for you at any time by repeating the sign up process at https://consent.dchft.nhs.uk
Do I need to print my emailed appointment letter?
Whilst there is no requirement for you to bring your letter to your appointment, it may be useful should you need support regarding the location of your appointment. If you have access to your letter on a mobile device you do not need to print your letter.
If the letter contains a questionnaire (or similar) to be completed before you attend, you will be required to print this out, complete it, and bring it with you.
How will patient information leaflets be received in an email?
If your appointment letter has an accompanying patient information leaflet (or similar), there will be a hyperlink within your letter to direct you to the leaflet on our webpage. Please ensure you access these leaflets and read prior to your appointment.
I am a parent – can I sign up on behalf of my child?
Not at this time. We are working towards parents and legal guardians being able to receive letters for children under the age of 18 and we hope to offer this soon.
I use a screen reader; can they read the emailed letters?
We currently believe all screen readers can read the letters.
I’m not sure if I am signed up or not?
If you are unsure whether you have been signed up or not please call the Appointments Office on 01305 255779 and they will be able to confirm whether you have successfully signed up or not.
I’ve signed up to e-mail correspondence and now I don’t receive either emails or letters
This could be because your spam filters have blocked the email, or the email may be going to your spam/junk folder.
- Search for the email in your spam/junk folder to confirm it is not in there.
- To help ensure it arrives in your inbox add outpatientservices@dchft.nhs.uk as a known contact in your email address book, or mark the sender as not spam.
I’ve signed up, but I still receive some of my letters by post
There are a few reasons this could be:
- Your mailbox could be full. Please delete emails you no longer need, including deleted items, in order to free up mailbox space.
- Not all correspondence are email enabled meaning you may continue to receive some postal communications from DCHFT. We are working to increase our digital communication capability. You can call the number on your appointment letter if you want to check this.
- You may not have fully completed the sign up process. Please ensure you complete all steps by following the instructions online at https://consent.dchft.nhs.uk/
My emailed letters always go to my junk folder
Please add outpatientservices@dchft.nhs.uk as a known contact in your email address book, or mark the sender as not spam.
Why do I get an error message when I try to sign up?
Error messages during sign up may occur if the information entered does not match the information we have recorded for you on our system. Please double check your information and try again. If you are still unable to sign up, please email us at outpatientservices@dchft.nhs.uk with your full name, hospital number and daytime contact number. A member of the Patient Access team will then contact you.
Will you use my email address for any other purpose?
No, we will only use your email address for the purpose you agree to in the terms and conditions.