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A&E near Dorset

A&E waiting times near Dorset

Nearest is Dorset County Hospital, 7.1 miles. These hospitals do not publish live waits, so here is how they did last month. In September 2026, 6 in 10 people at Dorset County Hospital were seen within 4 hours.

Drive there Public transport

For life-threatening medical emergencies, call 999 immediately.

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke, a seizure that does not stop, or someone who cannot be woken. Call 999 rather than driving to A&E.

A&E departments within 25 miles

Nearest first. Each figure is for that hospital in September 2026. Specialist units, such as eye hospitals, are listed separately below.

Poole Hospital

14.5 miles. University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. 8,130 visits in September 2026. Directions

70% within 4 hours

NHS England figures, . Checked for new figures . About the data.

Where should I go?

  • Life-threatening (chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, signs of a stroke, a fit that does not stop, someone who cannot be woken): call 999.
  • An injury or illness that cannot wait but is not life-threatening: A&E, or an urgent treatment centre, which is often quicker for cuts, sprains, minor burns and minor breaks.
  • Not sure how urgent it is: 111 online or call 111. They can book you a slot at the right place.
  • Minor (coughs, colds, rashes, aches): a pharmacist can help without an appointment.

What happens at A&E: why people are seen out of order, what to bring, and what to do if the wait is long.

Not an emergency?

NHS 111 can book you into an urgent treatment centre, arrange an out-of-hours GP or tell you which pharmacy can help. Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk. Urgent treatment centres and walk-in units are often much quicker than A&E for cuts, sprains and minor injuries.