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A&E at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Poole Hospital A&E: 7 in 10 people were seen within 4 hours in September 2026.

8,130 people attended in September 2026. Everyone is assessed soon after arriving and seen in order of urgency.

Drive there Public transport

If someone's life is at risk, call 999 now.

Chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a suspected stroke, a fit that does not stop, or someone who cannot be woken. Do not drive to A&E in those cases: call 999.

If you call 999 from here

South Western Ambulance Service answers most 999 calls in this area. In September 2026 it reached life-threatening calls in 10 minutes on average (target 7) and serious calls such as stroke or chest pain in 37 minutes on average, 9 in 10 within 75 minutes. England: 8 and 31 minutes.

37% of ambulance handovers at hospitals in this service's area took over 30 minutes (England 27%). Figures are for the whole ambulance service, not this hospital alone.

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

September 2026 at Poole Hospital

70% of people were seen, treated and admitted or sent home within 4 hours

8,130 visits in the month. Postcode BH15 2JB. Part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.

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

Other A&Es within 15 miles

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.

Questions people ask

How long is the wait at Poole Hospital A&E right now?

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust does not publish a live figure. In September 2026, 70% of the 8,130 people who attended were seen, treated and admitted or sent home within 4 hours.

Is Poole Hospital A&E busy?

8,130 people attended in September 2026, about 271 a day. A&E is usually busiest in the late afternoon and evening and quietest in the early morning, and everyone is seen in order of urgency, not arrival.

Where is Poole Hospital A&E?

Poole Hospital, BH15 2JB, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Use the Drive or Public transport button for directions from where you are. In an emergency call 999: an ambulance crew decides the right hospital.

What happens at A&E. A&E waiting times near Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.