Self-Referral

Accessing Care Directly

For many health concerns, you do not need to see a GP to get the help you need. In Dorset, many specialist services allow you to “self-refer.” This means you can contact them directly to book an assessment or start your treatment.

If you are unsure which service is right for you, or if your symptoms are urgent, please contact us for advice.

Muscle, Bone, and Joint Problems (Physiotherapy)

If you are struggling with aches and pains in your joints, muscles, or bones, you can often manage these at home with the right guidance. If your condition does not improve, you can refer yourself directly to a Physiotherapist.

You do not need to see your GP first for a referral.

How to refer

The MSK Dorset service provides physiotherapy for patients aged 16 and over who are registered with a Dorset GP.

Important: We encourage patients to use the advice, information, and exercises available for managing their condition before considering a referral to the physiotherapy service.

• Self-help resources: View exercises and advice for managing pain at home

Should you wish to self-refer, please note that referrals are prioritised according to need.

• Self-refer online: Complete the MSK Dorset online referral form — This is the fastest way to get an appointment.
• Paper forms: If you cannot use the online form, you can [download the Physiotherapy Self-Referral form (PDF)]. Please return the completed form to the surgery reception.

Is this service right for me?

Self-referral is for common muscle and joint issues, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Please see your GP instead if your condition is related to:

• Pregnancy: Your midwife or GP will refer you to specialist maternity physio.
• Neurological conditions: Such as a Stroke or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• Respiratory conditions: Such as COPD or Cystic Fibrosis.
• Gynaecological issues: Such as prolapse or incontinence.
• Recent surgery: If you have had an operation recently, please ask your Consultant to refer you.

Maternity care

If you have just found out you are pregnant, you do not need to see your GP to start your maternity care. You can refer yourself directly to the local midwifery team.

How to refer

In Dorset, the Healthier Together website is the official guide for maternity options. If you are more than 6 weeks pregnant, you should self-refer as soon as possible.

• Self-refer online: Register for maternity care via Healthier Together

Mental Health (Steps 2 Wellbeing)

If you are struggling with low mood, anxiety, or stress, you can access free, confidential support without a GP referral. Steps 2 Wellbeing is available to anyone aged 18+ registered at a surgery in Dorset.

How they can help

They offer various treatments for common mental health difficulties, including:

• Depression and low mood.
• Anxiety (including social anxiety and generalised anxiety).
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Panic disorder, phobias, and high levels of stress.

How to refer

You can contact the service directly to start your recovery journey.

• Self-refer online: Complete the Steps 2 Wellbeing referral form

• Call them: 01202 277023

• Visit the website: Learn more about Steps 2 Wellbeing

Lifestyle Support (LiveWell Dorset)

If you want to improve your health but aren’t sure where to start, LiveWell Dorset provides free advice and coaching for adults living in Dorset and BCP. They can help you lead a happier, healthier life by making small, sustainable changes.

How they can help

LiveWell Dorset offers specialised support and “pathways” for four main areas of your health:

• Manage your weight: Access to weight loss vouchers (such as WeightWatchers or Slimming World) and 1-to-1 coaching.
• Move more: Find local activities and get a personalised plan to increase your daily exercise.
• Stop smoking: Free specialist support and access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or vapes.
• Drink less: Advice and tools to help you understand your habits and reduce your alcohol intake.

How to refer

You can register yourself in minutes.

• Register online: Start your journey on the LiveWell Dorset website
• Call them: 0800 840 1628
• Take the quiz: Find your “LiveWell score” to see where you could improve

Wheelchair Services

If you or someone you care for requires a wheelchair or an assessment for a new one, you can now refer yourself directly to the Dorset Wheelchair Service.

How to refer

The service is provided by Dorset HealthCare for residents who have a long-term need for a wheelchair.

• Call them: 01202 892874
• Email: dhc.wheelchair.services@nhs.net
• Visit the website: Dorset HealthCare Wheelchair Service

Foot Care (Podiatry)

The Dorset Community Podiatry Service provides assessment and treatment for people with foot problems that affect their health or mobility.

How it works

Once you submit your referral, a clinician will review (triage) your information. If you are eligible for an assessment, the team will contact you to book an appointment.

• Call them: 0300 303 8630

• Email: dhc.podiatry.enquiries@nhs.net

• Visit the website: Dorset HealthCare Podiatry Service

Basic Nail Cutting

Please note that the NHS Podiatry service does not usually provide “simple” nail cutting for healthy feet. If you need help with basic foot care, you can find a list of local community providers here:

• Self-help: Basic foot care and local nail cutting services

Drug and Alcohol Support (REACH)

If you are worried about your own—or someone else’s—use of drugs or alcohol, you can get professional, non-judgemental help from REACH.

How they can help

REACH provides 1-to-1 support, group sessions, and advice on reducing intake or stopping altogether.

• For Adults: Call 0800 043 4656.
• For Young People (under 25): Call 01202 741414.
• Self-refer online: Complete the REACH referral form

Hearing Loss (Audiology)

If you are over 50 and noticed your hearing is declining due to age, you can refer yourself for a hearing assessment without seeing a GP first (provided your ears are clear of wax).

How to refer

• Call: 0300 303 8640
• Email: dhc.audiologyenquiries@nhs.net
• Online: Complete the Audiology Self-Referral Form