Special Arrangements for a Consultation with your GP
Where a registered patient has reached the age of 16 but not reached the age of 75 and has never attended for a consultation with a GP, nor a clinic provided by the practice, within a period of three years prior to the date of request, he/she may request a consultation. Where such a request is made, the practice will provide a consultation and the GP will, in the course of the consultation, make such inquiries and undertake such examinations as appear to be appropriate in all the circumstances.
Where a registered patient has reached the age of 75 and has never attended for a consultation with a GP, nor a clinic provided by the practice, within a period of 12 months prior to the date of request, he/she may request a consultation. Where such a request is made the practice will provide a consultation and the GP will, in the course of the consultation, make such inquiries and undertake such examinations as appear to be appropriate in all the circumstances. This consultation will take place in the home of the patient where, in the reasonable opinion of the GP, it would be inappropriate, as a result of the patient’s medical condition, for the patient to attend at the surgery.
Health Visitors
Your health visitor will remain involved with you and your baby up to school age or older, should you have a need. She will monitor your child’s growth and development and answer any concerns you may have.
Community Midwife
Your community midwife will care for all aspects of pregnancy during the antenatal period and (following your discharge from the maternity unit) postnatally, until you and your child are passed to the care of the health visitors. The midwife holds an antenatal clinic at Swanage Health Centre every Wednesday.
To make initial contact with the midwives please ask at reception for details.
Community Mental Health Nurses
The community mental health nurses work with others in our mental health care team to provide care and a range of services to patients and carers within their own homes or at the health centre. Clients are referred via their doctor or other members of the primary health care team. To ask for further advice telephone (01929) 422231.
Community Physiotherapy
For patients unable to attend the local hospital, help in the form of treatment or equipment can be given at home. Referral is made via your doctor or by other members of the primary health care team.
District Nurses
The community nursing team provides an 'in hours' nursing service to patients and carers of all ages requiring moderate to high levels of care at home. The nurses will provide specialist services for people too incapacitated to attend the health centre. Referral is via the GP or by other members of the primary health care team.
Tel: (01929) 422231
Out of hours, ie from 6.00pm to 7.00am weekdays and throughout weekends and bank holidays, telephone 111.
Smokestop
Go smokefree - there are over 50 venues in Dorset where support is offered. For more details call Live Well Dorset on 0800 00 76653.
Family Planning
For family planning advice including coil fitting, depo and the pill please phone (01929) 422231 and speak to a receptionist who will make you an appropriate appointment. You may, of course, consult your own GP for family planning if you prefer.
Cervical Smears
Women, normally between the ages of 24 and 65, will be invited for a routine smear test every three years. Smears are normally taken by our practice nurses but may also be taken, if considered necessary, by your doctor.
Chiropody
An NHS chiropody service is available at Swanage Community Hospital for all diabetics and those with medical conditions affecting their feet. New patients are referred by their GP and will be assessed by the chiropodist and advised of their treatment plan.
Mammograms
All women who have reached the age of 50 are offered a breast screening service every three years until the age of 65. You will have a simple screening x-ray called a mammogram. Leaflets on breast examination are available at the surgery. Please make an immediate appointment to see your GP is you discover any breast lump.
Childhood Immunisations
As a parent, you may not like seeing your baby or child being given an injection. However, vaccination is an important step in protecting your child against a range of serious and potentially fatal diseases.
Vaccinations are quick, safe and extremely effective. Once your child has been vaccinated against a disease, their body can fight that disease more effectively if they come into contact with it. If a child isn't vaccinated, they will be at increased risk of catching the illness.
Ideally, kids should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Further details on this important aspect of your child’s healthcare needs can be found on the NHS UK website or from our practice nurses and health visitors.
Appointments are usually sent out automatically, once the child is registered with our health visitors. If you believe your child has missed any vaccinations, or is unable to attend, please phone (01929) 422231.
Occasionally babies and children get a raised temperature after an immunisation. If this occurs, it is normally during the first 48 hours but following the MMR it may happen as late as six to 11 days after the injection.
Foreign Travel
Foreign travel may expose patients to certain infections so it is important to be immunised. If you have a trip planned, at a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of travel, please collect a 'Foreign Travel Form' from reception or complete the form online. Once completed this will be passed to a nurse who will contact you direct to book an appointment. Please note most travel vaccinations incur a charge.
Non-NHS Services
Some services are not covered by the NHS and you will be asked to pay a fee. These include:
- Private Medicals and Certificates
- Pre-employment Medicals
- Fitness to Drive Medicals
- Some Holiday Vaccinations
- Taxi, HGV and PSV Medicals
- Completion of Insurance Claim Forms, etc
- Driving Licence Countersignatures
A full list of fees is displayed in the surgery. If you have any queries please ask at reception or contact the practice manager. Please note that your GP will not sign passport applications. A list of professionals who will is displayed at reception.