As well as providing general practitioner services, we offer a range of nurse-led clinics and other NHS services to meet health care needs of our patients:
Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine
It is our policy to pursue preventative medicine for all patients. All our health care professionals are able to advise on illness and disease prevention.
Disease Management Clinics
Our practice nurses run a variety of special clinics for asthma, diabetes and heart disease and patients with these conditions are invited to attend at regular intervals for a health review.
Cervical Smear Test
It is recommended that all women aged 25-49 years have a smear every three years and women 50-65 years have a smear every five years, unless they have had a hysterectomy. Patients will be invited by letter when a smear test is due.
Mammograms
The Poole Hospital NHS Trust mobile breast screening unit visits our area at regular intervals and mammograms are offered to women aged 50 65 years.
Minor Surgery
Certain minor surgical procedures, not requiring a general anaesthetic, can be carried out at the surgery.
Contraceptive Services
Contraceptive advice is offered by all the doctors and practice nurses during routine surgeries. The surgery also offers specialist contraceptive services in the fitting of caps and intrauterine devices (coils). Please advise the receptionist if you require this service so that the correct appointment is booked.
Teenage Sexual Health Clinic
Students of Q E School, who are not registered with the practice, and who may be unable or unwilling to consult their own GP can seek help and advice from our clinical team for sexual health matters including pregnancy and contraception. Students are referred to this service via the school s Teenage Life Centre (TLC).
Maternity
All our doctors are on the Obstetric List and are happy to share in your antenatal care in conjunction with our midwives and the specialist facilities at Poole and Wimborne Hospitals. Appointments for antenatal care can be made with the midwife or doctor.
Child Health Surveillance and Baby Clinic
6 week baby checks are carried out by the doctors. Additionally, the health visitors arrange regular paediatric checks and run baby and under ones clinics. Appointments will be sent to parents for scheduled checks.
Child Immunisations
Childrens vaccinations are carried out by the practice nurse. Immunisation is essential for protection against potentially debilitating, or even fatal, diseases. You will be sent a reminder card in accordance with the immunisation schedule (see page 15). If you have any worries or concerns about your child receiving vaccinations, our doctors and health visitors are available for advice.
Influenza Immunisation
An influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for patients over 65 years of age and those patients with chronic respiratory disease, heart, lung or kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunosupression and diabetes. Patients at risk are invited to attend our special flu clinics which are usually during October and November.
Pneumococcal Immunisation
In most cases, this is a once only vaccination recommended for older patients and certain at-risk groups. We are participating in the Department of Healths immunisation programme and patients who fall into these categories will be invited to receive the vaccine.
Travel Immunisations and Vaccines
Please make an appointment with the practice nurse at least 8 weeks in advance of your travel date. A charge will be made for certain immunisations which are not covered by the NHS. A list of these charges is available from our receptionists.
Counselling
We have a visiting counsellor who can provide help for a range of personal or family problems. This service is provided by Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust and patients will need to see a doctor for a referral.
Carers Group
Our health visitors run a Carers Group providing information and support for those who are looking after a relative, friend or neighbour who cant manage without their help.
Walford Mill Pharmacy
We are fortunate to have an independent pharmacy operating from within the surgery. The pharmacist is able to offer advice to patients and liaises closely with the doctors.
NON NHS MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SERVICES
Some of our services fall outside the NHS and charges are made for these. Services include private medical certificates, signing passport applications, various medical examinations for sport, school, pre-employment, HGV licences, elderly drivers and some immunisations. Please ask our reception staff for full details.
REFERRAL TO SPECIALIST SERVICES AND CLINICS AND PATIENT CHOICE
If the doctor decides you need to be referred to a specialist or consultant he/she will discuss your choices of provider of the service you need. This may involve registering your referral electronically using a system known as Choose and Book. If your referral is made in this way you will leave the surgery with a list of providers and details of how to select your choice and arrange your own appointment