Community Services

About Community Services

A comprehensive range of community services is provided locally for the whole population of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. These complement the existing practice-based services and aim to deliver care as close to home as possible. These services are provided by Dorset Health Care – Please click on this link for further information www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk 

Community Nursing

The Community Nurses provide all aspects of nursing care to the housebound. In our area we are very fortunate to be able to manage some illnesses that would normally require a hospital Admission in the patient’s home.  

The domiciliary service also manages an Intermediate Care Service in NHS nursing home beds in Lyme Regis Nursing Home. This enables those who require more intensive nursing to receive it in their local community.

The Community Nursing service operates an open referral system and can be contacted on 01297 446108.

As well as general nursing care the team also provide the following services:

  • Continence assessment and advice
  • Wound care
  • Hospital at Home
  • Palliative care

The team liaise and work closely with GPs and patient carers.

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Department (OT) is based at the Lyme Regis Medical Centre. Patients do attend the department but the vast majority are visited at home. The OT department also treats residents in local residential and nursing homes as part of the Intermediate Care Service.

Referrals:

  • Via GP’s, District Nurses or other health professionals
  • Patient self-referrals
  • Referrals by friends, relatives, neighbours though patients must be aware of the referral

Aims of Service:

Occupational Therapy aims to maximise the ability of the individual to manage daily living tasks including:

  • Personal Care
  • Domestic Tasks
  • Leisure Pursuits

with the provision of equipment, aids, adaptations and help with rehabilitation as appropriate.

Appointments:

Following receipt of referral the patient is contacted and offered an appointment with either the OT or one of the OT assistants, depending on the nature of the referral.

Urgent appointments are available if required and late visits up to 5.00pm are offered by the Occupational Therapist four evenings per week.

Following an assessment the OT staff will discuss a range of options involving equipment or rehabilitation. Information relating to aids, gadgets (for purchase) and local voluntary agencies and support services can be provided. Rehabilitation is offered for an agreed period of time and reviewed regularly.

If you require further information regarding the OT service you can contact the department on 01297 446117. 

Outpatient Physiotherapy Service

The physiotherapy service is provided by Dorset Health Care and are able to offer appointments over different locations including  Lyme Regis Medical Centre  , 

They have a team of Chartered Physiotherapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, who are experienced therapists and all have specialist skills in the assessment and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect muscles, joints and soft tissues and use physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, social and psychological well-being.

They are committed to using scientific evidence to support our treatments and treatment may involve manual therapy (hands on treatment such as mobilisation/manipulation), electrotherapy (such as ultrasound), therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation advice and education.

Accessing the service

Your Doctor, Consultant or Healthcare professional can refer you to them and once they have your referral they will contact you as soon as possible to offer an appointment time that is convenient for you, and is based on the severity of your condition.

Although many physiotherapy departments still use curtained cubicles, when informed in advance, clinic rooms can be made available allowing for a reduction in noise levels and where lighting can be adjusted for those who struggle in normal circumstances or have special educational needs.

Self-referral

You are able to refer yourself for physiotherapy at most of our departments. Please click HERE  and read the self referral information in the orange box to the right, and either download and complete the form, or complete the online version

What to expect at your appointment

  • One of the therapists will ask you some specific questions and perform specific physical tests in order to diagnose your condition.
  • Discuss your personal goals for rehabilitation and devise a treatment plan with you to help you achieve them effectively.
  • Explain your condition and how you might work together to help it.
  • Up to 45 minutes may be needed for your initial assessment and 30 minutes for treatment sessions.
  • Some departments may offer a Rapid Assessment Appointment. This is a shorter 10-15 minute appointment, which allows us to see you sooner to discuss your condition and treatment plan.
  • They will ask for your consent before any assessment or treatment
  • Your GP will be informed of your assessment and progress

 

 

Midwifery

Weekly antenatal clinics are held at the Centre run by members of the Midwifery Team from Dorset County Hospital.

The majority of deliveries take place at Dorset County Hospital but arrangements can be made for delivery at Honiton Community Hospital or Wonford Hospital in Exeter or, if appropriate, at home.

Podiatry

A Podiatry service will be provided at the Lyme Regis Medical Centre by Dorset HealthCare from 1st November 2018.  The podiatrist provides assessment, advice and treatment to help reduce foot and lower limb pain, and to maintain or improve the health of peoples feet. The service cares for people who have an injury or medical condition that puts them at risk of developing potentially serious foot problems, such as infections, ulcerations or amputations. They work to help patients be as mobile as possible, with the minimum of pain and disability, supporting their independence and improving their quality of life.

If you, or your loved one, have concerns about foot or lower limb problems, please discuss with your GP in the first instance. If your GP thinks more specialist treatment is required, he/she will refer you to the Podiatry service.

Age UK offer a nail cutting service at the surgery on Mondays:

Complementary Medicine

Acupuncture/Zero Balancing

Richard Walters
Lyme Regis Medical Centre :01297 445461
Home: 01404 813784

Thursday 9am-3pm

Osteopathy/Cranial Osteopathy

Tim Williams
Lyme Regis Medical Centre: 01297 445242
Bridport Office: 01308 427033

Monday all day

Tuesday all day

Wednesday all day

Friday all day