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
- GP intermediate care beds
- 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.
Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapy Department is based at the Lyme Regis Medical Centre. Any doctor or member of the clinical staff may refer patients to this service.
It is preferred that patients are seen in the department but if that is not possible home visits can be arranged. We are also involved with the rehabilitation of patients in local residential and nursing homes as part of the Intermediate Care Service.
In Physiotherapy we treat a wide variety of conditions, mainly musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, sports injuries or arthritis. We will assist recovery following fractures or surgery and provide walking aids or supports if they are required.
Please access Physiotherapy by either your GP or by completing our self-referral form. Once your referral is received by our team you will be contacted with an appointment.
Once the examination is completed the therapist will discuss their findings with you and agree a course of treatment which may involve exercise, manual techniques, acupuncture, electrotherapy or hydrotherapy. This is all backed up by advice and exercise to practice at home.
A member of our Physiotherapy staff carries out hydrotherapy at the Flamingo Pool, Axminster. This is a course of approximately 6 weekly treatments once a week lasting up to one hour, using warm water to aid exercise and improve mobility. If you have any questions regarding the Physiotherapy service you can contact the department on 01297 446105.
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.
Chiropody
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