Page 10 - link magazine

10 The Link Magazine • May 2006
Abbey Meads Dental Practice opens wide
for children's checkups
Concerned that many children are missing out on check ups because of the difficulty in finding an NHS
I offer a variety of approaches it dentist, Abbey Meads Dental Practice opened its doors for a special Children's Clinic during the Easter
a caring confidential environment holiday.
Practice manager Ebrahim "° more children onto our list,
relationships
depression Iravani said that the dentists — including the dentally home-
had planned for a one week less."
self esteem l
check-up programme but the ^ Dentist Martin Koch agrees.
anxiety/stress
response was so great that it s •' , "NHS dentistry with children
F acheiving goals was extended into a second. is not easy; but we decided to
spiritual issues Commenting on the controver- - take on the huge need from
sial NHS contract for dentists, families in the area."
he said, "we're not happy with k 4 Receptionist Hannah French
it because it forces us to work to : said, "so many parents tell us
targets with penalties. It reduces I " they can't find a dentist and
our flexibility to provide treat- '^ it's really sad to hear that."
ment and care of patients .' t • Adultpatients with the prac-
"But there is a demand from lice should also benefit from
The local specialist worried parents in the commu- the children's check up mara-
Optimum Mobility nity and, after discussions with Check up for Harry Colderick, 10, from thon as evening appointments
the Primary Care Trust, they St Andrew's Ridge with dentist Soheila Iravani will have been freed up for
and nurse Patricia Pinto
C , agreed the practice could take those who work.
Freshbrook dentist pulls out of NHS
• Wheelchairs — all types After 30 years as an NHS dentist, target. Hesaid,"I'mdisappointed Brendon feels strongly that
• Scooters — all types Brendan Ball of the Freshbrook that there continues to be a target when people pay for a service, as
• New & Used Dental Practice has decided that driven system of remuneration for they do even under the NHS, they
• Rise/recline chairs enough is enough. dentists. Once they meet the tar- should have a choice of treatment.
The new contract for dentists
• Proper service get, there'll be no point in doing He no longer wants to have treat-
Home visits introduced in April was the final any more work. ments dictated by NHS regulations.
straw and he will now only see
Shoo room & test area at "After 30 years in the NHS, I The practice has been private
Pinkney Park, Sherston private patients. haven't seen any changes that have only for adults for some time but,
Mr Ball thinks that the new con brought improvements. For all the
Malmesbury tract is unlikely to make dental rhetoric, it's exchanging one tread- until April, saw children on the
01666-840060 care more widely available. He mill for another and the amount of NHS. Now children will be offered
one free check-up a year and
explained that dentists will now time with a patient is getting charges for treatment will be about
be paid a flat rate for meeting their shorter all the time." half the adult cost.
Gems Angels
Community Support Services
New location for sanctuary
A Company That Cares
Swindon's new sexual assault service opened its doors to victims on 1 April at a new location on the
outskirts of the town.
The state-of-the-art purpose Hill was not successful. a three piece suite and TV to make
built centre is now to be found in a Now called 'The New Swindon the centre as comfortable as possi-
building opposite the new police Sanctuary' and managed by the ble. Fully-trained crisis staff will
headquarters just off the A420 at Primary Care Trust, it will run on help victims provide information
Gablecross. similar lines. Victims of sexual as- to the police and support them
The Sanctuary service was pio- sault will be taken there by the during the process of collecting
neered over the last four years by police, but men and women will evidence of an attack.
the Taw Hill Medical Practice with also still be able to refer themselves Centre manager Julie James said,
funding from the Home Office and without the direct involvement of "people who come here are ex-
Providing: Wiltshire Police. But grants were the police and will receive the same tremely distressed and not really
• Assistance with personal care not renewed and a campaign by level of treatment and support. thinking clearly, so it is important
• Household tasks practice partner Dr Peter Crouch The facility has two medical to create a supportive environ-
• Laundry service to maintain the Sanctuary at Taw suites and a lounge-type room with ment."
• Shopping service
The Sanctuary aims to ensure
• Pension and medication that victims of rape have every
collections
• Light meal preparation Stronger hearts opportunity to come forward and
• GP and hospital escort duties report their ordeal. To contact the
• Sleep in and night support Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation and established in 1993, I centre call 0845 456 3462
For: Swindon Healthy Hearts is a locally organised group which aims to
• Anyone who needs a little assist people recovering from heart conditions. Thanks for Taw Hill staff
extra support to get things done The group meets weekly, when a qualified cardio vascular instructor Dr Peter Crouch, unwilling to com-
• Anyone recovering from illness provides instruction and advice on how to improve your health through ment on the transfer of The Sanc-
• Anyone due to age, physical exercise. Exercises are organised in strict accordance with British Heart tuary service, said he wanted to
or mental impairment Foundation guidelines. pay tribute to the reception staff at
The group provides support for sufferers of heart conditions and the Taw Hill practice who used to
Call us for full details on:
their partners, professional training in first aid and life saving tech- open up the surgery at very short
01793 524888 niques, and organises social events such as skittle evenings and barbe- notice, day or night in fog, wind,
345 Cheney Manor Road cues. rain or snow to provide victims of
Moredon, Swindon If you think Swindon Healthy Hearts would benefit you, contact June sexual assault rapid access to a
Member of the United Kingdom Home Care Association Davies on 825510, or join them on Thursdays 5.45pm to 6.45pm at Croft medical facility whenever it has
Registered by the Commission for Social Care Inspection
Sports Centre. been called upon.