This section covers finding a GP or Dentist, chemists prescriptions and exemptions, support, including mental health services, who to complain to etc, user groups, sex and relationships, family, adopting etc, texting the emergency serives, and hospital transport.
To be seen by a GP you have to register with their practice.
You can get a list of GPs in Wolverhampton from the Wolverhampton Health and Community Care Information Service, 10 King Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ST telephone (01902) 831831
Or you can find out where there are GP surgeries near you by internet:
www.nhs.uk/england/doctors/nearestsearch.aspx
Or by telephoning Wolverhampton City’s Primary Care Trust (PCT), which is at Coniston House, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, WV3 0XE Telephone: 01902 444888.
A surgery may refuse to accept you as a patient, if you do not live in their area, or if they have closed their list of patients.
Where a surgery does refuse to accept you, they must have reasonable grounds for doing so, which do not relate to race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition, and they have to give you their reasons in writing.
If you are having problems finding a Doctor to register with, you should contact the Primary Care Trust, Coniston House Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, WV3 0XE (01902 444888) and they will help you find a Doctor quite quickly.
Changing your GP
You have the right to change your Doctor without giving a reason.
However, you may find it difficult to find a new doctor, because many have a full list of patients, and may not be taking on new patients.
You should notify your old surgery when you have registered with a new one. The process is the same as above.
You can get a list of dentists taking NHS patients in Wolverhampton, from the Information Centre at Queen Street, Wolverhampton. They do not have a list of which dentists have accessible surgeries.
Or you can find out which dentists in your area will provide NHS treatment to new or unregistered patients, at:
http://www.nhs.uk/england/dentists/registeringNHSPatientsSearch.aspx .
Which will give you names, addresses and telephone numbers of local dentists.
Wolverhampton also has 2 NHS Dental Access Centres, both of which are accessible.
They are at:
Parkfields Health Centre, Parkfield road, Wolverhampton, WV4 6ED
Telephone: (01902) 444112 Fax: (01902) 444172
This one opens 8.30-5 Monday-Thursday, and 8.30-4.30 on Friday.
Bilston health Centre, Prouds Lane, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 6PW
Telephone: (01902) 444111 Fax: (01902) 444439
The Bilston Centre is open from 8.30-5.00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30-7pm on Wednesday, 8.30-4.30 on Friday, and 8.30-12.30 on Saturday.
Out of Hours chemists
Chemists in Wolverhampton operate outside of standard hours on a rotational basis. To find out where there is an early or late opening chemists near you, you can check on the internet:
http://www.nhs.uk/England/Pharmacies/OpeningTimesSearch.aspx
Chemists inside supermarkets tend to open for longer hours.
Asda Supermarket, Molineux Way Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton, WV1 4DE (01902) 714848 opens from: Monday - Friday 9am - 10pm, Saturday 9am - 8pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
Waitrose Pharmacy, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4NJ (01902) 713974
Opening Times: Monday – Wednesday 8.30am-9pm, Thursday 8:30am – 10pm, Friday 8am – 10pm, Saturday 8am – 9pm and Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm.
Co-op pharmacies will collect your repeat prescription for you, fill it and return it to your home, if you are unable to do so yourself by reason of disability or injury.
Co-op pharmacies can be found at;
High Street Bilston (01902) 495225
Dudley Road, Wolverhampton (01902) 459979
Jeffcock Road, Wolverhampton (01902) 341300
Raynor Road, Wolverhampton (01902) 731134
Whitburn Close, Wolverhampton (01902) 781844
Stafford Road, Wolverhampton (01902) 782135
If you have certain disabilities you may be able to get an exemption certificate from the health service, by claiming on form FP92A, which you can get from your doctor.
People who may get exemptions include:
Those with epilepsy receiving continuous anti-convulsive therapy (e.g. tablets)
People with a permanent fistula (e.g. colostomy) that requires a continuous dressing or appliance
People with diabetes, hypoparathyroidism etc
people with a permanent disability preventing them leaving home without help
People who get the disability element of working tax credit and have an income below £14,600
Prepayment certificate
If you do not qualify for an exemption certificate, you may be able to buy a pre-payment certificate, which may mean cheaper prescriptions.
These cost £33.40 for 4 months, o £91.80 for a year. If you have more than 5 items in four months, or 14 items in a year, you will save money by getting a prepayment certificate.
You apply on form FP95, which you can get from the chemist.
Eye tests
There are several groups entitled to free eye tests, amongst these are the following disability-related categories: people with glaucoma (or people 40 plus with a family member with glaucoma), people with diabetes, people registered blind or partially sighted, people in receipt of disability element of working tax credit.
Also, if your income is low, you may qualify for vouchers to reduce the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
NHS Direct is a telephone/minicom service, staffed by nurses and advisors. They can give you advice on particular conditions, as well as giving advice on what to do if you feel ill.
When you call you must give them your name, address, telephone number, and doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms, when they started what you have taken or done already to try to feel better, and any medical conditions you may have. They will advise you on whether to see a doctor or go to a chemist or what you can do to feel better.
You contact them on: 0845 4647
Or by textphone on 0845 606 4647.
You can also visit their website for information on health issues at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Most services for mental health are accessed by referral from a GP or other professional.
One Voice – has 2 trained counsellors available to disabled people for person-centred one-to-one counselling. No referral required.
Aquarius provides individual counselling and group sessions for people with alcohol or drug related problems. No referral required.
ACCI - The African-Caribbean Cultural Initiative provides help and advice to people from the African-Caribbean community with mental health problems. They provide counselling, and they have a drop-in centre open weekdays 9-5.
ACCI, 217 Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4BA. Tel (01902) 571231
Navjeevan Project provides counselling for Asian women contact the project on (01902) 312234
No Panic
No Panic is a charity aimed at people who experience panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, or tranquillizer withdrawal.
They also provide literature and books, and have organised telephone and penpal recovery groups.
For more information, or membership, visit www.nopanic.org.uk, or telephone their office: (01952) 590005, or write to:
93 Brands Farm Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 2JQ
Saneline
The mental health charity SANE runs a telephone line charged at local rate:
08457 678000
They offer telephone support and someone to listen to you in times of crisis. They can also give you information to enable you to make informed decisions regarding your mental health, including information on medical, complimentary and psychological treatments available, and information on mental health legislation, and the mental health system.
They have access to a large database, telling you what mental health services are available in your area.
Their website has a wide range of information and links to help available:
http://www.sane.org.uk/public_html/About_Mental_Illness/Mental_Illness.shtm.
Samaritans
The Samaritans offer someone to talk to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 08457 909090.
If you would rather write to them, you can email jo@samaritans.org, they aim to reply to your email within 24 hours.
You can also write to them about how you are feeling:
Chris, P.O. Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA
The Wolverhampton Samaritans Centre in Newhampton Road West is usually open to callers from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You should ring to check: 01902 426422. You can also drop-in to talk to someone face-to-face, Tuesday-Thursday. The building has some access problems, but has wheelchair access at the rear – ring first so they can let you in, if you require a level entrance.
PALS will help you if you need advice or have a problem concerning medical service. Wolverhampton PALS is divided into 3 main service areas.
The Primary Care Trust (PCT) deals with things like GPs, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, walk-in health centres, and West Park Hospital. If you need help with a matter concerning the Primary Care Trust, you should contact Maxine Bygrave on (01902) 445378 or email pals@wolvespct.nhs.uk.
The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust is responsible for Newcross Hospital. If you have a problem with the hospital you should contact (01902) 695362 or email PALS@rwh-tr.nhs.uk.
If you have a problem with the ambulance service contact Barry Cobb on 01384 246370 or email him at barry.cobb@wmas.nhs.uk.
Another number you might find useful is 0845 1203748 – this is the West Midlands helpline for the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS).
ICAS supports you if you are making a complaint about the NHS, they will write letters on your behalf, come with you to meetings etc.
Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPI). PPIs give you a chance to have your say about how services should be delivered now and in the future. If you want to know more, or want to sign up, contact Marion Eastwood on (01902) 572046 or email her marion.eastwood@wcabx.org.
Outsiders is an organisation for disabled people who want to meet or correspond with other disabled people, who may need advice or help regarding sex, or who may want support to gain their sexual or emotional independence.
There is a confidential Sex and Disability Helpline 11am-7pm weekdays on 0707 499 3527.
You can also join the outsiders club (membership fee).
To find out more, visit http://www.outsiders.org.uk/
Whispers4U Is an online dating & friendships service for disabled people. It is free to join and caters for gay and straight people.
http://www.whispers4u.com/
The switchboard offers information and advice on where to meet people as well as help and counselling relating to issues around being lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Telephone: 0121 622 6589 (Voice & Minicom) 7pm - 10pm every night of the year. Or email: switchboard@gaymidlands.org
PO Box 3626 Birmingham B5 4LG (UK)
26a Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AD Phone: (01902) 444444
Opening times 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday 4.00pm to 6.30.pm, Young persons only sessions.
19 -21 Queen Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3JW Phone: (01902) 421131 Opening times: 9.00am to 5.00pm, weekdays, 10.00am to 1.00pm, Saturday The pregnancy advisory service offers advice to pregnant women on their options regarding their pregnancy. Call for advice or to explore the possibility of a home visit.
The THT offers help with HIV testing, advice and support on HIV, benefits, housing, treatment etc.
Bond House Bond St, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AS
(01902) 711 818
www.tht.org.uk
The Disabled Parents Network (DPN) is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters
They offer leaflets and information on a wide variety of issues such as involvement in your child’s schooling, getting a community care assessment, and setting up a support group.
They also have many online forums where disabled parents or would-be parents can advise each other on topics like welfare benefits, fertility, childcare fees, schools, social services, gay and lesbian parents, deaf parents, equipment etc.
They also have a number of free online advice and information leaflets: http://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/resources/regular_requested_info.htm
Membership is £10 a year, or £2.50 for those on benefits.
http://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/
telephone: 08702 410 450
email e-help@disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
The Parent Partnership is an organisation for parents of disabled children. It is concerned with issues around the child’s education and development. It is run from a parent/carer Information Resource Centre called the Gem Centre.
They have a Parent Helpline: (01902) 556495
Or you can Contact them at the Gem Centre at Bentley Bridge, Neachells Lane,
Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, WV11 3PP
Gingerbread's advice service for lone parents is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Freephone 0800 018 4318 for advice on benefits, childcare, C.S.A, contact, divorce, employment, housing, maternity rights and lone parenthood.
PinkParents is a national support project for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) families. They offer a range of support services and social activities for all LGBT families.
Whether you are considering parenting, have grandchildren, are fostering or adopting, Pink Parents can offer you support and a place to meet people in a similar situation.
Their helpline is available weekdays 9am - midday: 08701 273 274.
The website is: www.pinkparents.org.uk
The Haven provides services to women and any dependent children who are affected by domestic violence and homelessness and in need of safety, shelter, stability and support. Some of their residences are of wheelchair standard.
Tel
People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired can register with the West Midlands Police so that they can contact the emergency services by texting (SMS) rather than speaking on a telephone.
Registration forms are available from:
SMS Text registration Scheme, West Midlands Police, Force Communications Centre, Bourneville Lane Police Station, Birmingham, B30 1QZ.
The registration process takes about 3 weeks, and you must be registered before you can text the emergency services.
The 575 People’s Express bus arrives once an hour and will take you into the grounds of Newcross hospital, the bus is not accessible.
For some journeys to a hospital for treatment, you may be able to use the ambulance service. Ask at your Doctor’s surgery for details. You will be entitled to use an ambulance only if your medical condition requires it.
You may be able to obtain help with your travelling expenses when you go into hospital for NHS treatment and when you come out of hospital, or when you go to and from hospital as an outpatient. If you need someone to travel with you, you may also be able to get help with the cost of their fares. A leaflet is produced numbered HC11, entitled ‘Help with Health Costs’, which is available free from your Social Security Office, Post Office, JobCentre Plus or NHS Hospital.
Telephone the Health Cost Advice Line 0845 850 1166 for more information, or visit: www.doh.gov.uk/hospital travel costs