Making the best use of local health services
Newsletter 4: Community Health Services you can refer yourself to
May 2026
Welcome to the fourth of a series of newsletters about making the best use of local health services
These newsletters have been produced in partnership with the Practice’s Patient Participation Group.
This newsletter focuses on the Community Health Services you can refer yourself to without needing a GP appointment.
Use the links in each section below (underlined) to find more information.
Audiology
If you are aged 50 or over, you can self-refer directly to the Audiology Service - although you are advised to have your ears checked by a health professional first to make sure your hearing loss is not caused by something simple like earwax or an ear infection.
Further information about the service and how to make a self-referral can be found on Dorset HealthCare’s website at: Audiology Service.
This service is available at Swanage Hospital.
District Nursing
The District Nursing Service provides nursing care at home for people who are housebound and for those where either their diagnosis or the nursing procedure required means their home is the best place for the care to take place.
Most referrals to the service come from other community services or hospitals. Self-referral and requests from family, friends and carers can also be made and will be assessed for appropriateness.
More information about the District Nursing Service and how to make a self-referral can be found on Dorset HealthCare’s website at: District Nursing Service. Contact details for the Purbeck District Nursing Team can also be found on this website.
Physiotherapy
Dorset HealthCare provides Physiotherapy Services at sites across Dorset, including Swanage Hospital. More information can be found on Dorset HealthCare’s website at: Physiotherapy.
You can refer yourself for Physiotherapy on the Dorset Musculoskeletal Matters website, where you can also find lots of advice on how to manage aches and pains in your joints, muscles and bones yourself.
You can also ask to see a First Contact Physiotherapist at the Surgery without needing to see a doctor first. Book an appointment with the Receptionist Team at the Surgery.
Podiatry (previously known as Chiropody)
The Podiatry Service provides specialist foot care to individuals who have a foot condition or medical condition that puts them at increased risk of developing potentially serious foot problems, such as infections, ulcers or amputations. If you meet these eligibility criteria, you can make a self-referral.
More information about the Podiatry Service and how to make a self-referral can be found on Dorset HealthCare’s website at: Podiatry Service.
This service is available at Swanage Hospital
Speech and Language Therapy (Adults)
You can refer yourself, or a family member, direct to the Speech and Language Therapy Service (Adults) for support with communication difficulties.
More information about the service and how to make a self-referral can be found on Dorset HealthCare’s website at: Speech and Language Therapy Service for Adults.
Contraception and Sexual Health Services
Sexual Health Dorset provides a wide range of free and confidential contraception and sexual health services for people of all ages in Dorset.
Call 0300 303 1948 to make an appointment or for further advice.
Free Oral Emergency Contraception (the Morning After Pill) is also available from Boots and Well Pharmacies in Swanage.
Many Community Pharmacies also now offer Free Oral Contraception without a prescription, including Boots and Well Pharmacies in Swanage.