Practice news
Upcoming events, changes to the practice or interesting health related news articles will be posted here. If you would like to see any of the practice newsletters that we have published please click here. There is also a live news feed from the health pages of the BBC on the right, click on any story that interests you for further information.
Contraceptive Implants
May 2nd, 2013 by Dr Pilkington.We can now offer an additional contraceptive service in the Practice, as I have completed my training for the fitting and removal of contraceptive implants. The implant is a very effective method of contraception, and consists of a thin plastic rod which is inserted under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm. Once it has been inserted it lasts for 3 years, with no worries about forgetting to take the Pill! It is suitable for most women, and fertility returns to normal within a few days once the implant is removed.
The drawbacks are that it requires a minor procedure to insert or remove the implant, and some women can have problems with an irregular bleeding pattern. Having said that, most women who choose an implant find it very convenient, and are happy to continue with it as their usual contraceptive method.
If you are interested in knowing more about the implant, you can come and talk to any of the doctors or the Practice Nurse for further advice on this and your other contraceptive choices. If you do decide to try the implant, you will be given a normal surgery appointment to see me for implant insertion. If you already have an implant and wish to have it removed or changed, you will need to ask for a double appointment, as this takes a little longer.
We offer a range of contraceptive choices including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, contraceptive injection, contraceptive implant and condoms, and we can also give advice about how to access other methods such as the coil or sterilisation, so if you want more information about any of these methods, please book an appointment. We can also carry out sexual health checks if you are concerned that you might be at risk of sexually-transmitted infections including chlamydia and HIV.
Uist and Barra Substance Misuse Partnership
March 19th, 2013 by Dr Wheeler.A message from the substance misuse team about their work and how they can be accessed:
This partnership is made up of a number statutory and voluntary organisations (eg Community Education, Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay, Cothrom). All these organisations are involved in assisting individuals or families facing issues of alcohol or drug misuse.
The partnership has expanded its service to include two part time Substance Misuse Support Workers – one based in Balivanich, one in Castlebay – and a full time Administrator based at our office at 23 Winfield Way, Balivanich.
As well as dealing with referrals through the NHS and Children’s Services we are happy to speak to individuals or families affected by these issues.
You can arrange a visit or meeting by contacting us on 01870 603060 (Uist), 01871 810184 (Barra) or via email to admin@uistbarrasupport.org.uk
If you wish to find out more about us visit the website at www.uistbarrasupport.org.uk
Email problems.
March 5th, 2013 by Dr Wheeler.Sorry – the emails have not been working well for the past week or so.
I am still having trouble getting everything perfect again – but in the meantime i have applied a temporary fix. You should be able to email for repeat prescriptions and to myself through the website as before.
Other emails i am still having to set up – hopefully won’t take too long.
December Newsletter.
December 20th, 2012 by Dr Wheeler.Merry Christmas to all our patients from the staff at North Uist Medical Practice!
Our latest newsletter can be read here.
Or you can pick up a hardcopy in the practice itself.
Job advert – substance misuse team.
October 8th, 2012 by Dr Wheeler.Our local alcohol support service is looking for some new recruits. An admin support worker, and a substance misuse support worker are being advertised. The job advert can be viewed here if you are interested / know someone who might be.
