Resources for Patients

Useful websites and resources for patients, including information leaflets, support groups, disease-specific websites etc.

The information is arranged in A-Z format below. Just click the appropriate links to access the information.

Patient Information Leaflets

Patient.co.uk is an excellent resource for patient information leaflets and contains in-depth information that is very useful for doctors too.
Examples of topics include ingrowing toenails, hypertension, cluster headache, diets & contraception.

Cluster Headache

The OUCH! website is a great resource for Cluster (and other) headache sufferers.

Patient Decision Aids

A Canadian website that helps patients to understand and make decisions about their health. Use it as part of the consultation, or give patients the link so they can look at it in their own time.

e.g. I have AF. Should I take warfarin to prevent having a stroke?

Age Concern

This has now become AgeUK: advice and support for the elderly - everything from personal alarm services to heating and disability benefits

AgeUK personal alarm service: We-Connect (0800 772266)

Benefits, Tax Credits, etc.

Citizens Advice (national site) – there are local offices in Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset. Search the national website for details or call 08444 111 444

Bournemouth Council Advice & Benefits: 01202 451451

Poole Borough Council Financial Services: 01202 633114

West & North Dorset, Dorchester, Weymouth: 01305 251010 (West Dorset), 01258 454111 (North Dorset)

Asthma

The National Asthma Campaign’s website provides information about asthma and the work of the charity.

Asthma helpline (0345 010203) staffed by Specialist Asthma Nurses open Monday – Friday from 9am – 7pm . All calls charged at local rates.

Membership to the National Asthma Campaign provides a quarterly magazine called Asthma News with up to date information on asthma.

Breastfeeding Support

National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

National Childbirth Trust Breastfeeding Line: 0300 330 0771, 8am–10pm seven days a week

Breastfeeding Network Helpline: 0300 100 0210

Bengali / Sylheti Supporterline: 0300 456 2421

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 08444 122 949

La Leche League: 0845 120 2918

PSA Infosheet

Information leaflet for patients requesting a "PSA check" or "prostate check" as a screening tool. It helps patients to understand the pros and cons of having the test done, and what management might result, depending on the outcome of the test.