Many opticians, dentists and chiropodists provide a home visiting service, though a charge may be made. Many chemists will also deliver prescriptions. Contact them directly.
If you have a complaint about health services or any practitioner, contact Southend Primary Care Trust, Harcourt House, Harcourt Avenue,Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6HE Tel:01702 224642
Eyecare
Free eye tests are available for people over 60. Essex Eye Care for the Elderly provide free home visits for those aged 60 and over. Tel 01245 472119
Dental Care
Specialist Dental Service.
Dental services for people who have problems accessing usual dental services, those with physical, sensory or mental disabilites 9am - 4.30pm 42 - 82 , Southchurch RToad, Southend SS1 2LZ. Tel: 01702 577000.
Age Concern factsheet 5 Dental care and older people, available from 0800 00 99 66, or go to www.ageconcern.org.uk Southend Central Library has a reference copy.
If you cannot find an NHS dentist, Primary Care Support Team (PCST) will help you Tel:01268 775650 covering all of South Essex.
Toe-nail Cutting
Age Concern Essex provides a toe-nail cutting service from its mobile unit for people who are unable to cut their own toe-nails but is unable to help people with diabetes, some circulatory disorders or in-growing toe-nails. For these conditions you should seek help from a State Registered Chiropodist.. Toe-nail cutting Service: Tel: 01245-267668 Mon - Fri 9am - 12.30pm
If you are receiving Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG), neither you or your partner have to pay charges for NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, NHS sight tests or NHS wigs and fabric supports,but take your order book with you. If you are 60 or over, not receiving MIG, have a low income and savings of no more than £12,000, you may be entitled to help with treatment, but you should apply in advance. Obtain form HC1 from the Benefits Agency office and be sure to get a receipt for whatever work is done.
See HC11 Are you entitled to help with health costs? from the Benefits Agency or go to www.doh.gov.uk/nhscharges/hc11.htm
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