The community midwife will see patients for antenatal care on a regular basis throughout their pregnancy. The midwife will see the patient at approximately 12 - 14 weeks' gestation. Routine antenatal checks are at four-weekly intervals starting two weeks after the 19-20 week scan. For women expecting their first baby (primigravidae) routine checks are at two weekly intervals from 30 weeks. For women who have already had a baby (multigravidae) the checks continue at four-weekly intervals. If the patient is booked at Poole, whether primigravidae or multigravidae, and has not delivered at 40 weeks, the midwife will arrange for them to be seen at 41 weeks for assessment and to arrange induction of labour (at 42 weeks). Following the delivery the midwife will visit the mother and baby at home for the first 10 days, as required. If all is well after this time the care of the baby will transfer to the health visitor.

The community nursing team consists of a nursing sister, staff nurse/team nurse and a health care assistant. Their role includes: Giving short and long-term professional nursing care to the sick and disabled, discussing health and social problems which may arise during illness/disability and giving help and/or advice, assisting to contact other services which could help to meet your needs, advice and supply of items, e.g. wheelchairs, walking frames and commodes, to meet your needs, support and advice to carers, care for the very ill patient/terminally ill who wish to remain at home, health screening. The service to you in the community is consumer orientated. You may contact the district nurse via our receptionists during surgery hours.

Health visitors are registered general nurses who have undertaken extra training in child and family health at university. This, combined with their experience and knowledge, enables them to help you improve your health and feeling of wellbeing. Health visitors can offer adult health screening, give individual advice and counselling or invite you to attend a group to promote health. The Birchwood and Oakdale health visitors have particular expertise in the fields of establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyles, support with depression, stopping smoking, planning for a healthy pregnancy and coping with bereavement. Health visitors are on hand to advise parents on child feeding, development, safety and appropriate immunisations. The health visiting team consists of two health visitors, a community nursery nurse and a health visitor assistant. We offer a high quality professional and confidential service. Contact us on 01202 603868.