23/09/2017
Meet the Dedicated Healthcare Professionals at Banbury Road Medical Centre
At Banbury Road Medical Centre, patient care is paramount, and this is reflected in the highly skilled and compassionate healthcare team that serves the community. The centre boasts a range of specialist professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive care, from pregnancy support to community-based nursing services. This article delves into the roles and expertise of the key members of their healthcare team, offering insights into the services available and how to access them.

Community Midwives: Supporting Women Through Pregnancy
The Community Midwives at Banbury Road Medical Centre play a crucial role in supporting women throughout their pregnancies, starting from approximately 8 weeks gestation. They offer a vital service, providing antenatal care and guidance. For women with a history of pregnancy complications or concerns regarding labour, care is seamlessly shared with the hospital team, ensuring a coordinated and safe approach to maternity care. The practice is fortunate to have Joanna Bouzidi as their designated midwife. Joanna runs dedicated clinics at the Practice every Wednesday, offering a consistent point of contact for expectant mothers. For further information or to book an appointment, the Community Midwifery team can be contacted directly on 01865 220457. Their expertise ensures that women receive personalised care and reassurance during this significant period of their lives.
District Nurses: Expert Care in the Community
The District Nursing team provides essential nursing care and support to housebound patients within their own homes. This service is invaluable for individuals who find it difficult to attend traditional clinic appointments. The District Nurses offer a broad spectrum of nursing services, with specialisms in areas such as palliative care, wound care, and the management of continence issues. Their expertise allows patients to receive high-quality medical attention in the comfort and familiarity of their own surroundings. The daytime service operates between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, ensuring that essential care is available during standard working hours. For enquiries or to arrange a visit from a District Nurse, the team can be reached on 01865 903061. Their commitment to home-based care significantly enhances the quality of life for many patients.
Health Visitors: Promoting Child and Family Health
Health Visitors are highly qualified nurses who possess specialised training in child health, health promotion, and education. Their primary focus is on supporting children and families, ensuring the healthy development and well-being of the younger members of the community. They offer invaluable advice and support on a wide range of child health matters, from feeding and development to immunisations and safety. Child Health Clinics are conveniently held at South Parade Clinic, located next to the library. These clinics take place on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. These clinics are specifically for well children and babies, providing a valuable opportunity for parents to seek professional advice and for health checks to be conducted. The clinics are run by the experienced Health Visitors, who are readily available to address any concerns parents may have. For detailed contact information for the Health Visiting team, further details can be found by clicking the provided link.
Accessing Medical Advice: When to Use NHS 111
While Banbury Road Medical Centre provides excellent local services, it's important to know how to access medical advice for non-emergency situations. The NHS non-emergency number, 111, is a fast, easy, and free service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can either visit NHS 111 Online or call 111 to speak with a highly trained adviser. These advisers are supported by healthcare professionals and will ask a series of questions to assess your symptoms. Based on your responses, they will immediately direct you to the most appropriate medical care for your needs, whether that's self-care advice, a visit to a pharmacy, or an appointment with a GP or other healthcare provider. Calls to NHS 111 are free from both landlines and mobile phones, making it an accessible resource for everyone. For life-threatening emergencies, it is crucial to remember to dial 999 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far into my pregnancy can I see the Community Midwives?
The Community Midwives at Banbury Road Medical Centre care for women from approximately 8 weeks of pregnancy onwards.
Q2: What if I have a complicated pregnancy history?
If you have a history of problems in pregnancy or labour, your care will be shared with the hospital team to ensure the best possible outcome.
Q3: What kind of nursing care do District Nurses provide?
District Nurses offer nursing care in the community for housebound patients, specialising in palliative care, wound care, and continence management.
Q4: Where are the Child Health Clinics held?
Child Health Clinics for well children and babies are held at South Parade Clinic (next to the library) on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Q5: When should I call NHS 111?
You should call NHS 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns when you need advice on where to go for care.
Q6: Is calling 111 free?
Yes, calls to NHS 111 are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Q7: What is the emergency number?
For life-threatening emergencies, you should always dial 999.
Conclusion
Banbury Road Medical Centre is well-equipped with a comprehensive and skilled healthcare team dedicated to providing excellent patient care. From the specialised support of the Community Midwives and District Nurses to the health promotion efforts of the Health Visitors, the centre is committed to the well-being of its patients and the wider community. Understanding the roles of these professionals and how to access their services ensures that patients can receive the right care at the right time.
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