Assistance

Making Life Easier

At Ghyllmount we are fully committed making life easier in accessing dental care. We want to understand how we can improve access to our services by always listening to our patients, their carers, and visitors to our practice. Sometimes it may not always be apparent that somebody may experience difficulties and we ask that this be brought to our attention so that we can make an adjustment to ensure we are inclusive in every aspect of what we do at Ghyllmount.

Our Commitment to you is to listen, help when it is asked for and to make any changes where possible to assist your access to dental care.

Your Commitment to us is to ask for help when you need it and to tell us how we can improve.

Physical Difficulties

Our Practice has been designed to help access and we have two ground floor surgeries, one of which is fully wheelchair accessible. We have a disabled toilet and child changing facilities on the ground floor. There are disabled parking spaces adjacent to the front door and there is also a doorbell to use if you need extra assistance. 

Both waiting rooms have firm seating with different heights. Once you are ready to leave the practice, and should you require a taxi, please just ask a member of staff and they will be happy to call one for you.

Hearing Impairment

We are working towards the provision of a hearing loop to make sure that we can communicate effectively with everyone and we are training staff members in the use of sign language. In the meantime, we will always address you when facing you and we will remove our masks when speaking to you. We will provide any information in a written format for you to read at your leisure. 

Impaired Vision

For those who have some vision impairment, we have some spectacles on reception if you have forgotten your own. Our practice medical history forms are also available in large bold print font if you wish. Alternatively, if you require assistance a member of staff will be happy to help you in completing any necessary paperwork.

Caring For Patients With Dementia

All our staff have received training in caring for patients with dementia and we are proud to be members of Penrith Dementia Alliance.

We have redesigned the practice to make it more dementia-friendly and our Dementia Champion Eleanor is available every day to make your visit easier. Please feel free to call her to discuss your needs.

We will try to ensure that wherever possible your care is completed by a single dentist with whom you are familiar. We are all trained and aware of the Mental Capacity Act and will work with you and your carers to ensure appropriate care.

Autism

Mr Lewis has personal experience of the difficulties that living with autism can bring. We will try not to change or alter your appointments and in order that you are not kept waiting would suggest appointments at the start of the sessions. We are able to offer appointments at less busy times of the day and we have a quiet space if required.

Please feel free to use Teddys story as a resource.

Nervous And Phobic Patients

No one likes dentistry, but we will try to make it more bearable. We are willing to discuss your concerns and find strategies to overcome them.

We are able to offer dental sedation if required and Neil Sampson is a Dental Phobia Certified dentist.

Mental Health

The APMS survey of 2014 highlighted that every week, one in six adults experiences symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. We will be non-judgemental and try to be understanding to help you access your dental care in a way that suits you.

Recall Reminders

For your next examination reminder, we can offer a choice of text to mobile, email or postal reminder. Please let Reception know which is most appropriate for you.

Language

For those whose first language is not English, we are able to offer the services of Language Line interpretation. There is a charge for this service.

Domiciliary Care

Due to increasing regulatory restrictions, we are at present unable to offer any additional domiciliary care or home visits.

Any Other Concerns

If you have any other concerns on accessing dental care or if we can improve our service please email [email protected] or speak to one of the Reception team.