The following questions are provided to give you more of an insight into the SCENTS service. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact our ENT coordinator on 020 7703 1153.

• What is this service?

We have developed a series of new clinics in Southwark to look after people who have problems with their ear nose or throat. These are run out of three different locations in the Borough. They are:
Aylesbury Health Centre, Thurlow St, SE17 2UN
Bermondsey Health Centre, Grange Road, SE1 3BW
Parkside Medical Centre, Camberwell Green, SE5 7AQ

• Why have we done this?

The advantage of this new service is that one of the centres should be nearer to your home than the current hospitals providing ear, nose and throat outpatient services. We have also increased capacity so that your wait for an appointment will be shorter whether you go to one of the new clinics or to a local hospital.

• But I need to see a specialist.

All these clinics are run by specialists. Some of the doctors are ear, nose and throat consultants and others are GPs with specialist training and experience in ear, nose and throat conditions. Your doctor's referral will be examined to see if you need any services only available in hospital or whether you can be seen in a community clinic.

• I've already seen a specialist. Can I see that specialist again?

This service is for new referrals. Make sure that your doctor's letter explains that you have already seen a specialist and states when and where you were seen.

• What if I need an operation?

If you need any hospital based treatment that will be arranged by the team seeing you in the community service. If so, you will have exactly the same choices as you have now as to where you can be treated.

• Will my doctor know what has been done about me and my problem?

The specialist who sees you in the community clinic will send details of your consultation and the outcome to your doctor within a few days.

• What if I need further follow-up?

A few patients need more than one appointment with the specialist. If so, you will be contacted by the appointment clerk to make the appointment of your choice.

• What if I need some medicine?

If the specialist who sees you finds that you need some medicine, you will be issued with a prescription to take to a pharmacy.

• How do I get an appointment?

Your doctor has forwarded your details to the community specialist. Make sure your doctor has your correct address and phone numbers. When the specialist has decided whom you need to see with your problem, the appointments clerk will contact you to agree where and when this should take place.

• How long will I have to wait?

You will be contacted within two working days of your doctor's referral being received. An appointment will be offered to you to take place within six weeks of your GP referring you.

• Can I choose where I go?

You will be able to choose which community clinic you wish to attend or if your problem necessitates a hospital visit, which hospital you would like to go to.

• Can children be seen in a community clinic?

Yes.

• Do the clinics have provision for disabled access?

Yes.

• Does service perform hearing tests?

Yes, but only as part of an ENT assessment. The clinics do not provide a hearing aid service.

• If I am found to have ear wax, can the wax be removed?

Yes, the wax will be removed as part of your assessment. However, your general practice will normally remove wax if that is the problem you have.

• I have seen a certain clinician before for this problem why can't I just go back there?

This is a new referral. Make sure your doctor states that you have been under an ENT Specialist before and what for.

• How do I find the clinic?

The clinics can be found at the addresses below.
Aylesbury Health Centre, Thurlow St, SE17 2UN
Bermondsey Health Centre, Grange Road, SE1 3BW
Parkside Medical Centre, Camberwell Green, SE5 7AQ,