We support people on anticoagulation medication by regularly checking their blood, using a simple finger prick test, and amending their dosage of warfarin if appropriate.

Our specialist nurses are based in clinics and other community locations across Dorset, and see people with a variety of conditions, including thrombosis, mechanical heart valves, clotting disorders and heart problems.

They also provide education and advice about anticoagulation to help increase patient understanding and safety while on this treatment.

You will be referred to this service by a GP or other healthcare professional if your condition requires this kind of support.

More information about anticoagulation is available on the Anti-coagulation Europe website.

We also provide a community phlebotomy service, visiting patients in their own homes who are not able to attend surgery to take blood tests. Our district nurses can take blood samples for investigative purposes and also for routine checks on long-term and chronic conditions.

Iron infusion therapy (IV)

We provide infusion therapy for people with iron deficiency anaemia, when regular iron tablets are not working.

Infusion therapy is a procedure where iron is delivered to your body intravenously, through a needle. This method of delivering medication or supplementation is also known as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

The service is aimed at people who have had an iron infusion in hospital previously and is usually delivered at Alderney Hospital in Poole, by appointment, Monday-Friday.

To access this service, please speak to your GP or renal consultant.