NHS Western Isles audiology service. Hearing assessments, hearing aid prescription, ongoing support and maintenance, and tinnitus counselling. Treats adults and children, and can test babies from 8 months. Available at Western Isles Hospital and Uist & Barra Hospital. Existing NHS hearing aid users can book directly; others need a referral via GP, health visitor, nurse practitioner or Speech & Language Therapist. Hearing aid batteries available from hospital receptions and most GP surgeries. Note: a £40 admin charge applies per lost hearing aid.

Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on benefits, debt, housing, income tax, etc.

NHS Western Isles Occupational Therapy service — an integrated (joint) Health and Local Authority service. Practical support to help people overcome barriers to everyday activities and maintain independence. Services include adaptations and rehabilitation, children’s OT, the Community Equipment Service, mental health OT, primary care OT, rheumatology and hand therapy, the Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START), and stroke and neurology. Stornoway base covers Lewis & Harris; Balivanich base covers Uist, Benbecula & Barra (both in Western Isles Council offices). Self-referral available via the website.

CAB office serving Harris.

NHS Western Isles Nutrition and Dietetics Department. Specialist nutritional advice, assessment and nutritional care in both hospital and community settings. Dietitians advise patients, staff, relatives and carers, and deliver/support nutrition training and education. Self-referral form available on the website, or contact the team directly.

CAB office serving Uist.

NHS Western Isles Podiatry Service. A podiatrist diagnoses and treats disorders, diseases and deformities of the feet, helping people of the Western Isles achieve optimum mobility and independence of movement with minimum pain and disability. Clinics across the islands; self-referral form and ‘Looking after your feet’ guidance available on the website.

CAB office serving Barra.

NHS Western Isles nurse-led Continence Adviser Service. Provides assessment, advice and support for people with bladder and/or bowel (continence) problems, including help with continence products, for patients and their carers. Part of NHS Western Isles Nurse-led Services.

Advice and assistance on claiming benefits.