Mental Health Practitioner
The Mental Health Practitioner completes assessments within the GP setting to explore the services users difficulties/need and formulate an appropriate treatment/support plan.
Common themes from a Mental Health Practitioner:
- Sign post to primary care psychological services (IAPT)
- Refer to other mental health services such as Recovery, Eating Disorders, Later Life and Memory Services (LLAMS)
Social Prescribers
Once a referral has been received, the Social Prescriber will call the patient and discuss what problems they are having, what they would like with, the types of support services available and ‘What Matters the Most’ to the patient.
Common themes of referral to a Social Prescriber:
- Long term conditions which affect social and psychological wellbeing.
- Loneliness/ Social Isolation/ Bereavement
- Financial Difficulties
- Lifestyle Signposting such as Walking Groups, Exercise/Weight Management
- Holistic Palliative/End of Life Care
Clinical Pharmacists
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are becoming more involved in the care of patients in General Practice. Having the pharmacy team working in our surgery provides valuable medicines support, a close link with our community pharmacy teams and allows our GPs to focus their skills and time where they are most needed for patients who have more complex needs. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can talk to you about how to get the best from your medicines.
Clinical Pharmacists will advise patients who have medication queries.
Examples of information they can give:
- Medication Reviews follow ups
- Medication Issues such as Medication Synchronisations, Side Effects, How to Manage
- Out of stock/ Alternative Medication
Care Co-Ordinator
A Care Co-Ordinator ensures that patient navigation, management and support by co-ordinating with other staff members to provide quality care.
Main Responsibilities:
- Frailty Reviews
- NHS Health Checks
- Blood Pressure at Home Monitoring
- Cancer Care Reviews
First Contact Physiotherapy
The Practice now offers a direct service for patients with back, neck, joint or muscle pain. This is delivered by our highly qualified First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) who are all Senior Physiotherapists with postgraduate training in Musculoskeletal Management.
Our FCP’s deal with all types of problems affecting the bones, joints or muscles. They are skilled in examining and treating these conditions. They are qualified to request X-rays and scans when required. In some situations they can offer injections for musculoskeletal conditions. If you need a course of Physio treatment they will also be able to refer you into the Hospital Physiotherapy department.
So, if you have a new problem with your back, neck, joints or muscles you can book to see the FCP without the need to see a GP first.
Main Responsibilities:
- To allow patient early access to an expert clinical opinion on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic concerns
- To offer patient centred assessment and management options
- To reduce unnecessary imaging and investigations
- To streamline access to appropriate secondary care services
- To improve the health and wellbeing of the patient
Paramedics
Paramedics are trained to give emergency medical care to people who are injured or ill, typically in a setting outside of a hospital.