Practice News – June 2024

Right Care, First Time

You don’t always need to see the GP, one of our skilled team may be more appropriate for your needs.

GP surgeries frequently now have teams of exceptionally skilled, qualified healthcare professionals who have the experience and competency to treat many of the patients who traditionally believe they need to see the GP.

• Medication reviews and queries are managed by a team of Clinical Pharmacists.
• Sprains, sports injuries and muscle pains are treated by a First Contact Practitioner.
• When it comes to managing long-term conditions like Diabetes or Asthma, a Practice Nurse is the most appropriate professionals to assist you with your needs.
• NHS Pharmacy First advanced service can treat patients for the following 7 common conditions: Acute Otitis Media (ear infection), Impetigo, Infected insect bites, Shingles, Sinusitis, Sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
• Our mental health practitioner concentrates on addressing your specific mental health requirements and provides a secure environment to discuss your emotions and explore ways to support them.
• If you have a problem such as plantar faciitis then our Podiatrist will be the most appropriate clinician

Utilising the experience of the full primary care team, ensures your GP is able to see the patients who need their expertise more quickly, reducing the demand on their time.

Watch this short video for more information about Right Care, First Time.

Find out more about your General Practice Team.

The reception staff are members of the surgery team and they will ask you ‘why do you need to be seen’.

Reception staff are trained to ask certain questions to ensure that you receive:

• the most appropriate medical care
• from the most appropriate health professional
• at the most appropriate time

Receptionists are asked to collect brief information from patients:

• to help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
• to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
• to direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate

Reception staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules:

• any information given by you is treated as strictly confidential
• the surgery would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with accordingly
• you can ask to speak to a receptionist in private away from reception
• however, if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then this will be respected but you may be asked by a GP for further information before an appointment can be booked for you.

Thank you for your support