Clinicians

Assess the patient, order investigations, plan care, offer treatment, prescribe and evaluate care for acutely unwell patients. Some team members have their own specialities, e.g., skin lesions, contraception, asthma, COPD.

Patients that might be recommended to see an ACP rather than GP would include patients with:

• skin issues ie rashes, infections, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites
• pain ie joint pain, abdominal pain
• infections ie UTI, chest, cellulitis, ingrowing toe nails
• COPD and asthma exacerbation
• headaches/migraines
• Dizziness, balance issues
• Ear symptoms ie infection, hearing loss, pain
• Sore throat
• Swellings ie abscess,  joint swelling, breast
• Tired all the time
• Bowel issues ie constipation, diarrhoea, blood in stool
• Bladder issues ie infection, overactive bladder
• Vaginal issues ie thrush, infection, swellings, discharge
• Eye symptoms ie conjunctivitis, blepharitis, cysts
• Gout
• Nausea & Vomiting

A Mental Health Nurse is a registered nurse who has specialist knowledge and training, in the assessment and treatment of people presenting with anxiety and low mood plus complex needs.

Following initial assessment the mental health nurse can offer short-term interventions, which may include a solution focused approach, and counselling support from partner services.

Advice and treatment with regards to medication will be discussed as a possible option, plus support and referral to other services, as part of the care pathway for the patient.

All care plans for the patient will be discussed and agreed with the GP.

Clinical pharmacists can see patients for certain long term conditions for example hypertension, asthma, raised cholesterol and can help manage these conditions.  We can also provide advice for patients on multiple medicines by undertaking structured medication reviews. This allows patients to discuss all aspects of their medication, for example whether there are concerns with possible side effects, problems taking the medication, or ordering the medication.

In addition to this we undertake a lot of background work, for example checking that medication changes made by the hospital are recorded correctly and ensuring medication monitoring is up to date and that the medication remains safe to take.  We also undertake audits and reviews to make sure that patients are still taking the most appropriate medication in line with local and National guidelines.

A First Contact Physiotherapist is a trained physiotherapists with enhanced skills working in primary care. They can help patients with musculoskeletal problems such as soft tissue injuries to muscle, tendon and ligaments, spinal pain and joint pain including arthritis.
Their role involves:

• assessing and diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions
• providing expert advice on how to manage your condition
• referring for appropriate investigations and interventions such as x-rays and injections
• referring to specialist services if necessary

You may offered an appointment with a first contact physiotherapist rather than a GP to allow you to receive faster expert musculoskeletal care.

Physician assistants are medically trained healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and other members of the practice team to provide a range of patient care. They are able to:

• Take medical histories from patients
• Carry out physical examinations
• See patients for on the day for scheduled appointments as part of our Urgent Care Team
• Manage and treat patients of all ages and make referrals
• Review and act on laboratory results
• Provide patient health promotion and disease prevention advice
• Carry out chronic condition reviews including hypertension and heart failure
• Carry out HRT and conceptive pill reviews and contraceptive counselling and procedures