Roles within the practice

There are various roles now utilised within modern general practice to support patient access
These roles support our practice in order that GPs are able to see patients with the most complex and longer term needs
Roles include Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Urgent Care Practitioners and Pharmacists
Wider Primary Care Network roles

Do I need to see the GP?

Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) and Urgent Care Practitioners (UCPs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who can perform many of the same functions as doctors, including assessing patients, making diagnoses, prescribing medication, referrals and managing complex conditions, all while remaining within their scope of practice.

What can ANP and UCPs help with?

complex patient reviews/assessments
diagnosing acute and chronic conditions
treatment of minor illnesses
prescribing and reviewing medication
advising on prescribed medication
evaluating treatment plans
managing conditions holistically
ensuring joined-up call for all patients

The role of Pharmacists

Practice pharmacists undertake medication reviews for patients receiving long term medications. They may also contact you regarding medication changes.
Community pharmacies in the local area can support minor ailments through the Pharmacy First Scheme as an alternative to a practice appointment.

Wider Primary Care Network roles

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a national initiative with local GP practices working together to share additional roles.
There are a range of different PCN roles which PCN’s can share to support general practice access.
Roles include social prescribing, pharmacist, care home coordinator, first contact physio, mental health practitioner and general practice assistant.

Social Prescriber

Social prescribers work in partnership with PCN practices and can help people to access appropriate support in the community, to help them make positive changes to their personal wellbeing.

What can social prescribing link workers help with?

Getting people to focus on their own priorities and the things that affect their wellbeing
Supporting people to take more control of their health
Introducing people to groups and activities in their community

Care Home Coordinator

The care home coordinator and attached ANP work with care homes, nursing homes and learning disabilities facilities across the PCN supporting weekly ward rounds and multidisciplinary approach to supporting our patients.

First Contact Physio

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health issues such as back, muscle and joint pains are the most common cause of repeat GP appointments and account for around 1 in 5 of all GP appointments. Most of these issues can be dealt with effectively by a physiotherapist without any need to see a GP. They can also complete a direct referral to other services.

How can first contact physiotherapists help?

Diagnosing and treating muscular and joint conditions
Advising on how to manage your condition

Referrals on to specialist services

Mental Health Practitioner

Supporting patients with mental health concerns by providing early intervention, evidence-based interventions, and connecting people with appropriate services.
Supporting individuals experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, low mood, stress, and grief.
Bridge between primary and specialist care acting as a link and facilitating access
Evidence-based interventions including behavioural activation, problem-solving and guided self-help.
Conducting assessments to understand individuals’ needs and develop personalized support plans.
Helping individuals develop skills to better manage their mental health symptoms and build resilience and coping strategies.
Providing information and signpost individuals to appropriate resources and services.

General Practice Assistant

Providing a support role, carrying out administrative tasks, combined in some areas with basic clinical duties. They can help to free up GPs time and contribute to the smooth running of appointments, improving patients experience in the surgery.

Roles within the practice