Here we describe the main healthcare professionals working in our practice along with their responsibilities.
GP
- One of the doctors - our most highly qualified staff member
- May have a specialist area of expertise
- Can perform all necessary examinations and prescribe almost all drugs
- Can make referrals to specialists and arrange hospital admission
- Only has a 10 minute appointment
- Tends to have longest waiting times
Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
- Our most highly qualified nurse
- Many years of experience
- Can perform some examinations and prescribe certain drugs
- Can deal with many minor illnesses
- Tends to have shorter waiting times
- Cannot provide "Fit Notes" for work
Practice Nurse
- Manages the routine care of long-term conditions such as diabetes and COPD
- Can have longer appointments
- Often the best option if you have questions about your long-term condition or the associated medication
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
- Can check blood pressure, pulses, take blood samples, measure height and weight and give B12 injections
- Tend to be more accessible
- Cannot prescribe
- Often the best option if you want a periodic "health-check" for peace of mind. They will report any abnormal findings to the doctors to see if any action is required
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner
- Can assess and diagnose musculoskeletal problems
- Can refer on to the most appropriate service for further treatment
- Does not provide ongoing physiotherapy treatment but can provide advice on pain management and self care exercises
- Consider booking an appointment with this service for muscle/joint pain rather than a GP