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