Care navigation allows our front-line staff to provide patients with more information about local health and wellbeing services, both within and outside of our GP Practice, in a safe and effective way.
It means that patients will find it easier to get a GP appointment when they need one.
When you contact the practice, the receptionist / care navigator will ask for a brief outline of the problem, this isn’t about being intrusive, it is aimed to allow the care navigator to identify your need and provide information about services in the practice, other NHS providers and the wider care and support sector. Where appropriate, they will direct you to these services.
All practice staff are governed by Data Protection & Confidentiality policies.
The scheme is designed to help give patients choice, offering them support and guiding them to the right information about other health care professionals who have the expertise to deal with a range of health care, illnesses and injuries. It also supports patients to be seen by the right person at the right time and in the right
First Contact Physiotherapist
When to see your First Contact Physiotherapist
• First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly trained physiotherapists, usually based in GP surgeries.
• FCPs have extensive experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions – such as back or neck pain – and see these patients without the need for a GP appointment.
• If you have bone, joint or muscle pain, you can see an FCP.
What to expect when you see your FCP:
• Your FCP will assess and diagnose you.
• Give you expert advice on how best to manage you condition.
• Refer you onto a specialist service if necessary.
How do you book an appointment to see your FCP?
• Simply contact your GP practice and request an appointment to see the FCP. The reception team will check that you’re suitable
and book an appointment for you
Pharmacy First
Pharmacies are now offering a service called Pharmacy First. If you have any of the following minor illnesses below, please consider contacting the pharmacy first.
You will be offered a consultation with the Pharmacist who will offer you help, advice and prescribe the appropriate medication (including antibiotics).
Urine infection – Women 16-64 years
Shingles – 18 years and over
Impetigo – 1 year and over
Infected Insect Bites – 1 year and over
Sinusitis – 2 years and over
Sore Throat – 5 years and over
Earache – 1 to 17 years
By choosing to see a pharmacist you will :
Free up capacity in general practice, so GP appointments are more available
Improve access for patients with minor illnesses through choice of locations and flexible opening hours.
Empower patients to manage their own health more effectively with the support of their community pharmacist.