Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
Advanced Nurse Practitioners are highly qualified registered nurses. They can help by:
– Seeing patients with any symptoms and completing independent examinations
– Managing the complete care of a patient
– Working at an advanced level within the healthcare team, depending on their area of expertise (this may be a clinical specialty or expertise in urgent care)
– Making high-level decisions and referring patients to specialists without the need to refer to a GP
– Assessing, diagnosing, treating and prescribing for patients with a range of health problems
General Practice Nurses
General Practice Nurses work in GP surgeries as part of the primary healthcare team. The role of a Practice Nurse is very varied and may include:
– Carrying out examinations, investigatory and therapeutic procedures
– Blood tests
– Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
– Minor and complex wound care including leg ulcers
– Providing travel health advice and vaccinations as well as child immunisations and advice
– Family planning and women’s health including cervical smears
– Sexual health services
– Healthy lifestyle advice
– Screening and helping patients to manage long-term conditions such as diabetes and asthma
Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
Healthcare Assistants are trained to undertake specific clinical procedures including:
– Taking blood pressure readings
– New patient checks
– Health promotion
– NHS health checks
– Urine tests
– Weight and height recording
– Blood tests
– Certain immunisations and injections
– Ordering supplies
– Assisting with minor surgery procedures
– Sterilising equipment
– Wound care and assessment of leg circulation (Doppler test)
Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacists provide support to general practice staff with regards to prescriptions, prescribing and all medication management. They can help by: – Supporting the repeat prescription system
– Dealing with acute prescription requests and medication reviews with patients
– Assessing and treating patients directly, prescribing for common minor illnesses and chronic long-term conditions.
Physiotherapist
A First Contact Physiotherapist at your GP practice will offer quick access to expert physiotherapist assessment, diagnosis, advice and treatment. This may be a telephone consultation in the first instance. An expert in muscular and joint conditions, a physiotherapist will help you get moving again.
Social Prescriber
A social prescriber can help with any social need that’s affecting your wellbeing. They will listen to what matters to you, and help you find the support they need.
They can connect you to local services, groups and activities in the community, putting you back in control of your health and happiness.
Physician Associate
Physician Associates work within GP practices to help patients keep on top of health concerns. They are highly skilled at diagnosing medical conditions and can perform examinations and tests if needed.