The different health professionals working in general practice

The different health professionals working in GP Surgery teams
Keeping you in the loop!

Why do GP receptionists ask you questions?

Here at Healthwatch Sunderland we hear a lot from the people of Sunderland about concerns they have when GP receptionists ask them a range of questions about their health conditions when they are making an appointment. We always explain that as there are a range of different healthcare professionals working in GP surgeries these days, their questions help the receptionists to make sure you are accessing the right care, more easily, first time.

In this newsletter we will be highlighting information from a new NHS campaign to let us all know the range of professionals who can support us in GP surgeries - we hope you find it useful!

NHS GP Access Hero film

In the short film below, three children go behind the scenes at a GP surgeries to meet some of those health professionals.

Your general practice team is here to help you: nhs.uk/GPservices

NHS GP Access Hero film With Subtitles

The role of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Many of you will have come across the role of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner by now, with many working in our GP surgeries, Enhanced Services and the Urgent Treatment Centre at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Their role is to: assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment as well as much, much more, which you can read about by clicking on the button below:

The role of a Healthcare Assistant

Many of the GP surgeries in Sunderland include the role of Healthcare Assistants as part of the practice team.

Their job is to support the practice nursing team in the delivery of services such as: blood tests, blood pressure and to chaperone for patient examinations. To see the full range of services which can be offered by a trained Healthcare Assistant, please hit the button below:

More here!

The role of the Pharmacist in General Practice

Clinical pharmacists are increasingly working as part of GP surgery teams. They are highly qualified experts in medicines and can help people in a range of ways. This includes carrying out structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems. You may have already met one at your practice.

Speak to your GP practice if you would like to have a medication review.

The role of the Social Prescriber

The Sunderland Social Prescribing Service is a non-clinical service. A Social Prescriber will work with you and support you with things like:

Loneliness

Emotional Wellbeing

Money worries

Housing worries

Healthy lifestyle choices

Managing long-term health conditions

Click the button for more information and also how you can be referred for services:

More info and referral here

Mental health support

Primary Care Mental Health Practitioners and Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Workers work within GP surgeries across our city as part of the Sunderland Primary Care Mental Health Service.

If you feel you need support with your mental health ask your GP for more information.

Coming to a GP surgery near you!

There are plans for the role of Physiotherapist to be part of GP surgery teams across our city in the near future.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health issues are the most common cause of repeat GP appointments and account for around 1 in 5 of all GP appointments. Most of them can be dealt with effectively by a physiotherapist without any need to see the GP.

If you are experiencing issues with your muscles or bones, have a look at the Sunderland MSK website, which has a host of self-care information and a contact number for if you need further support.

Sunderland MSK website

The role of the Armed Forces Champion

Armed Forces Champions will offer advice and support and will be able to signpost members of the Military community to the services they may require.

Please let your GP surgery know if you have served in the Armed Forces as a Regular, Reservist or Adult Volunteer Cadet.

We hope you have found this newsletter helpful and the next time you call your GP surgery to make an appointment, please be patient with the receptionist. Their questions help to make sure you are accessing the right care, more easily, first time!

We are here to help!

If you have any health & social care questions
contact us

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Healthwatch Sunderland · 53 St Luke's Terrace · Pallion · Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR4 6NF · United Kingdom