Since the Covid-19 pandemic, GPs have changed how they deliver healthcare services. Instead of having an appointment with just a Doctor or Nurse, we have expanded our team to include more healthcare professionals, who can assist with specific health problems and queries.
A mix of healthcare professionals all working together under one roof means that there is more availability for patients to be seen. Patients will receive targeted and specific care from these health care professionals.
How are practices working now?
When people need seeing face to face this should happen as quickly and safely as possible and it is important that people are assessed first to decide who needs:
• to be seen in person by one of the team
• a phone consultation
• help from a community pharmacy or another health service
We also want to avoid asking people to travel to practices, where they may come into contact with unwell or infectious people, when this is not essential.
How can I contact my GP?
You can still telephone your GP practice but, if your practice offers it and you are able to, the best thing to do is to use an online service on the practice website.
Why do receptionists ask personal questions?
GP reception staff are skilled professionals and ask questions to make sure you see the right person at the right time and treat all information confidentially. If you don’t want to speak on the phone, you can use the online service on the practice website, if your practice offers this.
I wanted to see my GP, so why am I seeing someone else?
Many GP practices now include a range of professionals like physician’s associates, nurses, practice pharmacists and paramedics who can help you. This means you can often be seen more quickly and if you then need to be seen by your GP they will organise this for you.
Partners in Care
Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.
Where else can I get help?
Always dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency. Visit NHS UK for advice on common symptoms and a list of local services or speak to your community pharmacist first for advice on minor illnesses; Find a Pharmacy