Non-urgent advice: Why does the receptionist ask what is wrong with me?
The reception staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed by the Drs that they should ask patients ‘why they need to be seen’. Reception staff are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive:
The most appropriate medical care,
From the most appropriate health professional,
At the most appropriate time.
Receptionists are asked to collect brief information from patients:
1 To help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
2. To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
3. To direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate.
Within our Primary Care Network we now have new types of clinicians working with us such as pharmacists, paramedics, First Contact Physio’s, Social Prescribers (for example) – so it is important to direct your call to the most appropriate correct person.
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Local and NHS services
The surgery works in partnership with local and NHS service providers and groups.
Non-urgent advice: Think Pharmacy First!
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess and treat patients for earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 — without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don’t need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available. Pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary.
Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
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