Primary care services across the country provide the first point of contact in the healthcare system, acting as the ‘front door’ of the NHS. Primary care includes general practice, community pharmacy, dental, and optometry (eye health) services.
As part of General Practice, there are people working in a number of different roles alongside GPs that can all help you with your needs. Together they can get you the right care from the right healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
“Get the right care, from the right healthcare professional.”
Below we feature just some of the roles within your general practice team, who are here to help you.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and can look at all aspects of daily life in your home, school or workplace. They look at activities you find difficult and see if there’s another way you can do them.
Occupational therapists help all kinds of people overcome all kinds of challenges, so they can live as fully and independently as possible.
How can a Occupational Therapist help you?
I can help you by…
• providing rehabilitation for you to stay well at home.
• empowering you to make improvements in your day-to-day life.
• supporting you to take control of your health and wellbeing.
Social Prescribing Link workers
Social Prescribing Link Workers help people to focus on their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing, working alongside their medical team. They give people time to focus on what matters to them, helping to connect them with local groups and services for a range of practical and emotional support. This could include physical activities and social groups, volunteering and gardening, or even debt and housing advice.
How can a Social Prescribing Link Workers help you?
I can help you by…
• supporting you to manage your health and wellbeing.
• giving you time to focus on what matters to you.
• helping you to access support services and activities.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists focus on identifying and maximising movement to improve the health and wellbeing of patients. They’ll work with people on a daily basis, recommending exercises and using high-tech ultrasound equipment or even hydrotherapy pools, depending on the patients’ needs.
Once a patient’s movement problem has been diagnosed, they’ll work with them to determine a treatment plan. They’ll also promote good health and advise people on how to avoid injury.
How can a Physiotherapist help you?
I can help you by…
• diagnosing and treating muscular and joint conditions.
• advising on how to manage your condition.
• referring you on to specialist services.
Mental Health Therapists and Practitioners
Mental health professionals in general practice use a range of methods to help people with mental health conditions. These range from talking therapies for common conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression and support for people with more complex needs such as bipolar, psychosis and eating disorders.
How can a Mental Health Therapist and Practitioners help you?
I can help you by…
• carrying out assessments.
• providing advice and support to manage your condition.
• supporting you to access appropriate mental health services and community resources.
Receptionist
Staff in your practice reception team are specially trained to know about the services available to you at your GP practice and in your area. They will listen and talk to you in confidence about your health problem, to understand your needs so they can book you an appointment with the right healthcare professional or service.
How can a Receptionist help you?
I can help you by…
• getting you an appointment with the right healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
• identifying services you can access with a GP referral.
• making appointments for new kinds of care or services you may not be aware of.
Paramedic
Paramedics work in a variety of roles within general practice. Their training means that they are used to working with people with a range of health conditions from minor injuries to more serious conditions such as asthma attacks and heart attacks. They help manage routine or urgent appointments and carry out home visits.
How can a Paramedic help you?
I can help you by…
• assessing and treating certain health conditions.
• attending home visits.
• ordering tests and interpreting results.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are essential to the smooth running of pharmacies, making sure patients get the most out of their medicines.
How can a Pharmacy Technician help you?
I can help you by…
- showing you how to use your medicines.
- supporting medication reviews by the Clinical Pharmacist.
- advising you on your lifestyle choices.
Your general practice team is here to help you. A range of healthcare professionals work at
your practice and in the wider community to help you get the right care when you need it.
You can find more in the digital booklet below by clicking on the image.
