Your GP practice team

Receptionists are specially trained to know about the services available to you at your GP practice and in your area. 

They are trained to use the information you give them to direct you to the right person fast. This could be a GP, nurse, or one of the many other trained health professionals that work in the practice, or an appointment at a local pharmacy.

Any information that you discuss with the reception team will remain strictly confidential. The more information you can provide, the more they can do to help you. 

Different types of nurse work in general practice. Practice nurses support everyday health needs including dressings, wound care, minor injuries and immunisations, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. Some are specialists in things like diabetes and respiratory care.

Advanced nurse practitioners are highly skilled specialist nurses, who are qualified to make decisions on assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Nurse prescribers are responsible for clinical assessment and diagnosis as well as the prescribing of medicine.

Different types of pharmacist work in general practice.

Clinical pharmacists are experts in medicines and give advice to make sure medicines are working well.

Prescribing pharmacists are trained to provide advice on a range of minor illnesses and some are able prescribe medicines.

In some cases if you contact your GP practice with a minor illness that can be assessed and treated more quickly by a local community pharmacist. With your consent, they will send an electronic referral to the community pharmacy of your choice for a same day consultation.

Social prescribers can connect people to a wide range of local community services to help people with their physical and mental health and wellbeing, and welfare.

Care coordinators work with people to navigate the health and care system, connecting them to the right services and professionals at the right time.

Physician associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a named senior doctor.  While they are not medical doctors, PAs can assess, diagnose and treat patients. PAs have been part of the healthcare workforce for 20 years.

Paramedics work with GPs to care for patients in clinics and in their own home.  They can assess, diagnosis and treat patients and refer to other services when needed.

Healthcare assistants work alongside nurses and other practice staff and can be your first point of contact for a range of care such as wound dressing, health advice and checks.

Dieticians can work with you to diagnose and treat diet and nutritional problems.

Dieticians can support with changes needed for long term conditions like diabetes.

A health and wellbeing coach will help you work out what matters to you and come up with some goals to help improve your physical and mental health