If you saw the Panorama TV programme recently you are probably as concerned as we were to see unsupported clinicians treating patients.
Just to remind you of our current set up at our surgery:
We have Sejal, Lauren and Shivani working as Clinical Pharmacists. Aasma is a qualified paramedic and will be undertaking planned and unplanned home visits. Natasha is a physician’s associate and Sunil, Ken and Massimo are qualified first contact physiotherapists and Anisah is our Social Prescriber who can help in regard to social problems that may affect your health. We also have a number of GP registrars (registrars are fully qualified doctors).
All of these members of staff are supported by our GPs who have protected time in which to supervise, debrief and discuss all of the patient cases that these members of staff see.
In the current times of GP shortages, Allied health professionals are incredibly important to be able to help our GPs to manage their workload, but of course making sure they have adequate support and supervision is incredibly important which is something that Newbury Group Practice has taken very seriously for a number of years and will continue to do so.
We hope this explains our situation and reassures you that no matter who you are seen by within the practice, there are effective procedures in place to make sure that your care is safe and of a high quality.
Your GP practice now has more healthcare professionals that can help you
Depending on your needs, you may be able to get help from someone other than your family doctor.
The information below tells you about the different roles and how they can help you:
Social Prescribing link workers
Social Prescribing link workers can connect you with local community activities and services that can help improve your health and wellbeing.
Care Coordinators
Care Coordinators can work with you if you need extra support with using the health and care system, connecting you to the right services or professionals at the right time.
Dietitians
Dietitians can work with you to diagnose and treat diet and nutritional problems. Dietitians can support with changes needed to support long term conditions such as diabetes.
Health and Wellbeing Coach
A Health and Wellbeing Coach will help you to work out what matters to you and come up with some goals to help improve your physical and mental health.
Paramedics
Paramedics help to assess and treat certain health conditions and carry out home visits. They can also arrange tests and analyse results
Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacists can support anyone taking medicines to manage their health condition and make sure the medicines are working. Many of them can also prescribe medicines.
Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians support Clinical Pharmacists by updating medication records and can offer you advice on how to use and get the most out of your medicines.
Physician Associates
Physician Associates can diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, including caring for people with long term conditions. They can also arrange tests and analyse results.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists can help you if you have muscular and joint conditions. They can assess, diagnose and advise you on how to manage your condition.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat conditions you may have with your feet and lower limbs. They can help if you have a long term condition that affects your feet.
Mental Health Practitioners
Mental Health Practitioners can provide advice and support to help with mental health conditions. They can help you if you are dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.
Each practice will have different professionals depending on the needs of their patients so please contact your GP practice for more information.