A first contact practitioner (FCP) is an experienced physiotherapist who has the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems on a patient's first contact with healthcare services e.g. when they visit their GP surgery. Patients don’t have to visit their GP before booking appointments with the FCP.

Our pharmacists are working in close association with the GP surgeries. They perform structured medication reviews, helps to reduce polypharmacy, undertakes activities which reduces medication related side effects. They play a key role in reducing medication related errors. They also help the practice in effective management of chronic diseases. Some of them run special clinics and see patients face to face as well. Undertake clinical medication reviews with patients and produce recommendations for the senior clinical pharmacist, nurses or GPs on prescribing and monitoring.

Dietitians are healthcare professionals helping patients in relation to diet and nutrition in order to improve patients’ health and well-being in variety of different conditions such as Diabetes, food allergies, coeliac disease, and metabolic diseases. Dietitians also translate public health and scientific research on food, health, and disease into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

Dietitians can support colleagues within the PCN and make recommendations regarding changes to medications for the nutritional management of patients, based on interpretation of biochemical, physiological, and dietary requirements.

Care coordinators provide extra time, capacity, and expertise to support patients in preparing for clinical conversations or in following up discussions with primary care professionals. They work closely with the GPs and other primary care colleagues within the primary care network (PCN) to identify and manage a caseload of identified patients, making sure that appropriate support is made available to them and their carers (if appropriate), and ensuring that their changing needs are addressed. They focus on the delivery of personalised care to reflect local PCN priorities, health inequalities or at risk groups of patients.

Paramedics offer support to practices by assessing patients presenting with acute symptoms and minor ailments. Their experience and communication skills also mean they can handle challenging discussions about future wishes, including attitudes towards resuscitation and end-of-life care.

Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on 'what matters to me' and taking a holistic approach to people's health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

A Health and Wellbeing Coach takes a holistic approach; to support, educate and motivate patients to take a more active role in their own health and physical wellbeing, and make positive and confident behavioural changes. One of our HWBC has background in nutrition, who can support patients with Diabetes. Another HWBC has an interest in psychology/counselling and helps young adults with emotional difficulties.

Mental Health Practitioner