Practice Development

 

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First Contact Physio

Some of you will have noticed a new role in the practice. We have recruited a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) called Gary Coleman. This is a post that other practices will be taking on across the country. An FCP is an experienced physiotherapist who is a specialist in muscular skeletal conditions.

They are able to diagnose, investigate and manage almost all conditions of muscles and bones. Not just back and knee pain. In the past you may have gone to your usual GP for these problems, however Gary has more time and indeed specialist expertise.

Our Care Navigators will direct you to him for muscular skeletal problems. Your usual GP will still know about these problems and both Gary and your usual GP will discuss the more difficult cases. Gary wont see you frequently but will refer on to other physiotherapists if required. If you attend an appointment with your usual GP for a musculoskeletal problem it is highly likely they will refer you to Gary.

Request to see a female GP

We have noticed an increase in patient requests to be seen by a female doctor. If a different doctor is requested, you will be offered a telephone appointment with your usual doctor to discuss this request. Whilst we operate with a personalised list, every effort will be made if you need to see a male/female GP at any time.

Care Navigation

Care Navigators are your first point of contact when you contact the surgery. When ringing to book an appointment we will always ask for as much detail as possible to ensure you are directed to the best clinician possible. Whether this be your usual Doctor, Nurse, HCA, the Pharmacy, Physiotherapist, Secretary, Care Co-ordinator, or our in-house Pharmacists. Our role is to actively listen, signpost, offer support and to generally help people in managing their own health.

We ask patients to contact the surgery after 10am for routine matters and queries, we will always offer a routine appointment if suitable, with your named GP. If you feel the problem is urgent, we ask patients to call before 11am. Urgent appointments are defined as those that cannot wait until your usual GP is available. These appointments will be a reviewed by a Duty Doctor and referred to your usual GP if they feel the issue is not urgent and can wait.

Health and Wellbeing Team

In the last 6 months the practice has developed a Staff Health & Wellbeing strategy. The aim of this strategy is to create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable to talk, seek help and support, and where wellbeing is recognised and embedded into our working practices. This strategy is supported by a team of 7 members from each department of the practice who drive the strategy and implement well being initiatives.

Published: May 18, 2023