Additional Roles
Mental Health Practitioner
The Mental Health Practitioner completes assessments within the GP setting to explore the services users difficulties/need and formulate an appropriate treatment/support plan.
Common themes from a Mental Health Practitioner:
- Sign post to primary care psychological services (IAPT)
- Refer to other mental health services such as Recovery, Eating Disorders, Later Life and Memory Services (LLAMS)
Social Prescribers
Once a referral has been received, the Social Prescriber will call the patient and discuss what problems they are having, what they would like with, the types of support services available and 'What Matters the Most' to the patient.
Common themes of referral to a Social Prescriber:
- Long term conditions which affect social and psychological wellbeing.
- Loneliness/ Social Isolation/ Bereavement
- Financial Difficulties
- Lifestyle Signposting such as Walking Groups, Exercise/Weight Management
- Holistic Palliative/End of Life Care
Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacists will advise patients who have medication queries.
Examples of information they can give:
- Medication Reviews follow ups
- Medication Issues such as Medication Synchronisations, Side Effects, How to Manage
- Out of stock/ Alternative Medication
Care Co-Ordinator
A Care Co-Ordinator ensures that patient navigation, management and support by co-ordinating with other staff members to provide quality care.
Main Responsibilities:
- Frailty Reviews
- NHS Health Checks
- Blood Pressure at Home Monitoring
- Cancer Care Reviews
First Contact Physiotherapy
A First Contact Physiotherapist is an experienced and highly skilled physiotherapist who can assess, diagnose and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.
Main Responsibilities:
- To allow patient early access to an expert clinical opinion on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic concerns
- To offer patient centred assessment and management options
- To reduce unnecessary imaging and investigations
- To streamline access to appropriate secondary care services
- To improve the health and wellbeing of the patient
Paramedics
Paramedics are trained to give emergency medical care to people who are injured or ill, typically in a setting outside of a hospital.