Care Coordinators working in practice reception teams are specially trained to know about the care and services available to you at your surgery and in your area. While the name of this role may differ in your practice, they’ll listen and talk to you in confidence about your health problem, to understand your needs so they can book you an appointment with the right healthcare professional or service.

They can help you:

• Get seen as soon as possible
• Know whether self-referral is available for certain services at your practice or in your area
• Make appointments for new kinds of care or new services you may not be aware of
• Access the appropriate healthcare professional

Clinical Pharmacists in your practice are highly trained professionals specialising in the safe and effective use of medications. They work closely with your healthcare team to review and manage your prescriptions, providing expert advice on medication-related issues. Whether it’s adjusting dosages, identifying potential side effects, or offering guidance on how to take your medications correctly, Clinical Pharmacists are here to ensure your treatment plan is optimised for your health needs. They can also assist with managing long-term conditions and provide education on managing your health through medication.

First Contact Physiotherapists in general practice are experts in musculoskeletal conditions. They are able to assess, diagnose and treat a range of complex muscle and joint conditions – preventing the need for referrals to hospital. They can arrange swift access to further treatment, investigations and specialists when needed.

They can help with:

• Diagnosing and treating muscular and joint conditions
• Advising on how to manage your condition
• Referrals on to specialist services

Paramedics work in a variety of roles within a general practice. Their background in pre-hospital care means that they are used to working with people with a variety of health conditions from coughs and minor injuries to more serious conditions such as asthma and heart attacks.

They work alongside GPs and help manage routine or urgent appointments, telephone triage (assessment of urgency of illness or injury) and home visits.

They can help with:

• Diagnosing and treating health conditions
• Ordering tests and interpreting results
• Supporting people with long-term conditions such as arthritis and diabetes

Social Prescribers help people to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them to activities in the community. They also help people who are feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or in need of help to a range of local support – from community and activity groups, to work, debt or housing advice.

They can help with:

• Getting people to focus on their own priorities and the things that affect their wellbeing
• Supporting people to take more control of their health
• Introducing people to groups and activities in their community

Nurses in general practice undertake a wide range of roles and are involved in almost every aspect of a patient’s care, assessing, screening and treating people of all ages. In addition to providing traditional aspects of nursing care such as wound care, immunisations and administration of medicines, they run health checks and clinics for those with long-term conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

They can help with:

• Vaccinations and injections
• Supporting people with long-term conditions such as asthma and diabetes
• Healthy living advice e.g. stopping smoking and weight loss
• Family planning and sexual health advice, including smear tests

Pharmacy Technicians are essential to the smooth running of pharmacies and work under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Their typical day could involve giving medicines to patients, either on prescription or over the counter and providing information on potential side-effects. Pharmacy Technicians will work with patients to reach the best possible care for them, advising them on their health, how to take their medicines and their lifestyle choice. This could be face-to-face or over the phone.

Health & Wellbeing Coaches support patients in taking a more active role in their own health and wellbeing with achievable goals.

They can help with:

• Devising personalised care plans to encourage healthy eating and exercise
• Supporting people to establish and attain goals that will improve their health
• Coaching and motivating people to take more control of their health and fitness