GP practices in Portsmouth have recruited extra healthcare professionals to offer more services and specialist support for patients.
When you contact your GP practice to make an appointment, you’ll be asked some questions which are designed to help staff guide you to the most appropriate member of the team.
It might mean that instead of seeing a GP, you’re referred to a GP nurse, physician associate, pharmacist, dietician, paramedic, or another expert in their area.
Dr Linda Collie, a GP at East Shore Partnership and Clinical Director for Portsmouth for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said:
“Having a wider range of professionals within GP practices means that patients can be seen more quickly and more importantly, by the person who’s most appropriate to help. Our teams are all experts in their field and can offer specialist advice and support to our patients.
“By working together and asking patients what they need, we aim to deliver the right care, at the right time, from the right qualified health professional.”
Appointments at GP practices can be made over the phone or online. When you make an appointment, Care Navigators, who are trained by GPs or Nurse Practitioners, will ask you questions to identify which member of the team is most appropriate to help. Any conversation you have with them, or any other staff, will be treated confidentially and with respect.
Find out more about the team of experts at your GP practice.