We are general practice’ campaign
NHS North West London in partnership with local GP practices has launched a new campaign to explain how general practice is changing and why you may see a different clinical expert when you come here for your appointment in future depending on your need.
Watch our video to see how practices such as ourselves are working as a team of medical experts and support staff, led and supervised by the GP, to better support you.
In our practice, in addition to GPs’, we also have specialists such as pharmacists, a mental health pharmacist, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, social prescribers, a dietician, phlebotomist’s and health and wellbeing coaches. We will always make sure you see the right person for your needs.
You can find out more about the we are general practice campaign by visiting www.nwlondonics.nhs.uk/wearegeneralpractice.
Health and wellbeing coach
Health and wellbeing coach is a professional who works with individuals to help them improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Some specific tasks that a health and wellbeing coach may perform include:
- Physical fitness
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle changes
- These coaches help patients set goals, develop action plans, and hold them accountable for making positive changes to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. They may also provide education, resources, and tools to empower clients to make informed decisions about their health.
- General health and wellbeing
Dietician
A dietitian is a healthcare professional who specialize in the science of nutrition and helps people make informed decisions about what to eat and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our dietician will work with our patients to assess their nutritional needs, develop diet plans, and provided education regarding healthy food choices and eating habits.
Some specific tasks that a dietitian may perform include:
- Conducting nutrition assessments to evaluate a patient’s health, diet, and nutritional needs
- Weight management
- Developing personalised meal plans based on a patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences
- Providing nutrition education
- Monitoring and evaluating patients’ progress and adjusting their diet plans as needed
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to provide comprehensive care to patients
Social prescriber
Social prescriber is a non clinical healthcare professional who works in general practices to support patients with social, emotional, and practical needs that may be affecting their health and wellbeing.
Social prescribers work with patients to identify their needs and connect them with appropriate community resources and services. This may include support groups, social clubs, exercise classes, befriending services, volunteering opportunities, or financial advice. By providing patients with access to these services, social prescribers aim to improve their social connectedness, mental health, and overall wellbeing, which in turn may have a positive impact on their physical health.
Some specific tasks that a social prescriber may perform include:
- Conducting assessments to identify patients’ social and emotional needs
- Providing information, advice, and guidance on available community services and resources
- Referring patients to appropriate services and following up to ensure they have received the support they need
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as GPs and nurses, to provide holistic care to patients
- Overall, the role of social prescriber is intended to help address the social issues and improve the overall health and wellbeing of patients
- Supporting patients in completing forms related to social needs such as housing and blue badge applications
Physiotherapist (first contact practitioner)
Physiotherapists practice alongside GPs and other healthcare providers. They are qualified to provide advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) condition, such as back pain, joint pain, and sports injuries. They provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral for further investigations or specialist care where necessary. They can also provide advice and education to patients about self-management strategies to help them better manage their conditions.
Some specific tasks that a social prescriber may perform include:
- Assessing patients with MSK conditions, including taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination
- Diagnosing and developing a treatment plan for patients, which may include advice on exercise, pain management, or referral for further investigations or specialist care
- Providing education and advice to patients on self management strategies, such as exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes
- Working collaboratively with GPs and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care to patients
- Maintaining accurate patient records and communicating effectively with other healthcare providers
Overall, the role of an FCP is to provide patients with timely access to high-quality care for MSK conditions, help reduce the workload of GPs and other healthcare providers, and improve patient outcomes
Pharmacist
Pharmacists work alongside GPs and other healthcare professionals to provide a range of clinical services.
Some specific tasks that a social prescriber may perform include:
- Medicines management: working closely with GPs and to review patients’ medications and ensure they are safe, effective, and appropriate. They manage repeat prescriptions and monitor patients for potential side effects or drug interactions
- Pharmacists are trained to identify and manage common clinical problems, such as asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and can help optimize patients’ medication regimes to ensure they are effective and well tolerated
- Clinical assessments: pharmacists can conduct clinical assessments for a range of conditions, including minor illnesses and injuries, to provide timely advice and treatment to patients
- Pharmacists work closely with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide a coordinated and integrated service to patients. They may also liaise with local community pharmacists and hospitals to ensure seamless care transitions for patients
Overall, the role of pharmacists in general practice in the UK is evolving and expanding to meet the changing needs of patients and the healthcare system. Pharmacist-led services have been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase access to care.
