Coronavirus has changed the way all our health services work. GP practices are now open, and have been through the pandemic, but services are being delivered differently.
If you need an appointment, contact your GP practice. It may be something you can safely manage yourself, so you may want to get advice from the NHS Inform website, or your local pharmacist, before getting in touch.
Most appointments are being carried out over the phone, or through NHS Near Me, but if you need a physical examination, you’ll need to see your GP in person. Practice staff will let you know the options available to you when you call.
If you have a face to face appointment, your GP practice will look a bit different, but please follow the guidance to help reduce the risk of infection.
When you have an illness or injury that just won’t go away or is getting worse make an appointment to see your GP or a member of the practice team.
Your GP practice team will assess your health and offer advice, information, prescriptions and provide ongoing care. You can also be referred you to a hospital specialist, if required.
More Support at Your GP Practice
More healthcare staff are working in local GP Practices across Forth Valley to support GPs and help you access a wider range of health services and support.
Are trained to ask a few questions so they can direct you to the right member of the Practice team. GPs in each Practice advise the receptionists on which questions to ask and which healthcare issues can be directed to other colleagues.
Are able to provide support, advice and for many common mental health issues including anxiety, stress and low mood. They can offer guidance, support and a range of treatment options or refer you to specialist mental health services, if appropriate.
Assess, diagnose and help manage muscle, joint and soft tissue problems. They can also provide a wide range of self care options and advice to help manage these problems and refer for further tests and investigations, if required.
Are highly skilled professionals who have undertaken additional training to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions which you may have seen a GP for in the past. They can also prescribe medication and refer you to hospital services.
Work alongside GPs and can carry out a review of the medicines you are taking and answer any questions you have. If you feel your medication isn’t working or you are concerned about side effects they may be able to suggest alternatives.
See people of all ages and have a varied role. They support patients in managing a range of long term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. They also carry out cervical screening, give advice on sexual health, contraception and hormone replacement therapy.
Are doctors who support and treat people with more complex or serious health conditions. Many people won’t need to see a doctor as you can now be assessed and treated by one of the other experienced healthcare professionals based at the Practice, however, you will always be able to see a doctor, if you need to.
Are trained in the process of taking samples of blood. This is normally requested by another member of the Practice Team and can be quicker than waiting for a nurse or GP appointment for blood samples.
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs)
Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
