Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you are concerned about your health, particularly symptoms which are worrying you, please call your local GP practice for advice. A member of the practice team will ask you a few questions, provide advice or arrange for a healthcare professional to call you back. Some GP practices may ask you to email pictures of an affected area. You are likely to be offered an initial telephone or video consultation and if you still need to be seen face-to-face then please don’t worry about attending as new arrangements and infection control measures are in place to protect patients and staff.
Most practices are carrying out urgent and pre-hospital blood tests and starting to see women whose cervical smear appointments were postponed and those who have to undergo regular monitoring. Some GP practices are now able to offer limited numbers of joint injections and long-acting reversible contraceptive fittings, where the benefit outweighs the risk. However, a number of other services, including many routine chronic disease clinics and minor surgery, remain temporarily postponed.
You can also access a wide range of health information and advice on the national NHS Inform website (www.nhsinform.scot) or via their national helpline freephone 0800 22 44 88. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should visit NHS Inform to book a test and access the latest guidance however if your symptoms have not improved after 7 days you should phone NHS 24 on 111.
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.
Your GP Practice Team Is Changing
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.
GP Receptionists
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.
Mental Health Nurses
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.
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs)
Provide highly skilled assessment, diagnosis and management for 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.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
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. If required, they can prescribe medication and refer you to hospital services.
Practice Clinical Pharmacist
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.
General Practice Nurses
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.
GPs
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 required.
Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists are trained in the process of taking samples of blood. This is normally requested by another member of the Clinical Team and can be quicker than waiting for a nurse or GP appointment for blood samples.
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