A care coordinator will take an overall look at your healthcare needs – particularly if you are frail or have multiple long-term conditions. They will work with other health and social care professionals on your behalf in order to bring together all your identified care and support needs.

Working closely with the patient and their clinician or other healthcare professional, the Care Coordinator, co-ordinates patients’ healthcare and directs them to the appropriate service to ensure that they get the most suitable care from whatever health or social care provider is appropriate. 

Care coordinators work closely with their Social Prescribing and Health & Wellbeing colleagues, as well as secondary care (hospitals), health, social care and voluntary organisations to make referrals or signpost to information or services to meet your needs.

Clinical Pharmacists are increasingly working as part of general practice teams. They are highly qualified experts in medicines and can help people in a range of ways. This includes carrying out structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems and improving patient safety, outcomes, and value through a person-centred approach.

About Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical Pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to improve value and outcomes from medicines and consult with and treat patients directly. This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks. The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

Having Clinical Pharmacists in GP practices means that GP’s can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with more complex conditions. This helps GP’s to manage the demands on their time.

A short video explaining what a Clinical Pharmacist does:

Blogs 

• Read Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Keith Ridge’s reflections on the increasing importance of clinical pharmacists in general practice
• Read Deputy Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Bruce Warner’s blog on the benefits of relaxing the current criteria for clinical pharmacists in general practice

First Contact Physiotherapists are experts in muscular and joint conditions who will carefully assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and consider any existing medical issues. They will then recommend the right type and level of exercise or refer you for further investigation and services, so you can get moving again.

How to book an appointment?

• Contact your GP practice and ask for a referral to be made for you to the First Contact Physiotherapist.
• Your GP may refer you to one if they feel it is appropriate.
• Any other clinician may also refer you if they feel it is appropriate. 

You may be eligible for an appointment with our FCP for the following problems,

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, or sports injuries
• Arthritis – any joint
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bone, e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
• Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain.
• Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g., pins and needles or numbness.
• Changes to walking
• Post-orthopaedic surgery

Health and wellbeing coaching entails a cooperative relationship between the patient and the coach, employing a holistic approach to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The coach offers personalised guidance and support, aiding the patient in identifying their wellness objectives and creating practical plans to accomplish them. By providing valuable insights, motivation, and accountability, the coach empowers the patient to make lasting lifestyle changes for sustained health and wellness. This approach encompasses various facets of wellbeing, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and self-care, promoting overall development and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Health and Wellbeing Coaching can support with…

• Managing Chronic Conditions: Addressing diabetes, obesity, or hypertension with tailored strategies.
• Enhancing Mental Wellbeing: Coping with stress, anxiety, or depression through supportive approaches.
• Supporting Physical Fitness: Personalised guidance for weight management and achieving fitness goals.
• Achieving Work-Life Balance: Assisting in maintaining harmony between professional and personal life.
• Optimising Wellness: Overall enhancement of wellbeing and quality of life.

How can I Access This Service?

If you would like one of our Health & Wellbeing coaches to support you with your needs and are registered at one of our PCN GP Practices.

Please contact your practice to request a referral to the Health & Wellbeing Coaches.

Pharmacy Technicians are registered pharmacy professionals who play an integral part in helping patients to make the most of their medicines. Pharmacy Technicians are key members of the pharmacy and multidisciplinary team, engaging with patients and liaising with other healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary care.

About Pharmacy Technicians?

They can help you by…

• Supporting practices with medication related process such as medication queries, medication reviews and repeat prescription reauthorisations.
• Supporting practices with processing clinical documents and structured medication reviews.
• Safety audits including MHRA and amber drug monitoring.
• Project work highlighted by national quality and safety directives.
• Supporting with all aspects of prescribing for the care homes team.
• Helping with general medication requests and where able medication supply issues.
• Discussing with you how to use your medicines.
• Supporting medication reviews by the Clinical Pharmacist.