Additional roles have been introduced into general practice to help reduce the health inequalities that arise due to workforce shortages in general practices. These roles are shared with other local practices.
At Westway Medical Centre our additional roles include-:
Clinical Pharmacist
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-centered approach.
We have a full time Clinical Pharmacist at Westway Medical Centre.
First Contact Physiotherapists
Low back and neck pain are the greatest cause of years lost to disability in the UK, with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis affecting more than 8.75 million people. In addition, musculoskeletal conditions also account for 30% of all GP appointments.
First contact practitioners are physiotherapists with enhanced skills. They can help patients with musculoskeletal issues such as back, neck and joint pain by:
· assessing and diagnosing issues
· giving expert advice on how best to manage their conditions
· referring them onto specialist services if necessary
We have a Physiotherapist based at Westway Medical Centre on a Tuesday, the other appointments are at Litherland. You can book a First Contact Physio assessment direct via our reception team.
Social prescribing link workers
Social prescribing link workers connect people to community-based support, including activities and services that meet practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. This includes connecting people to statutory services for example housing, financial and welfare advice.
Social prescribing works particularly well for people with low level mental health needs, who feel lonely or isolated, with long term conditions and complex social needs.
Social prescribing link workers work collaboratively across the health and care system, targeting populations with greatest need and risk of health inequalities. They collaborate with partners to identify gaps in provision and support community offers to be accessible and sustainable.
Community paramedics
A paramedic in primary care can recognise and manage the deteriorating patient and can manage patients with long term conditions, minor injuries, and minor illness. They can also support patients who require wound care, have fallen, have MSK problems, and have urinary tract or respiratory infections. Paramedics can supply a range of medicines through PGDs, including antibiotics and analgesics.
Care Co-ordinators
Care coordinators identify and work with people, including the frail/elderly and those with long-term conditions, to provide coordination and navigation of care and support across health and care services.
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental health and wellbeing practitioners provide wellbeing-focused psychologically informed interventions and coordinate care plans for adults with severe mental health problems. Based in the community, or arrangements can be made to be seen at the GP Surgery.
