Why See a Nurse Practitioner Instead of a Doctor?
Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services. They provide care with an emphasis on health that focuses on the individual as well as the family. They support patients in making decisions about their health care and offer guidance in making healthy lifestyle choices.
The Role of Our Nurse Practitioner Includes:
- Working alongside the GPs in the practice. The NP will see a similar range of problems.
- Diagnosing and treating common health problems.
- Taking a medical history and examining patients.
- Arranging appropriate tests and investigations.
- Referring patients to colleagues or to see a hospital consultant. The NP can also refer to other agencies such as Physiotherapy, X-Ray, Dieticians etc.
- Prescribing medication.
When Should I See a Nurse?
Nurses based at our practice see patients for a wide range of common conditions such as blood tests, minor injuries, removing stitches, travel vaccinations, immunisations for children or adults, ‘flu clinics, well-woman and cervical smears. Our practice nurses are also specially trained to run routine clinics for certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chest clinics. The nurses can specialise in different areas, so you need to book ahead with the most appropriate person. Our reception staff will be able to advise whether a nurse appointment is appropriate.