Job titles can be confused. But here at Peel House Medical Practice we have over 60 staff members, all with their own specalisims and area of expertise.
Depending on your condition, we have a wide range of clinicians available to see you, including Health Care Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, Physios, Pharmacists and GPs. Sometimes other services may be able to help you quicker, our staff are trained to help guide you to the quickest and most suitable Clinician or service. To ensure you see the most appropriate clinician, the GPs have asked our reception staff to ask a small number of questions. All our staff are trained in patient confidentiality and have passed a strict vetting process.
What are ACPs?
ACPs are highly trained professionals with the knowledge and skills to take on wider roles caring for patients. They have advanced qualifications (such as a Masters degree) and the experience to work independently without direct guidance from a superior, although they are still supervised and work as part of a clinical team. They come from a range of professional backgrounds such as: nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, paramedicine and occupational therapy.
What do ACPs do?
ACPs can manage your care in partnership with you and your carers. They’ll listen to your concerns and in partnership with you, make decisions on the next steps to make sure you get the care you need. They can prescribe some drugs, order tests, organise treatment and work out the best treatment plan with you. You might meet them in your GP surgery, on a hospital ward or in the Accident and emergency department of your local hospital.
What’s so different about advanced clinical practice and other specialists?
Advanced clinical practice is quite different from specialist practice. Specialists are experts in their chosen clinical area, for example in diabetes or asthma care. ACPs work across subjects as they have the advanced knowledge and skills to look after your care as a whole.
Where can I find out more?
Just speak to your ACP about their role and training. You can also learn more about ACPs in general by visiting the NHS Health Education England website.