Nurse Practitioner

Do I need to see a Doctor or a Nurse Practitioner?

• A Nurse Practitioner is a trained specialist nurse who has undertaken additional education in order to provide advanced nursing care and prescribe.  
• The Nurse Practitioner can provide treatment and advice for any newly presenting health problems including those for which you may have seen a doctor in the past including:-

                 **A cough may persist for up to 3-4 weeks AFTER other cold/flu symptoms have gone.

ONLY PATIENTS AGED OVER 8 WILL BE SEEN BY THE NURSE PRACTITIONER

You may be offered a same day appointment with the Nurse Practitioner as an alternative to seeing the doctor.   The Nurse Practitioner will assess and examine you, make a diagnosis and provide advice and treatment including provision of a prescription if necessary.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK CLOSELY WITH THE GPs AND LIAISE FREQUENTLY WITH THEM ABOUT YOUR CARE

Please see below for answers to questions you may have.

What if my symptoms change?

The Nurse Practitioner can only make a diagnosis based on the assessment, examination and presenting symptoms at the time of your consultation with them.  If your symptoms change afterwards, do contact the surgery again; just as you would if you had seen a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see the doctor if:-

• You have multiple ongoing medical problems
• You have a mental health/psychiatric problem

When should I see the Practice Nurse?

You should see the Practice Nurse if:-

• You require a smear test or chromic disease review
• You require a blood pressure review (You can take your own blood pressure using the self-check machine located in the second waiting room, please ask at reception)
• You require stitch removal or dressing change
• You require travel vaccinations

What if I am not sure who I should see?

If you are unsure who you should see please speak to the receptionists who may arrange a telephone consultation with one of the medical team who will be able to advise on your symptoms.

Please Click HERE for a list of minor illness conditions the Nurse Practitioner is able to treat.