School Lane SurgeryAt School Lane Surgery, we take pride in our dedicated and diverse team, committed to providing comprehensive and patient-centred care. Beyond the GP there exists a range of healthcare professionals with specialised skills and expertise. The first thought we tend to all have is that we need to see a GP. However, often there is a more appropriate medical professional to talk to instead of a GP. This means that you get to speak to the most appropriate member of the team based on your medical, health and care needs.
As a surgery we take a multi-disciplinary team approach. This means that all the roles work together to wrap around you to provide the best possible care we can.
You will always be told who you have an appointment booked with and staff will identify their role to you. However, if you are unsure, then please just ask.
Here are the roles we have at School Lane. This is an overview and staff do much more than what is highlighted below
Reception Team & General Practice Assistants
Frontline champions! These are your first point of contact. They ensure the smooth running of the surgery, manage appointments, and guide you through administrative processes, making your visit seamless and stress-free as possible. It is their job to ask you the right questions to make sure that you get an appointment with the right member of the team as quickly as possible.
Their training is conducted over many months under the guidance of experienced staff. Although not medically trained, they follow establish processes and ensure you receive care from the most appropriate member of the healthcare team, which may not always be a GP.
Mental Health Practitioner
Specialists in mental health, these practitioners offer support, counselling, and coping strategies. They play a crucial role in addressing emotional well-being, proving that mental health is an integral part of overall health.
They can carry out assessments, provide advice and support to manage your condition, and support you to access mental health services and community resources.
Mind Recovery Workers
Are based in the surgery and work closely with the Mental Health Practitioner and other team members to support patients who may be suffering from recent bereavement, anxiety issues as well a range of other mental health concerns. Recovery workers will also help patients increase their own resilience and signpost to other wellbeing support where needed.
First Contact Physiotherapist
Experts in musculoskeletal (MSK) health, physiotherapists are your go-to for joint and muscle concerns. They assess, diagnose, and provide tailored exercises and advice, promoting physical wellness and can refer you on to specialist services if needed.
You do not need to see a GP for a referral as we are able to book you directly in to see a physiotherapist.
Social Prescribers
Some issues that patients present with at the surgery are not medical but have a social root cause. Social Prescribers connect patients with community resources and support networks, addressing social factors of health (such as housing or benefits) and enhancing holistic well-being.
Physician Associates
Skilled in conducting physical examinations and interpreting tests, Physician Associates work closely with GPs, extending the reach of primary care services and ensuring timely access to medical expertise.
They are highly skilled at diagnosing conditions and can perform physical examinations if needed. They can also arrange tests and analyse results quickly, explaining everything in detail before arranging follow-up appointments or treatments. They debrief on a regular basis with a GP to ensure that they are fully supported.
Clinical Pharmacists
Medication experts, Clinical Pharmacists work closely with the healthcare team to optimise medication management, ensuring safe and effective use of medicines.
They undertake medication reviews and help with complex medication queries from patients and staff.
Pharmacy Technicians
These healthcare professionals work alongside Clinical Pharmacists to review your existing medications. They can explain how to use your medicines as well as provide advice on lifestyle choices and other health matters.
Care Coordinators
Care Coordinators bridge gaps in care, ensuring seamless transitions between different healthcare settings and services. They enhance communication and collaboration for a holistic patient experience.
They help people make the right connections, with the right teams at the right time. They also see patients to help the nurse and HCA teams.
Phlebotomists
Specialists in drawing blood, phlebotomists ensure accurate and efficient sample collection. Their expertise is vital for diagnostic testing, making them an essential part of our healthcare team.
Health Care Assistants
Supporting all the clinicians, Health Care Assistants carry out essential tasks such as health checks, ECGs, some long-term condition reviews, some adult immunisations as well as range of other duties to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Nurse Associate
Collaborating with nursing teams, Nurse Associates work towards a full nursing degree and work more independently than HCAs supported fully by nurses within the surgery.Their diverse skills contribute to a well-rounded patient care experience and bridge the gap between HCAs and Nurses.
Practice Nurses
Nurses handle a wide spectrum of health needs, including chronic (long term) management, childhood vaccinations, health advice. They are crucial in preventive care and disease management, contributing significantly to your overall health.
There are nurses within the team who specialise in certain long-term conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
Advanced Clinical Practitioners or Nurse Practitioners
With advanced training, these practitioners can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication, offering an extended scope of practice to meet a variety of healthcare needs.
General Practitioner Registrars (GP Reg)
We feel it is vital to train and develop the next generation of GPs. As such we are a training practice that host GP Registrars. GP Regs are qualified doctors undergoing specialist training in general practice. GP Registrars work closely with experienced GPs, bringing fresh perspectives and staying up to date with the latest medical advancements. They contribute to the comprehensive care provided at School Lane Surgery
General Practitioners (GPs)
GPs diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They provide continuity of care, coordinate with other team members, and ensure you receive the necessary medical attention.
At School Lane Surgery, we operate as a single team with the aim of you receiving the most appropriate care from the most suitable professional. It’s important to note that not every health concern needs a GP appointment. Our goal is to ensure swift and efficient access to the appropriate team member, providing the best possible care tailored to your needs.