Receptionists provide an important link for patients with the practice and are your initial contact point for general enquiries. They deal with a variety of tasks, including, prescription requests/enquires, appointment requests, all hospital correspondence, blood results, dealing with financial claims/patient record requests and many more. Receptionists are now trained as 'Care Navigators' with the support of our GP's. Care Navigation ensures you receive care from the most appropriate professional - not all requests need a GP appointment. All patients will be politely and confidentially asked the reason for their appointment request. If you have symptoms that are better suited to care from other professionals within the surgery or community based services, the Care Navigator will give you the choice to access these instead. These could include: First Contact Physio (in-house) Mental Health Practitioner (in-house) Social Worker (in-house) Pharmacist (in-house) Health Visitor District Nurse Practice Nurse Treatment Nurse Midwife Community Pharmacy - Minor Ailments Scheme NI Pears (Opticians) The receptionist understand that what you tell them may still mean you need to see a GP. Receptionists will never make clinical decisions about you. Please be patient with the receptionists - the best way to get you the most appropriate support is by asking you specific questions. |