GP practice bolsters care team
THE TEAM at Lochgilphead GP practice has been strengthened with the recruitment of a new doctor.
The primary care team at the practice was also bolstered last summer when two Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), Emma Wilson and Lorna Mitchell, were recruited. GP Dr Andrew Strain also signed up last summer.
The latest team member, Dr Paul Davidson, started on Monday Jan- uary 1. Welcoming his new colleagues, practice business development manager Alastair Turner said: ‘Emma and Lorna are highly skilled senior nurses with advanced clinical skills. They, and our two new GPs, are a welcome and experienced addition to the team.’
Mr Turner went on to explain the practice appointments system: ‘Patients with acute short-term illness may consult an ANP rather than a GP,’ he said. ‘ANPs can take a full medical history, carry out physical assessments and examinations, make a diagnosis and carry out treatment, prescribe medicines, plan followup treatment and refer patients for investigations.
‘The ANPs have access to GPs for advice and support as needed. GPs are still available to treat patients with complex needs.’
Mr Turned added: ‘The benefits to the patient include a shorter waiting time for assistance as a result of a higher number of available telephone consultations and face to face appointments.
‘Patients have the opportunity to build a rapport with another clinician, while allowing GPs time to deal with complex cases.’
Mr Turner concluded with an appeal to patients: ‘Please consider a call back from an ANP as an option.’