Who should I see?

It is important to remember that there are a whole host of health professionals in your GP practice team who can help you, not just a GP. This is why when you call to get an appointment, the reception team will ask you some questions about your health problems to make sure you get an appointment, either by telephone or in person, with the most appropriate team. In recent years, the team has grown to include a range of health professionals who focus on different clinical issues and problems. The most significant development at Eildon Medical Practice is the introduction of advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) over both sites.

---

Seeing an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

In many cases, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) could be your first port of call to meet some of the urgent care needs that you would have previously seen your GP for such as chest infections, sore throats, sore ears, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal pain, UTI, rashes, new skin problems, allergic reactions, eye infections, children’s minor illness, back pain, STDs, colds, emergency contraception, headaches & migraines, diarrhoea & vomiting, insect bites, hay-fever or shingles. This is why when you call your GP surgery and explain your symptoms, you may be offered an appointment with an ANP. ANP’s are experienced and highly educated nurses who support GPs to ensure patients receive a fast and efficient service. ANPs in GP surgeries are available to assess and treat those who require urgent care. ANPs have undertaken masters level training and education which enables them to assess you, make clinical decisions and prescribe you with the treatment you need without you needing to see your GP. However, they do work alongside the duty GP and can seek urgent advice and GP input if required. ANP’s play a key role in ensuring you get access to the care you need; at the time you need it, as appointments with them are often available much sooner than with your GP.

---

Seeing a Doctor

GPs are trained in medicine and are qualified to treat people for general health problems, such as illnesses or injuries that cannot be treated by over-the-counter medication such as:

---

Seeing a Practice Nurse

All consultations with the practice nurse are by appointment and are available daily. Appointments can be booked up to four weeks ahead. The practice nurse is available for such things as:

• Cervical smears
• Contraception injections
• Long term management of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, asthma, hypertension, COPD, diabetes or stroke.
• Spirometry test
• High blood pressure reviews

---

Seeing a Health Care Assistant

A health care assistant can deal with a number of clinical matters and who can avert the need to see a GP or the nurse. If you are unsure, please ask the reception team who will be happy to advise you. All slots are by appointment as with the nurse slots.

---

Seeing a District Nurse

Nursing care is provided NHS Borders by our district nurses. They see patients by appointment at the surgery for dressings, removal of stitches. They also visit patients who are housebound. The district nurse team can be contacted through reception on either site.