Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
General Practice is also under increasing strain. The demand for appointments is increasing, more people require more medicine and more clinics are running in General Practice than ever before.
As a Practice we are trying to provide a good service to our Practice Population going forward in the years to come, which is why we have two ANP’s who work at the surgery on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Do I need to see a GP or the Advanced Nurse Practitioner?
Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) are all trained specialist nurses who have undertaken additional education in order to provide advanced nursing care. They can provide treatment and advice for many problems for which you may have seen a Doctor for in the past. Their main areas of expertise are in the management of common illnesses and long-term conditions. If you are uncertain whether the ANP’s can help you, please ask the receptionist for advice.
Appointments
ANP appointments are available most days for common illnesses. Routine appointments are also available if you prefer to book in advance.
The ANP can assess and examine you, make a diagnosis and provide advice, organise blood tests or x-rays if appropriate, and treatment including a prescription if required. She can make referrals to hospital doctors or other health care professionals, and admit patients into hospital when necessary.
Unfortunately ANPs are unable legally to sign a “Fit Note” for work, but if they feel you require one she can arrange this with the GP.
The ANP works closely with your GP and will liaise frequently with them about your care.
Appointments
The ANP can see you for the following:
wounds
acute back pain
chest infection
urinary tract infections
cystitis
cough
sore throat
emergency contraception
joint sprains
thrush
constipation
haemorrhoids
tonsillitis
sinusitis
scalds
shingles
headache
vomiting
earache
colds
burns
rashes
diarrhoea
swollen glands
flu-like illnesses
raised temperature
Routine Appointments
Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
New Hypertension diagnosis
Contraceptive advice/reviews
New Asthma/COPD diagnosis
Diabetic Reviews
Asthma/COPD reviews
Discussion of nexplanon and or coil
Spirometry results
What ANP cannot deal with
Problems associated with pregnancy/ Mental health issues / Children under 2 years old/ Medical certificates