CARE NAVIGATION
'Care Navigation' is a new way for your local GP practice to help you get to the right support.
Across County Durham, all GP practices want to make sure their patients are seen quickly by the right healthcare professional. We know that when you are not feeling well you just want to feel better quickly.
GP practice staff have received specialist training developed by clinicians, to help them provide you with information about choices you have to see an appropriate person for your healthcare needs. Sometimes a GP isn’t the best person to see. Within your GP practice for example a Practice Nurse (for matters including dressings, immunisations or ear syringes) or a Nurse Practitioner (who can examine, diagnose and prescribe) may be better. You could also be directed to a healthcare professional in the community such as a community pharmacist, optician or sexual health nurse.
So shortly, when you contact your GP practice, receptionists may ask you a few questions to help'navigate' you to the best person to help you quickly. They won’t try to diagnose your problem, but you may need to tell them a little bit about why you are calling. You don’t’ have to of course, the choice is yours and you can always still request to see your GP, but you may be able to be seen faster by someone who is able to provide the right care for you using ‘Care Navigation’ to help.
Medical Advice at Your Fingertips for Parents
Parents and carers can now find NHS advice at their fingertips to help them look after your children’s health.
The app gives easy to understand guidance on childhood illnesses, recognising when your child is unwell, and advice on when and where to seek further treatment.
The app, which is also available as a 115-page booklet, has been created by healthcare professionals across the region as part of the North East Urgent and Emergency Care Network.
The booklet and app contains everything from oral health, upset tummies and diarrhoea to advice on bumps and bruises.
Download the app now, available on Google Play and the App Store by searching for NHS child health or view the booklet online at http://www.necsu.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/NHS-LAYCH-ONLINE.compressed-1.pdf.
Newsletters
July 2017
Great North Care Record