We have three Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), who all provide cover for the urgent same day duty appointments. Our ANPs have been qualified nurses for many years. They all have a background in emergency care (Southampton Emergency Department) and urgent unscheduled care (Southampton Walk-In Centres), prior to their roles in general practice. They have all undergone extensive post-registration training in history taking and physical examination, and all hold independent nurse prescribing qualifications. They are competent and well-qualified to see the majority of same day urgent presentations, and are able to assess, examine, diagnose and treat patients of all ages and conditions. They are also able to refer on to other services if appropriate. They work closely alongside the duty GP, in managing a very busy same day service. URGENT SAME DAY DUTY APPOINTMENTSThe duty team usually consists of a GP and one or two Nurse Practitioners. Urgent same day duty appointments are for patients who feel that their condition is urgent and requires same day assessment. Patients can call the surgery and ask for a same day appointment or, if they would like to discuss their concerns, they can ask for a telephone appointment with the duty team and they will be called back. |