Our receptionists are here to help you get to the right service.  Please don't be offended if they ask what the problem is when you call to make an appointment.  The receptionist might suggest other professionals that could help you better such as: opticians, community pharmacist, nurse, physiotherapist.  

What is Care Navigation?

Care Navigation offers individuals choice by providing information to help them move through health and social care services and access the support that is right for them. This will help patients to see the right person, to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time as efficiently as possible.

Why use Care Navigation?

• To improve access to health and social care
• To release doctors time to care for patients with long term conditions or complex needs
• To improve the service provided by frontline staff in health services

How does it work?

• If you contact your practice you will speak to a receptionist
• These receptionists will have been specifically trained to provide Care Navigation locally
• The receptionists will ask for a brief outline of why you’re contacting them and will be able to offer
  potential choices regarding appropriate services
• But it's YOUR choice, you can still request to see your GP if you wish
• You may be provided with a choice in relation to an appropriate member of staff you can see within the practice
• The choice may also involve an alternative service which can meet your needs e.g. community
  pharmacy, stopping smoking or sexual health
• This is not clinical advice or triage
• You do not have to accept the choice provided by the receptionist