GP practices in Redditch and Bromsgrove are launching a new ‘healthcare navigation scheme’ to channel patients so they see the most appropriate person, without necessarily seeing a GP every time.
It means staff will have a greater role in directing patients when they call up for an appointment.
They will help patients find the correct person to deal with their condition.
Dr Sally Hetherington, a GP at Winyates Health Centre, who is part of the Healthcare Navigation project team said: “Across Redditch and Bromsgrove we are working hard to make sure when people need to see a GP, they have access to one quickly and in a way that suits them, be that in person or over the phone.
“We know sometimes patients find navigating health services difficult and in some cases the GP practice might not even be the right place for the query. Sometimes patients could be seen and treated quicker by a nurse or a pharmacist for example.
“It’s about giving patients choice, supporting and guiding them with the right information. Also utilising the skills of other professionals who have the expertise to deal with the problem; often quicker and without the need to see the GP.”
