Nurse Practitioner

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has received additional university education to increase their ability to treat, diagnose, counsel and educate patients who have Minor Illnesses. They can even prescribe if appropriate.

Why wait to consult with a doctor for a Minor Illness when you can book directly to see the Nurse Practitioner in the minor illness clinic? You can book an appointment by phone or in person and we are looking to make online bookings available in the near future through the ‘Patient Access’ service.

Minor illnesses by definition are not seen as urgent or emergency problems. If in doubt call your surgery or dial 111

Any of the following qualify to be seen as a Minor illness:

• BP review
• Colds / Flu symptoms
• Constipation
• Coughs / Chest infection / Asthma or COPD exacerbations
• Diarrhoea & Vomiting
• Ear Infections
• Fever / Temperature
• Hay Fever
• Indigestion
• Minor Burns
• Minor Injuries (Sprain, cuts, bruises, strains, bump to the head unless been unconscious then A+E or GP)
• Minor Skin Infections
• Minor Wounds
• Sinusitis
• Skin Rashes (Acute not Chronic)
• Sore Throats
• Thrush
• Urine Infections (Specimen required at visit)

The appointment is for 20 minutes for no more issues at a time if possible.

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Exclusions

• Under 16 years of age
• Mental Health issues
• No Eye conditions or Dental issues – These should address to an optician or dentist accordingly.
• Pregnant patients
• Severe chest pain or severe difficulty breathing (Need A+E referral via 999)
• Having convulsions / blackouts / severe headaches lasting more than 24hrs
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Sudden loss of sight – Call 999
• Bleeding profusely from any orifice
•  Any illness related to a condition already being treated or you have been recently seen for by a GP, in which case you need to see a GP again, or you are being treated for by a Hospital specialist / Secondary care service.
• Reviewing of Long term conditions – such as COPD, Diabetes, Mental Health, Learning disabilities, Heart Failure, Kidney disease, Dementia, Cardio vascular and heart disease, Cancer, Depression and strokes.