Why do Receptionists ask for a reason for my appointment?

The GPs have instructed the Receptionists to ask for a brief reason for the appointment as there may be other services best suited to you that they can signpost you to. This would mean you are getting the most appropriate service in a timely manner without having to see too many professionals. 

Receptionists are not medically trained, what makes them qualified to determine whether or not I see the GP?

Our Receptionists are not medically trained and do not triage our patients. They are, however, given key pieces of information regarding minor illnesses, and services available, which they can signpost you to. We are not taking away the option for you to see a GP, but we are giving you the option to see the correct professional in a timely manner. 

When can I see a Doctor for a face to face appointment?

Face to face appointments have been available to book on the day since the easing of COVID restrictions allowed us to do so. Our system has changed since pre-COVID in that you are now booked into a telephone triage appointment for on-the-day appointments. A GP will phone you to triage the reason for the appointment and, if they feel it appropriate, you will be invited in for a face-to-face appointment.

Why is a Pharmacist now doing my medication review?

Clinical Pharmacists work with the GP team and are employed by the local Primary Care Network (PCN). They are highly qualified experts in medicine and can carry out structured medication reviews. This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks.

I have been advised to see a Physiotherapist, do I need to see the Doctor first?

We have an ‘in-house’ Physiotherapist who can see patients for an initial assessment. If you have musculoskeletal problems (e.g. back pain, joint pains), you can book to see the First Contact Physiotherapist without needing a GP appointment first. You can book these appointments via Reception. If the Physiotherapist feels you need ongoing physiotherapy care, you will be referred to the Community team. You can also self-refer to the community team, without seeing the GP first, for your musculoskeletal problem. You can do this by completing their self-referral form, found on their website: Adult physiotherapy services for patients at Warwickshire (swft.nhs.uk)

Can I get advice from my local pharmacy?

Community Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals with the qualifications and training to assess your minor illness and recommend the right treatment. You will find them at your local pharmacy/chemist. Their role is to dispense prescriptions, sell over the counter medicines and give advice on treating minor ailments.

Minor health concerns a Community Pharmacist can assist with include:

• Sore throats
• Coughs, colds and flu
• Aches and pains
• Red eyes
• Sleeping problems
• Athlete’s foot
• Mouth ulcers
• Constipation and diarrhoea

Do I have to book an appointment with the Nurse just to have my blood pressure, height and weight measurements taken?

There may be times you are asked to provide your height, weight or blood pressure readings by a healthcare professional. You do not need to book an appointment with the Nurse for this. We have a Pod set up in the waiting room to measure your height, weight and blood pressure. It is free to use, and no appointment is required. Please ask a member of the Reception team if you need help using it.

Do I have to see a Doctor or my optician for a common eye condition?

The NHS Eye Care Service has been developed to allow patients to see an eye care professional without requiring a GP referral. The service provides treatment for common eye conditions such as red, sore or dry eyes. In many cases, patients are seen and treated within 48 hours.

Available centres in Rugby:

Gray Opticians (01788 544948)  Vision Express (01788 552460)  Boots Opticians (01788 540996)

What is ‘Fitter Futures’?

Fitter Futures is a healthy lifestyle service funded by Warwickshire County Council and delivered by Everyone Health.

The services on offer include:

Stop Smoking – 12 weeks of free support with free nicotine replacement therapy products

For more information and to self-refer to this service, please visit Stop Smoking Service - Fitter Futures Warwickshire (everyonehealth.co.uk)

Adult Weight Management (Slimming World) – GP referral required

To check your eligibility and for more information, please visit Adult Weight Management - Fitter Futures Warwickshire (everyonehealth.co.uk)

Exercise on Referral (Reduced Gym membership) – GP referral required

To check your eligibility and for more information, please visit Exercise on Referral - Fitter Futures Warwickshire (everyonehealth.co.uk)