There are many different healthcare professionals working in GP surgeries across Essex, each with their own specialist skills. This means you may not always see a GP first. Instead, you will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate person for your needs.
When you contact your surgery, the reception or care navigation team may ask you a few questions about your health concern. This helps them understand what support you need and which member of the team is best placed to help you.
Each GP surgery decides which professionals to include in its team. This depends on local health needs and the services available in your area. Not every practice will have all of these roles.
Use this page to learn more about the different professionals who may be involved in your care and what you can expect when you use GP services.
Advanced nurse practitioner / General practice nurse
Advanced nurse practitioners are highly trained nurses who can assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. They can:
- examine and investigate symptoms
- order tests and interpret results
- prescribe medicines
- develop treatment plans
You may see an ANP for many of the same issues you would normally discuss with a GP.
Care coordinator
Care coordinators support patients who may need extra help to manage their health, especially if they have long-term conditions or complex needs. They can:
- help you understand your care plan
- arrange follow-up appointments
- support with referrals
- make sure different services work together
They act as a central contact to ensure your care is well organised.
Care navigator and reception team
Care navigators and reception staff are trained to ask about your health concern so they can direct you to the right type of appointment. Everything you tell them is treated confidentially.
They can help you with:
- booking appointments
- explaining how the GP team works
- signposting you to services such as pharmacies, dentists or urgent care
- supporting you to use online services
Their role is to make sure you get the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.
Clinical pharmacist
Clinical pharmacists are experts in medicines. They work closely with GPs to make sure your medicines are safe, effective and right for you.
They can help with:
- medication reviews
- managing long-term conditions
- adjusting dosages
- answering questions about side effects
- supporting people starting new medicines
You may be referred to a clinical pharmacist instead of a GP for issues relating to medicines.
Dietitian
Dietitians provide specialist advice on nutrition and how food affects your health. They support people with:
- diabetes
- digestive issues
- weight management
- allergies
- nutritional deficiencies
They can help you understand how diet changes can improve your health and wellbeing.
First Contact Physiotherapist
First Contact Physiotherapists in General Practice specialise in muscle, joint and movement problems. They can:
- assess musculoskeletal issues
- diagnose conditions
- provide exercises and treatment plans
- advise on pain management
- refer for scans if needed
This means you can often see a physio directly without waiting for a GP referral.
Health and wellbeing coach
Health and wellbeing coaches help you make positive lifestyle changes. They support you to set goals and build confidence in managing your health.
They can help with:
- physical activity
- healthy eating
- sleep routines
- stress management
- long-term condition self-management
Their focus is on helping you build healthy habits that work for you.
Healthcare assistant (HCA)
Healthcare assistants support the clinical team with routine health checks and basic care. They may carry out:
- blood tests
- blood pressure checks
- wound care
- height, weight and BMI checks
- NHS Health Checks
They work under the supervision of nurses or GPs.
Mental health therapists and practitioners
Mental health professionals in GP surgeries can assess common mental health difficulties and offer support. This may include:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- coping with long-term conditions
- low mood
They can provide talking therapies or signpost you to other services, depending on your needs.
Occupational therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists help you live independently and manage daily activities more easily. They can support you with:
- mobility needs
- coping strategies for fatigue or pain
- adaptations to your home
- managing long-term conditions
Their goal is to improve your day-to-day functioning and quality of life.
Paramedic or emergency care practitioner
Paramedics working in GP surgeries are trained to assess and treat urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. They can help with:
- injuries
- infections
- chest or abdominal symptoms (if not an emergency)
- urgent home visits
- same-day assessments
They work closely with GPs to provide fast access to urgent care.
Physician assistant (PA)
Physician assistants are trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a GP. They can:
- assess symptoms
- take medical histories
- carry out examinations
- develop management plans
- support with ongoing care
They cannot currently prescribe but work closely with GPs to ensure safe treatment.
Pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians support the clinical pharmacists and GP team with medicines management. They can help with:
- medication queries
- medication reconciliation
- supporting repeat prescriptions
- improving safety of prescribing
They ensure medicines systems run smoothly and safely.
Podiatrist
Podiatrists specialise in the health of your feet, ankles and lower limbs. They can diagnose, manage and help prevent a wide range of conditions, including those linked to musculoskeletal problems, diabetes and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis.
You may be referred to a podiatrist for support with:
- foot and ankle pain
- mobility and balance concerns
- skin and nail conditions
- diabetic foot checks and monitoring
- orthotic advice and insoles
- wound care and ulcer prevention
- rehabilitation after injury
Podiatrists work closely with the rest of your GP team to help you stay mobile, reduce pain and prevent future complications.
Social prescribing link worker
Social prescribing link workers help you access non-medical forms of support that can improve your health and wellbeing. This may include:
- community groups
- exercise programmes
- debt or housing advice
- befriending services
- support for carers
They work with you to understand what matters to you and connect you to the right support.