The Nurse Practitioners

We have two Nurse Practitioners at the surgery, Sister Gillian Homewood and Sister Liz Dearden.

A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has undertaken several years of added academic and practical training, resulting in advanced examination and interpretation skills. They are able to see and treat people of all ages. A Nurse Practitioner works closely alongside the GPs, issuing prescriptions when necessary.

As well as being involved with direct patient care, Nurse Practitioners are involved in education, community health initiatives and research in order to promote quality health care for people.

A Nurse Practitioner may see patients of all ages during health and illness alongside their GP. Patients can choose to see the Nurse Practitioner themselves, or be referred by their doctor or other health professional.

The Nurse Practitioner can:

• Obtain medical histories and perform examination, request and interpret tests, and prescribe medication
• Diagnose and treat common health problems, such as infections, minor illness and minor injuries
• Diagnose, treat and monitor chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma/COPD and high blood pressure
• Provide contraceptive services
• Offer health and lifestyle advice for adults and children, as well as providing extra support and advice for the over 60s

A Nurse Practitioner can provide:

• Individualised care, focusing not only on the present health problem, but the effects these health problems can have on an individual or their family
• Arrange ongoing and follow up assessments with individuals of any age
• Explain details of medications, health information and advice, explore worries and concerns about health and health needs
• Provide information people need to enable them to make individual choices in relation to their health

Nurse Practitioners are not doctors, but work alongside the doctors, easing their workload. You may find that you are offered an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner instead of the doctor.

There have been many changes in the NHS over recent years and Nurse Practitioners are increasing in number nationally. They have been shown to provide an excellent service due to their nursing background and extensive post nursing education and training.

Page last updated: 20.02.11