Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB has launched a campaign to help patients better understand the services its GP practices offer.
The ‘Get in the Know’ campaign, which launched today (2 February), is geared at informing patients about the range of health professionals employed in general practices, beyond GPs.
It is also intended to alert patients to online services and appointment types its practices might offer.
Through the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS), GP practices consist of a wide mix of health professionals – including pharmacists, care coordinators and social prescribers.
But patients may not be aware of the mix, or may insist on seeing a GP.
The campaign is also set to sell patients on the reasoning behind why they might be invited to a virtual appointment over a face-to-face consultation.
Dr Nil Sanganee, chief medical officer for the ICB, said: ‘It’s important for people to know that their healthcare needs can be managed in many ways by their GP practice to give them the right care for their medical issue. With improvements in technology, more routine tasks are now manageable online and there are alternatives to face-to-face appointments, all of which can be more convenient and what’s best for many people. We encourage patients where possible to sign up for online services and make use of alternative consultation options, to get what they need as quickly as possible.’
He added that patients should inform their receptionist or care coordinator about why they need an appointment to ensure the most appropriate member of the practice team is involved.
