GPs work alongside a wide range of health professionals in local practices, surgeries and health centres.

You do not always need to see your GP. Your practice may recommend that you see another health professional who is part of the practice team and better suited to help with your needs.

Why reception staff ask questions

Reception staff are trained Care Navigators. Providing them with information helps them make sure you are seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional in a timely way.

A GP is not the only person who may be able to help. Many practices have other staff as part of a multidisciplinary team, such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists, who may be more suited to deal with your needs.

The receptionist will ask questions to understand the issue and direct you to the healthcare professional who is most suited to help.

The different roles include

Please open the sections below to watch short videos about different roles within the practice team.

Psychological Health Practitioner
Practice Pharmacist
Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) Project Manager
Practice Paramedic
Practice Nurse
Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Care navigation

Reception staff are trained Care Navigators. They use the information you provide to help ensure you are seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional who can best address your needs in a timely manner.