We are a member of Erewash Primary Care Network (PCN)

Since the NHS was created in 1948, the population has grown and people are living longer. Many people are living with long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease or suffer with mental health issues and may need to access their local health services more often.

To meet these needs, GP practices are working together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in their local areas in groups of practices known as primary care networks (PCNs).

Working as a PCN allows us to provide the following services to you

The On Day Service (ODS)

Patients who call their GP for an appointment may be directed on that same day to the On Day Service where they will be seen by a GP or an advanced nurse practitioner as appropriate.

The On Day Service is available from 8am to 6.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. To use it, patients just call their normal GP number.

The On Day Service – making it easier for you to receive the care you need on the same day

• Making it easier for patients to receive a same day consultation with the relevant healthcare professional
• Increasing capacity and reducing waiting times for patients
• Practices working together to offer faster more responsive access
• Giving patients improved, quicker access to the healthcare they need
• Reducing A&E attendances

First Contact Practitioner (FCP)

The role of First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) in Primary Care is to assess patients with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate management pathway.

FCPs are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

They may also be known as Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APP) or MSK Practitioners.

Inclusion criteria for the Erewash FCP service:

• Over 18 years of age
• Musculoskeletal
• Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, sports injuries
• Arthritis (any joint)
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone
• Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid back pain and neck pain
• Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms e.g. pins and needles
• Post-orthopaedic surgery

The FCP will:

• Assess you and diagnose what’s happening
• Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
• Refer you on to specialist services if necessary

Social Prescriber

Many things affect your health and wellbeing. GPs tell us that a lot of people visit them feeling isolated or lonely. Or they might be stressed out by work, money and housing problems. Sometimes it’s the stress of managing different long-term conditions.

If one of the practice team feels that you would benefit from social prescribing, they will refer you to a social prescribing link worker. The link worker is there to listen to you, and put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better.

NHS England have created a social prescribing leaflet to explain what the service is.

Social Prescribing in Erewash…

In Erewash we have a social prescribing service. For more information view the social prescribing service in Erewash leaflet.

Please note – due to Covid-19 unfortunately the community coffee mornings have been postponed until further notice.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with a social prescriber please contact our reception team.