The Meads has two First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) working at the practice one day a week. Harry works on a Friday morning and Anne-Marie works on a Friday afternoon. Both Anne-Marie and Harry are trained physiotherapists and are able to assess, diagnose and manage patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. For example, those who are experiencing back ache, knee pain, sciatica, tennis elbow etc.
Anne-Marie and Harry are able to speak to patients without a GP referral and it is their role to decide on the most appropriate Care Pathway for patients, whether that be to refer onwards for physiotherapy, for scans, blood tests, an injection or onwards to the hospital, self management etc.
As musculoskeletal specialists our FCPs may be best placed to assist patients with their MSK complaints without the need for GP intervention.
Our receptionists have been trained to offer First Contact Practitioner appointments to patients without consultation with a Clinician beforehand. You can also request to be seen by the FCP yourself.
It is possible that you will be seen by a FCP quicker than if you were to wait for a GP appointment.
Some of the criteria for booking in appointments with the FCPs are per the below:
| COULD BE SEEN BY A FCP |
NOT FOR THE FCP |
| All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries |
Anyone aged under 16 |
| Arthritis- any joint |
Any female within 6 weeks of giving birth |
| Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones. eg. carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains |
Any medication reviews for non muscular skeletal conditions |
| Spinal pain including neck pain |
Any breathing or cardiac problems |
| Pins and needles or numbness |
Headaches |
| Post surgery pain (on joints or bones) |
Anyone acutely unwell |
Photo of Harry and Anne-Marie
