First contact physiotherapists (FCPs) are advanced practitioners working within primary care with extensive expertise in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
FCPs see patients with (suspected or diagnosed) MSK conditions as the first point of contact, instead of a GP, and can be accessed directly by contacting the practice’s reception.
What do FCPs do during appointments?
- A typical FCP appointment involves assessment, diagnosis and first-line treatment. FCPs can also refer patients for a course of physiotherapy treatment, order investigations or make referrals into secondary care services using the same pathways as GPs. Some FCPs are also able to independently prescribe and provide injection therapy.
- As a person-centred service, most appointments include self-management advice, social prescribing, and discussions about physical activity and fitness for work.
Disclaimer: Information extracted from Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2021) ‘FCP Services’. Available at: FCP services | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk)
District Nursing Team
The District Nursing Team provide skilled nursing care to the housebound and support for their carers. Generally, the service is restricted to the housebound or where a house visit is deemed more appropriate, for example, those patients in the early stages of Palliative Care, or those whose mobility precludes safe handling in a surgery setting. We will be happy to advise you whether a District Nurse visit is appropriate. All community services including district nurses are under Sirona Care and Health.
As a District Nursing Team we can offer the following care:
- Assessment of health/ nursing needs
- Palliative and Terminal Care
- Wound and leg ulcer management
- Pressure area care
- Clinical screening e.g. venepuncture
- Vaccinations i.e. influenza and pneumonia
- Post-operative care
- Continence assessment and catheter care
- Training and support of carers
The need for Home Care, Meals-on Wheels, help with personal hygiene should be referred directly to the Social Services Duty Desk 01454-866270.
You can speak to the District Nursing Team via the Sirona Locality office on 01454-315355 (option 2). We will assess your needs and may refer you to a more appropriate professional. As a team we work in conjunction with the Treatment Room at the surgery, Practice Nurses, GPs, Occupational Therapists, Social Services, St. Peter’s Hospice, Community Staff Nurses for Older People, and Rehabilitation services.
In some cases where your condition improves, we will ask you to attend the Treatment Room in the surgery. We would appreciate your support in this decision.
Together with the team of community midwives based at Thornbury hospital outpatients, we provide a full range of antenatal care services. The nearest delivery ward is at Southmead, but home delivery is possible for those selected to be at low risk of complications.
Pre-pregnancy counselling includes rationalisation of any medications, ensuring rubella immunity, advising regarding lifestyle, diet, risk factors, and taking folic acid.
Newly pregnant patients are asked to speak with the GP in the first instance, who then puts them in touch with the midwife. After an initial booking interview, and discussion regarding screening options, the antenatal clinics normally run from 12 weeks of pregnancy onwards at 4-8 weekly intervals at first, becoming more frequent in the final 8 weeks. A full ultrasound scan is performed at 20 weeks, and a birth plan is agreed toward the end of pregnancy. Those with co-existing medical problems or other risk factors are also referred for an obstetric opinion early on with a consultant.
Please note ANY bleeding or significant pain during pregnancy should be reported to the midwife or GP immediately.