General practice receptionists and admin staff have been given specialist training to help signpost patients to the right health professional or service at that first point of contact. The role of a GP receptionist has changed massively and to reflect this change, they are now referred to as ‘Care Navigators’.
What is Care Navigation?
Care navigation allows front line staff to inform patients of local health and wellbeing services and signpost to patients to the right service for their issue.
There are a many services both within and outside of primary care that can deal with a wide range of medical or social problems in a safe, effective way. This means that patients will find it easier to get a GP appointment when they need one.