HEATH LANE SURGERY
Do I need to see a Doctor or a
Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner is a trained specialist nurse who has
undertaken additional education in order to provide advanced
nursing care and prescribe.

The Nurse Practitioner can provide treatment and advice for any
newly presenting health problems including those for which you may
have seen a doctor in the past including:-
Earache, ear infections
Coughs** and acute chest infections
Colds and ‘flu-like illness
Sore throats “tonsillitis”
Urinary tract infections
Sinusitis, painful blocked sinuses
Conjunctivitis, sticky eye discharge, stye
ONLY PATIENTS AGED OVER 15 WILL BE SEEN BY THE
NURSE PRACTITIONER
**A cough may persist for up to 3-4 weeks AFTER other cold/flu
symptoms have gone.

You may be offered a same day appointment with the Nurse
Practitioner as an alternative to seeing the doctor. The Nurse
Practitioner will assess and examine you, make a diagnosis and
provide advice and treatment including provision of a prescription if
necessary.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK CLOSELY WITH THE GPs AND
LIAISE FREQUENTLY WITH THEM ABOUT YOUR CARE
Please see overleaf for answers to questions you may have …….
What if my symptoms change?
The Nurse Practitioner can only make a diagnosis based on the
assessment, examination and presenting symptoms at the time of your
consultation with her.
If your symptoms change afterwards do contact the surgery again – just as
you would if you had seen a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see the doctor if:

You have multiple ongoing medical problems
You have mental health/psychiatric problem
When Should I See the Practice Nurse?
You should see the Practice Nurse if:



You require a smear test or chronic disease review
You require a blood pressure review (Remember that you can take
your own blood pressure using the self- check machine in the
second waiting room – please ask at reception)
You require stitch removal or dressing change
You require travel vaccinations
What if I am not sure who I should see?
If you are unsure who you should see please speak to the receptionists
who may arrange a telephone consultation with one of the medical team
who will be able to advise on your symptoms.
Nurses/When should I see a Nurse Practitioner leaflet