Primary Care Paramedic Practitioners and how they can help you

 

You may be offered an appointment with a paramedic practitioner if you contact the surgery for help. The care navigator team is able to triage your call so that you see the right person as quickly as possible. They will ask you some key information to be able to do this.

George and Lisa, our practice paramedic practitioners, are experienced clinicians. They are able to prescribe medicines for you, independently of our doctors.

They will see a wide range of urgent care needs, minor illness and those patients who have Long Term Conditions and who are also acutely unwell. This could be in the form of telephone advice, a face to face consultation in the surgery or a home visit for those that are housebound. They will take a holistic approach to your problem, working with you to agree a management plan and treatment. They will see all patients over the age of 1 year.

Our practitioners have access to advice and support from our GP team if required on the day. 

 

In addition to our in-house paramedics, you may also be offered an appointment with one of our Primary Care Network Paramedic Practitioners on the telephone, in the surgery or in your home if housebound. This team is also experienced and works closely with the Duty Dr to provide you with the best outcome for your problem.

 

Some examples of conditions the paramedics can see

New onset cough or shortness of breath (less than 4 weeks)

Fever 

Sore throat 

Ear ache

Rash

Abdominal pain

Possible urinary tract infection (cystitis, incontinence, frequency and urgency)

Allergies

Mild or muscular chest pain

Swollen legs

Dizziness

Falls or injuries

What you need to know – advice for parents and carers this winter 

This is the first winter without pandemic restrictions in two years, and you and your children may be more susceptible to the usual winter bugs and viruses this year.   

Winter bugs and viruses are usually mild, but can sometimes become more serious, particularly in younger children or if an infection spreads to a vulnerable family member. 

There are several common infections that your child might pick up over the winter period. In most cases, these infections will be a mild illness and can be treated at home. However, in some cases they might get worse and require medical help.  

Some common infections include: 

Flu 

Flu can be an unpleasant illness in children causing a fever, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness. This can last several days or longer. 

In most cases, flu will be a mild illness in children. 

Some children can get a very high fever, sometimes without the usual flu symptoms, and may need to go to hospital for treatment. Serious complications of flu include a painful ear infection, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia.  

The best way for your child to avoid flu, to ensure your child is vaccinated against flu. Learn more about the flu symptoms to look out for and who to contact, as well as vaccination. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 

RSV is a common winter virus which affects children under the age of two.  

Most cases are not serious and cause mild coughs and colds.  

It is also the most common cause of bronchiolitis infants. Bronchiolitis can make breathing harder and cause difficulty feeding.  

RSV can be more severe in premature babies, babies under 2 months and infants with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection. Breathing in cigarette smoke also increases the risk of a child getting bronchiolitis, so it is important not to smoke around your child. 

Learn more about the bronchiolitis symptoms to look out for and who to contact if you have concerns.  

Scarlet Fever 

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious and levels are higher than normal this year. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. 

Contact your GP practice or NHS 111 if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.  

If your child has Scarlet Fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others. 

Getting help and advice 

As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your own judgement.  

You should contact your GP practice or call 111 if: 

• your child has had a cold and is getting worse 
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal 
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration 
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher 
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty 
• your child is very tired or irritable 

Call 999 or go to A&E if: 

• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs 
• there are pauses when your child breathes 
• your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue 
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake 

By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, many bugs. An e-bug resources for Early Years can help you to explain to your child what good hygiene habits are, how they can practice them and why they are important.