GP Surgeries GP Surgeries Northamptonshire Carers has been partnering with GP practices for over 14 years to identify and support 'hidden Carers'. The aim is to encourage GP staff to recognise Carers, and, with consent, refer them to Northamptonshire Carers for support. Referrals and experience show us that supported Carers are less likely to visit GPs with stress-related issues. How does your work with GP'S help me as a Carer Our collaboration with GPs mainly helps Carers by connecting those who may not know about Northamptonshire Carers to our support services. Over the years, we have worked with GPs to: Record a patient’s Carer status in medical records, so they don’t have to repeat it every visit. Display posters about local Well-being hubs in waiting areas. Share important information directly with Carers. Organise coffee mornings and information sessions to provide support and advice. Services for Registered Carers: Free flu vaccinations Flexibility with appointments and home visits Regular health checks Northamptonshire Carers cannot assist with getting appointments directly but advises Carers to request flexibility when needed and GP practices to support this where possible. The collaboration mainly benefits Carers by raising awareness and providing support through GP’s. Abbreviations and Healthcare Terminology: NHS National Health Service GP General Practitioner ANP Advanced Nurse Practitioner PCN Primary Care Network ICN Integrated Care Northamptonshire DSN Diabetes Specialist Nurse HCSW Health Care Support Worker IAPT Improved Access to Psychological Services LD Learning Disability OOH Out of Hours OPMH Older Persons Mental Health ReSPECT Individual Plan for Care and Treatment ACP Advanced Care Plan PPG Patient Participation Group EOL / Palliative Care End of Life Care Primary Care This will be the initial contact point in healthcare, including GPs, community pharmacies, dentists, opticians. Secondary Care This is hospital-based healthcare, which can be elective procedures (planned surgeries) or urgent (emergency care following accidents). Primary care practitioners will refer patients to secondary care when needed. Tertiary Care Involves highly specialised medical treatments, such as neurosurgery, organ transplants or secure mental health services. Clinical Staff These are healthcare professionals who interact directly with patients, such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists. Primary Care Network (PCN) A group of GP practices working together with mental health, social care, pharmacy, and voluntary services, typically serving 30,000 to 50,000 patients. Integrated Care Board (ICB) An ICB, known in Northamptonshire as ICN Integrated Care Northamptonshire, manages NHS budgets locally and plans healthcare improvements. Integrated Care System (ICS) ICS is a partnership of healthcare organizations, including Northamptonshire Carers, that work together to improve local health and care services. Continuing Health Care (CHC) A fully funded NHS package for people with long-term complex needs, provided at home or in a care home, with no financial contribution required. Social Prescribing This service links patients with non-medical support, such as community activities or social groups, especially if they face social isolation or need lifestyle advice. Manage Cookie Preferences