What they do:
Doctors help diagnose illnesses, give treatment, and prescribe medicine.
They look at your symptoms, ask questions, and decide what care you need.
They can refer you to a specialist or hospital if needed.
You might see a doctor for:
New or changing symptoms
Feeling very unwell
Long-term health problems (like asthma or diabetes)
Mental health concerns
Needing a sick note or medical advice

What they do:
Pharmacists prepare and give out medicines.
They check that your medicine is safe and explain how to take it.
They can also give health advice and help with minor illnesses.
You might speak to a pharmacist for:
Help with things like coughs, colds, or sore throats
Collecting your prescription
Asking questions about your medicine

ECPs are specially trained to provide urgent care and manage a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries. They often work in GP practices, urgent care centres, or in the community.
What they do:
Assess and treat minor injuries and illnesses
Prescribe medications and treatments
Carry out clinical examinations
Refer patients to other services if needed
You might see an ECP for:
Minor infections or injuries like sore throats, ear infections, urinary tract infections, sprains, cuts, minor burns
Sudden but non-life-threatening symptoms
Respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms like breathlessness, palpitations
Acute conditions like asthma attacks, chest pain, suspected heart issues
Advice on managing short-term health issues

ANPs are experienced nurses with advanced clinical training. They can manage complex health conditions and provide care similar to that of a GP.
What they do:
Diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions
Prescribe medications
Order and interpret tests
Refer to specialists or hospital services
You might see an ANP for:
Long-term conditions like asthma or diabetes
Women’s health issues like contraception, menopause symptoms
Mental health concerns
Medication reviews and health checks
New or changing symptoms

What they do:
Nurses help with treatments, check-ups, and health advice.
They often manage long-term conditions and give vaccines or injections.
They also help with wound care and screening tests.
You might see a nurse for:
Health advice and support
Blood pressure checks
Diabetes or asthma reviews
Cervical smears
Travel vaccines
Dressing wounds

What they do:
HCAs support doctors and nurses.
They do basic health checks and help with tests.
They don’t give medical advice or diagnose problems.
You might see an HCA for:
Supporting you during appointments
Blood tests
Checking your height, weight, and blood pressure
ECGs (heart checks)
Helping with health reviews

What they do:
Care Coordinators help organise your care, especially if you have long-term health problems.
They make sure you get the right support from different services.
You might hear from a care coordinator if:
You’re coming home from hospital and need follow-up care
You need help managing several health conditions
You need support from social care or community services

What they do:
Receptionists / Care Navigators are the first people you speak to at the surgery.
They help you book appointments, answer questions, and guide you to the right person.
You might speak to reception for:
Finding out who to speak to for help
Booking or changing an appointment
Asking about opening times

What they do:
Medical secretaries help with letters, referrals, and reports.
They make sure your doctor’s notes and requests go to the right place.
You might be helped by a medical secretary if:
You’re waiting for paperwork from your GP
You’re being referred to a hospital or specialist
You need a letter for work, school, or travel

What they do:
This team puts important health information into your medical record.
They make sure your notes are accurate and up to date.
You might not speak to them directly, but they help by:
Making sure your health history is correct
Recording test results
Updating your contact details

What they do:
This team helps manage repeat prescriptions and recalls (when you’re due for a check-up).
They make sure your medicine is up to date and safe.
You might hear from this team if:
There’s a change to your regular prescription
You need a medicine review
You’re due for a health check (like asthma or diabetes)