Why does the Care Navigator ask me what’s wrong?
It is not a case of the care navigators being nosy!
The care navigation staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed they should ask patients ‘why they need to be seen’. The team are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive:
- The most appropriate care
- From the most appropriate person
- At the most appropriate time.
Care Navigators are asked by the Doctors at the practice to collect brief information from patients
- To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
- To direct patients to see the most appropriate person to meet their needs.
Why does the Care Navigator need to know why I want an appointment?
This is because they have a number of alternative types of appointments available to them, and they need to offer you the most appropriate appointment to deal with your problem. The most appropriate appointment may be with the GP for example, or perhaps with another member of the practice team.
Sometimes a longer appointment is needed for certain lengthy procedures, and also some clinics are only held on certain days due to practice staff availability.
Why are we asked to make an appointment to see a doctor for certain repeat medications?
Regular and careful monitoring of all prescribed medicines is essential, for example, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraception.
