The Database of Good Practice
Nurse-led minor illness management
A total of 150 GP appointments each month have been released by introducing a nurse-led minor illness service. Of the patients seen through this service, only 4 – 6% go on to make a GP appointment for the same condition, suggesting that the service is effective in managing minor illnesses.
| Organisation(s) | Fairbrook Medical Centre |
| Organisation type | Practice (PMS) |
| Professional groups | Nurse / Nurse Practitioner |
| Themes | Minor illness management Non GP led models of care Wider use of Healthcare professionals |
| Population size | 10000 – 25000 |
| County | Hertfordshire |
| Project status | Active |
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Summary
A total of 150 GP appointments each month have been released by introducing a nurse-led, minor-illness service. Of the patients seen through this service, only 4 – 6% go on to make a GP appointment for the same condition, suggesting that the service is effective in managing minor illnesses.
The practice had identified that there was a significant workload associated with patients presenting with minor illnesses. In many cases, patients were seeking reassurance that their condition was not serious. It was felt that this could be managed by a trained nurse.
What was the issue?
The practice had identified that there was a significant workload associated with patients presenting with minor illnesses. In many cases, patients were seeking reassurance that their condition was not serious.
The practice was experiencing pressure on GP appointments. This meant that there was a regular overspill of patients who were seen by the duty doctor providing cover at the end of routine surgery sessions.
What did they achieve?
The service runs on five mornings each week, providing the capacity to see up to 50 patients in total. The service is currently treating around 150 patients per month. The remaining time is taken up with meetings and training related to the service.
Key learning points
Training to manage minor illnesses is important and can provide a framework for developing the service.
The successful development and rollout of the service required the support of all members of the practice team; in particular, GPs must be willing to delegate work and receptionists need to be happy to signpost patients.
More space will be required if the service is to be provided alongside existing clinical sessions.
Costs
The costs to set up the service were supported by the PCT and the Workforce Development Confederation.
This support included payment of training course fees and providing support to cover nurse duties while they undertake training.
The service requires space, which may involve additional costs. In this case, however, the practice used an existing room to run the service.
Contacts
Sue Radford
Senior Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
Fairbrook Medical Centre
4 Fairway Avenue
Borehamwood
Herts WD6 1PR
Tel: 020 8953 7666
Email: sue.radford@gp-E82012.nhs.uk