This leaflet is designed for people who are being cared for by Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP’s) within Gateshead Older Persons Community Mental Health Team.
What are Advanced Clinical Practitioners?
Advanced Clinical Practitioners are either nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists or occupational therapists who have undertaken advanced education, training and qualifications to work at an advanced level of practice. They are supported by senior medical consultants in your care team.
Advanced Clinical Practice is quite different from specialist practice. Specialists are experts in their chosen clinical area, for example, in diabetes or asthma care. ACP’s are highly skilled professionals who work across various subjects as they have the advanced knowledge and skills to look after your care as a whole.
Advanced Clinical Practitioners can:
- take a full clinical history,
- carry out assessments and examinations,
- make a diagnosis and carry out treatment,
- prescribe medication,
- plan your follow up care,
- refer you for investigations if necessary.
The ACP workforce supports existing clinical teams within the older persons community mental health team ensuring the provision of high quality of care to all our patients.
How will I know if I am being seen by an Advanced Clinical Practitioner?
An ACP will always introduce themselves and explain who they are.
Their title will be clearly identifiable on their Trust ID badge. Please ask the ACP to provide more information regarding their role and involvement in your period of care if you are not sure or would like further clarification.
Why do we exist?
Due to the increasing demand of NHS services and pressures on the workforce. The growth of the ACP role has been one of many ways to respond to these challenges to ensure we still provide safe and effective care to our patients. The Trust has supported the development of this role to meet some of these challenges locally.