Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are fully qualified and registered clinicians such as (Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists and Pharmacists) who have undertaken additional training at Master’s degree level or equivalent. They are expected to appropriately and competently examine patients’ who present with complex and undiagnosed medical issues and work within their scope of practice.

They are able to request and interpret investigations including blood tests and scans, prescribe appropriate medications and refer to specialists and other health professionals when appropriate. Depending on area of interest, some ACP’s are experts in long-term disease management such as Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma.

ACPs work autonomously and independently and will often see patients for ongoing episodes of care without directly involving the GPs. However, they will seek their advice and guidance if needed. Currently, there are some roles which ACP do not cover such as the care of pregnant women (only for referral to abortion clinics) and seeing or consulting with patients on active End of Life (EoL) care.

In addition to the above exclusions, some ACPs might have individual exclusion due to their clinical background, specialty and competency. For example, currently in Temple Hill Group, ACPs do not routinely see patient’s under the age of 2 years. They also do not interpret electrocardiograms.

The scope of practice can be extended following training, self-directed study, peer review discussions and observing best practice. This should be documented and evidenced in the clinician’s portfolio.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the surgery. 

Mrs Philippa Lewry is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with several years experience of managing minor illnesses and chronic diseases.

She supports the GPs in caring for patients in the practice and runs clinics independently. She can prescribe, request investigations and work independently and she is a great asset to the practice. Her special interest is in Diabetes but can help you with most issues. 

RN, Adult Nursing, BSc (Hons); ACP, Advanced Clinical Practice, MSc; Lead ACP; MPL Dartford Central PCN

Mrs Calina Bartholomew is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with experience of managing minor illnesses and chronic diseases. 

She supports the GPs and is part of the multi-professional team in caring for patients in the practice and runs clinics independently. She can prescribe, request investigations and work independently and she is a great asset to the practice. Her special interest is in Respiratory conditions such as Asthma and COPD but can help you with most issues. 

RN, Adult Nursing, BSc (Hons), Advanced Nurse Practitoner

Mrs Ahunna Ekeocha is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with experience of managing minor illnesses and chronic diseases. 

She supports the GPs in caring for patients in the practice and runs clinics independently.

She can prescribe, request investigations and work independently and she is a great asset to the practice.

General Practice Nurses (GPNs) are qualified and registered nurses. They can help with health issues such as family planning, healthy living advice, blood pressure checks and dressings. The practice nurses run clinics for long-term health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, minor ailment clinics and carry out cervical smears and immunisations.

Lead Nurse

Healthcare assistants support practice nurses with their daily work and carry out tasks such as phlebotomy (drawing blood), blood pressure measurement and new patient checks. They may act as a chaperone when a patient or doctor requests one.

Our Phlebotomists are trained to take blood samples. Sometimes, they will also take your blood pressure, weight and height. For more complex tasks, they can signpost you to other clinicians in the surgery. 

Temple Hill Surgery Supervisor

Social Prescriber 

You may be referred to our Social prescribing team for a range of services that offer support your social, emotional or practical needs.

This could include feelings of loneliness, as well as for debt, employment or housing problems, or difficulties with their relationships.

First Contact Physiotherapist

They can help patients with musculoskeletal issues such as back, neck and joint pain by:

• assessing and diagnosing issues
• giving expert advice on how best to manage their conditions
• referring them onto specialist services if necessary.