Clinical Pharmacists in Our PCN
Clinical Pharmacists are experts in medicines and how they are used. We are fortunate to have Clinical Pharmacists as part of our team, supporting our GPs and nurses by managing medicine-related queries—allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients.
Our Clinical Pharmacists play a key role in:
- Managing repeat prescriptions
- Reviewing new medications and discussing any side effects
- Conducting medication reviews
- Reconciling medications following hospital discharge
From time to time, your GP may ask a Clinical Pharmacist to contact you—particularly if you are taking multiple medications. This is to review your treatment, ensure your medicines are still appropriate, and discuss any changes or newer alternatives that may better suit your needs. Any proposed changes will always be discussed with both you and your GP
A paramedic in a general surgery (GP) practice is known as a Community Paramedic or Paramedic Practitioner and works alongside doctors to support patient care. They use their emergency and acute care expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions, both in the surgery and through home visits, managing urgent and routine appointments. Their role is to provide primary care, which includes triaging patients, making referrals, and managing acute illnesses, helping to ease the pressure on GP practices
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an experienced, practice-registered nurse who provides a wide range of healthcare services. These include diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing common and complex health conditions. NPs conduct physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop care plans, refer patients to specialists, and provide health advice and education. They often carry out responsibilities traditionally associated with doctors, offering patients accessible and comprehensive care.
What is a First Contact Practitioner (FCP)?
A First Contact Practitioner (FCP) is an experienced physiotherapist with advanced training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. FCPs are specially qualified to see patients with new aches, pains, or injuries affecting the bones, joints, and muscles—without the need to see a GP first.
They provide expert advice on managing your condition, can arrange follow-up appointments, and refer you to a specialist if needed. If medication is required, they can speak directly with a GP during your appointment.
Physiotherapists receive more detailed training than GPs in MSK conditions, making them the ideal professionals to assess and treat these issues. Having an FCP based within your GP surgery means quicker access to the right care—and often a faster recovery.
Please speak to your GP Surgery reception team to book in directly with an FCP
Social Prescribing – Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing
Your doctor isn’t the only person who can help you feel better. Social prescribing is a way to improve your health and emotional wellbeing by connecting you with services, groups, and activities in your local community.
Sometimes, addressing difficult issues takes more time and support than a regular medical appointment can offer. That’s where a Social Prescriber can help.
How Social Prescribers Support You
Social Prescribers take the time to understand what matters most to you. They can:
- Help you explore what’s important for your health and wellbeing
- Support you in identifying and addressing personal challenges
- Connect you to services, groups, or activities that match your interests and needs
- Create a personalised wellbeing plan just for you
- Offer support either over the phone or in person
Areas They Can Help With
- Befriending services, counselling, and peer support groups
- Getting involved in community activities and social groups
- Coping with life-changing events such as bereavement or health diagnoses
- Rebuilding confidence and sense of purpose
- Accessing specialist support services
- Finding opportunities for work, training, or volunteering
What to Expect from a Social Prescriber
A Social Prescriber is:
There to support and encourage you along the way
Someone you can talk to confidentially
Supportive, practical, and non-judgmental
Focused on helping you decide what steps you’d like to take
Able to connect you with the right support and activities for your needs
If you would like support from a social prescriber either ask in your GP practice or email:
sxicb-esx.socialprescribingreferrals@nhs.net
Health and Wellbeing Coaches – Supporting You to Live Well
Health and Wellbeing Coaches work with people who want to take a more active role in improving their health and lifestyle. They are experts in behaviour change, helping individuals build motivation, confidence, and practical strategies to achieve their personal health goals.
Whether you’re managing a long-term condition or simply looking to improve your general wellbeing, a Health and Wellbeing Coach can support and empower you to make sustainable, positive lifestyle changes.
What Does a Health and Wellbeing Coach Do?
The coaching process may include:
- Confidence building – Exploring what matters to you and helping to overcome barriers to your health goals.
- Encouraging positive behaviour change – Working together to set achievable, personalised goals.
- Education – Providing background information and advice on a range of health-related topics.
Who Can Benefit from Health Coaching?
You might benefit from seeing a Health Coach if you:
- Feel ready to make lifestyle changes but don’t know where to start
- Are living with a long-term condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or respiratory issues
- Have recently been diagnosed with a health condition
- Want support with weight management, diet, physical activity, or mental wellbeing
- Are over 18 and want general advice around healthy living
How Can a Health Coach Help?
Areas of support include:
- Joint pain
- Improving sleep
- Becoming more active
- Weight management
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Improving mood and emotional wellbeing
- Stopping smoking
- Building support networks
Additional Activities and Programmes
Our Health & Wellbeing Coach also offers:
- Chair-based exercise classes at all three surgeries to support mobility, strength, balance, and posture
- “Movers & Shakers” outdoor exercise classes every Monday and Wednesday
- Cholesterol education courses to support healthier lifestyle choices
What to Expect
Once referred (or self-referred), you’ll be contacted to arrange an initial conversation—usually by phone. This first appointment is an opportunity to:
- Get to know your coach
- Talk about your health, lifestyle, and goals
- Decide together what areas you’d like to focus on
You’ll then be offered up to 6 sessions, including a progress review. Additional sessions can be arranged if further support is needed.
Ways to Access the Service
- Ask your GP, nurse or healthcare assistant to refer you
- Self-refer by emailing: sxicb-esx.socialprescribingreferrals@nhs.net
Support Options Available
- One-to-one coaching (face-to-face or telephone)
- Group peer support consultations
- Outdoor exercise sessions
- Chair-based exercise classes
If you would like more information about the Health and Wellbeing Coaching service or how to access it in the future, please get in touch—we’re here to support you
Emotional Wellbeing Support at Your GP Surgery
Do you have a diagnosed mental illness, or are you struggling with your mental health and wellbeing?
Emotional Wellbeing Services are now available at your GP practice to offer information, advice, and short-term support tailored to your needs.
How We Can Help
We offer:
- One-to-one support (in person, by phone, video call, or email)
- Small group workshops
- Personalised wellbeing plans
- Advice and signposting to local services
We’ll work with you—and, if appropriate, your family or carer—to help you take positive steps at a pace that’s right for you.
Need Urgent Help?
In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E
For non-emergency situations:
- NHS 111 – Tel: 111 and select the option for mental Health
- Sussex Mental Healthline – Tel: 0800 0309 500
- Sane Line – Tel; 0300 304 7000
- Samaritans – Tel: 116 123
- Shout mental health text – Text: SHOUT to 85258
The Role of Care Coordinators in Eastbourne East PCN
Care Coordinators play a vital role within the Primary Care Network (PCN), working proactively with patients—including those who are elderly, frail, or living with long-term conditions—to help coordinate their care and navigate the wider health and care system.
They support individuals in becoming more engaged in managing their own health by identifying changing needs and ensuring care remains person-centred and responsive. Care Coordinators help streamline the patient journey across both primary and secondary care, ensuring that health and care planning is timely, efficient, and tailored to what matters most to the individual.
A key part of their role is bringing together all relevant information about a person’s care needs and exploring how best to meet them through a single, personalised care and support plan.
Care Coordinators work closely with other members of the personalised care team—particularly Social Prescribers and Health and Wellbeing Coaches—referring patients to the right support based on their individual needs.
By focusing on “what matters to me,” Care Coordinators build rapport through non-judgmental, supportive conversations. This approach helps patients identify their priorities, overcome obstacles, and take steps towards living healthier, more fulfilling lives
Need Help with the NHS App?
Our Digital Ambassadors are here to help both patients and staff get the most out of the NHS App.
The NHS App is a simple, secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. With the app, you can:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View your GP health record
- Get health advice via 111 online
- Find NHS services near you
- Register to take part in health research
- Book your first hospital or clinic appointment
- And much more
The app is available to anyone aged 13 and over who is registered with an NHS GP in England or the Isle of Man.
Need help using the NHS App?
Contact our Digital Ambassador service:
📧 sxicb-esx.digital.ambassador@nhs.net