Wicky de Haan
The first point of contact at your GP practice, whether by telephone or at the front desk, is the GP assistant. They will help you make an appointment with the GP or another professional at the practice. GP assistants are medical professionals who work closely with the GP. They will keep your personal and medical information confidential.
A GP assistant is professionally trained to provide advice on a wide variety of ailments and illnesses. The assistant can also discuss lab or test results with the patient (after the GP has evaluated them).
The GP assistant is fully qualified and trained to carry out a variety of treatments and tests for patients, either independently or under the doctor's orders. Treatments and tests that they can carry out include cervical smear tests, urine tests, blood pressure checks, injections, glucose testing and ear wax removal.
Under the direction of the GP they are trained to carry out ECG tests, visual exams, remove stitches, treat wounds and warts, and many other treatments and tests as recommended by the doctor.
