First Contact Practitioners (FCPs)

The role of the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) was initially developed by the roles identified in the ‘Liberating the Talents’ report (DOH 2002). The report highlighted how the roles of nurses are changing as a result of the NHS Plan and is aimed at discovering how the talents of nurses can be used to best advantage in improving the health and health care of the population.

The FCP provides patients with improved access and less waiting time, high quality care in a safe and comfortable environment with more information and choice. The role is about making primary care services more accessible and responsive to the needs of local communities.

FCPs receive patients with undiagnosed and undifferentiated conditions, assess their health needs, diagnose and make decisions about their care and treatment. The FCP can also prescribe, refer the patient on for further investigations or consultations and/or discharge.

Each FCP is:

• A qualified health care professional being either nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist or other allied health professional

• Studied at either postgraduate diploma or Masters level

• Provides acute assessment, diagnosis, care, treatment and referral of patients

• Provide accessible, flexible, patient-centred services

• Autonomous worker

• Extended Prescriber

• The role of the FCP is very similar to that of the ANP. Both are equally important in the delivery of patient centred care

If you are an First Contact Practitioner and are interested in joining the Hallam Medical team click here for more information.