Primary Care refers to groups of professionals delivering health services in the community.  They are often the first point of contact patients have with the health service.  It includes general practice, pharmacists, dentists and opticians.

 

Within general practice the primary care team includes: GPs; practice nurses; treatment room nurses; practice managers and administrative staff. It also includes community staff that are attached to the GP practice such as district nurses, health visitors, midwives, physiotherapists, speech therapist, dietitians and counsellors etc. 

 

Because they are usually the first point of contact for the patient, the primary care team has a vital role in: