GP practices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are expanding the ways people can get the right care, from the right professional, at the right time.
As part of the It Takes a Team campaign, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight are highlighting the range of experts now working alongside GPs.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners are proving invaluable in supporting patients with day-to-day health concerns and helping practices manage demand.
Bernie Kelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said
“From chest infections and tonsilitis to urinary tract infections and a wide range of minor illnesses, I can assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe. Being able to offer this level of care means patients are seen sooner and more often by the professional best suited to their needs. What would have usually gone to a GP, doesn’t always need to anymore because it’s about making sure you see the right clinician for your ailment.”
Advanced Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have undertaken additional training and academic qualification. This enables them to complete reviews similar to those carried out by GPs.
James Roach, Director of Primary Care and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said
“Advanced Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in modern primary care. They enhance the range of clinical expertise available within GP practices, improve patient experience and help reduce pressure on GPs. Their contribution is central to ensuring people receive high quality care at the right time and providing ongoing care for those patients who need it.”
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In March 2025, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ public information campaign to highlight the different specialists working within GP practices. The 12-month campaign will throw a spotlight on a different specialist role each month and will feature people working within those roles in our local practices. This month we are focussing on our Advanced Nurse Practitioners.
For more information about the It Takes A Team campaign and the range of support available at your local GP practice, visit: It Takes A Team :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Bernie Kelly says “From chest infections and tonsilitis to urinary tract infections and a wide range of minor illnesses, I can assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe”.
To be brutally honest, your average patient would be able to do that. Pretty sure they would be able to tell the difference between a chest infection, a UTI and tonsillitis!
Jimmy Roach reckons that these ANPs “enhance the range of clinical expertise available within GP practices”.
Just as well, as I am reliably informed that a GP from Ventnor has “done a bunk” and opened a Private Practice in Cowes.
A.I is very helpful thesedays, GPs seem to be
non existent.
“The right clinician” is a GP.
“This level of care” means a lower level of care not by a GP.
“Improve patient experience” is only one up from no experience at all.
“Best suited to their needs” means best suited to our needs.
We are being gaslighted. Successive governments have failed to provide enough training places so we now don’t have enough doctors. The government’s response is never mind, you can be seen by a not-a-doctor. No wonder the political class prefer to go private. As Sunak showed, the NHS is only for the little people and for when the media pay attention.
It is like saying that you don’t really need a car driver as you can now get there by motorcyclist. Maybe you will and maybe you won’t but one thing is certain, without proper funding from our high taxes the next offering will be a bicycle.