Who do you need to see?

Contraception

Family planning appointments are available with a nurse to discuss all of your contraception options and concerns.

At the James Wigg Practice we provide a service to fit and remove coils (including copper IUCDs and Mirena coils) and contraceptive implants (Nexplanon).

We do these in special clinics on a Tuesday morning (Dr Sally Higginbottom) and Wednesday afternoon (Dr Jessica Baron). We keep the coils and implants in stock so you don’t need a prescription for them. If you are interested in using one of these forms of contraception please see one of the nurses for a family planning appointment or one of the doctors to discuss your options. Coils need to be fitted and removed during your monthly period. If unsure, please speak to a doctor or nurse before booking a suitable appointment . If you are having problems making an appointment in the coil clinic please call the Practice and leave a message for Dr Higginbottom or Dr Baron and we will endeavour to resolve the problem.

Physician Associate

What is a Physician Associate?

Physician associates (PAs) are medically trained, healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and other members of the practice team to provide a range of patient care. They are able to:

  • Take medical histories from patients
  • Carry out Physical examinations
  • See patients for ‘urgent’ or ‘routine’ appointments
  • Manage and treat patients of all ages and make referrals
  • Review and act on laboratory results
  • Provide patient health promotion and disease prevention advice
  • Help GPs with some admin tasks

Why do we need Physician Associates?

Due to a growing population, the advances in technology, better diagnosis, prevention and treatments, the NHS can sometimes struggle to cope. This is a new role to bring more talent, adding rather than taking away from existing members of the medical workforce and increased access for patient services and care.

Medical Appointments

Like other medical staff, Physician Associates work with their patients to provide the best and most suitable care. They have access to patient’s medical records in case they need to refer to past medical history. Strict rules of confidentiality are adhered to throughout the practice

Qualifications

PAs must pass an intensive 2 year university course at diploma or masters level to learn clinical knowledge and skills after completing a 3 year biomedical/ healthcare related degree. They train in hospital and GP practices to gain knowledge, skills and experience to enable them to look after patients. The Faculty of Physician Associates is part of the Royal College of Physicians. They set and run the national PA exam, check education standards and maintain a register of qualified PAs. PAs are required to show that they are keeping their knowledge and skills up to date and have to recertify every 6 years

How many Physician Associates do we have?

The James Wigg currently has 3 Physician Associates working for us. PAs work in multiple roles throughout the NHS, in both hospitals and GP surgeries.

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