Multi Disciplinary Teams

Introduction

A new model for primary care multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) has been developed.

First Contact Physiotherapists, Social Workers and Mental Health Practitioners will work alongside the existing practice team to provide enhanced access to health and social care services within a primary care setting.

Patients registered to a MDT practice will be able to book an appointment directly with any of these new services, without first having to see their GP.

MDTs will also have enhanced numbers of Health Visitors and District Nurses, allowing them to spend more time with patients.

The project will require the recruitment of significant numbers of additional staff to work within GP practices. To accommodate these additional staff, a significant programme of capital investment in the buildings which house GP practices is accompanying the project.

The development of MDTs will see GP practices focus not just on managing ill-health, but also on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of communities.

There will be an increased focus on prevention and early intervention initiatives, with the aim of ensuring that patient’s needs are met at the earliest possible opportunity, reducing the need for onward referrals into secondary care services.

GPs in MDT practices will also see their time utilised more effectively. By ensuring that patients see the most appropriate professional within the primary care setting, GPs can focus on those patients who most urgently require their care.

The development of MDTs was a central element of ‘Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together’.

This seeks to transform the way in which health and social care services are delivered in Northern Ireland, with a focus on person-centred care, rather than buildings and structures.

First Contact Social Work Teams

We have several new members of staff within the Social Work team across our 3 practices. This service is available to patients of all ages. Your social wellbeing affects how you feel about yourself, how well you function and the overall quality of your life. Issues which affect your social wellbeing may have a significant impact on your physical or mental health. Our social work staff can discuss any problems you have and explore what is important to you. They can provide you with practical advice, help, and support in order to address these problems.

Where the social work team feel you may benefit from other services, they may work with other people or groups in the community to support your needs. Together they can discuss any issues you may be facing, explore what is important to you, agree what help they can offer you and provide you with support. The sort of things they could help you with are;

Isolation or loneliness
Carer support
Relationship difficulties
Parenting difficulties
Stress
Bereavement
Alcohol and drug issues
Traumatic life events
Housing difficulties

Any of the clinical staff may suggest a referral to the Social Work team, or you can make a referral directly through our reception staff, without seeing your GP first.

Social Work Staff

Auld Practice - Dearbhaile McMahon

McNiff Practice - Mary O'Hare

Ramsey - Mary-Sue O'Hare

Social Work Assistant - Veronica Kerr

First Contact Physiotherapist

What is a First Contact Physiotherapy Practitioner?

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are advanced practitioners working within primary care with extensive expertise in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions. First Contact Physiotherapy Practitioners see patients with (suspected or diagnosed) MSK conditions as the first point of contact, instead of a GP, and can be accessed directly by contacting the practice’s reception.

How could a First Contact Physiotherapy Practitioner Help Me?

First Contact Physiotherapy Practitioners support patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as back, neck, shoulder, knee or hip pain, strains and sprains, sports injuries or work related pain.

The staff have advanced practice skills to ensure complex patient management with other members of the team and refer to hospital services if required. The staff are focused on early identification and intervention of MSK conditions to improve Patients outcomes.

What do First Contact Physiotherapists do During an Appointment?

A typical appointment involves assessment, diagnosis and first-line management. The Practitioners can also refer patients for a course of physiotherapy treatment, order investigations, prescribe medication, provide injection therapy or make referrals into secondary care services using the same pathways as GPs. As a person-centred service, most appointments include self-management advice, social prescribing and discussions about physical activity and fitness for work.

How Can I Book an Appointment?

Patients can book an appointment directly with the First Contact Physiotherapist via the GP Practice Reception. Alternatively you may be offered an appointment based on your symptoms when you call.

You can also self refer to the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Department, without seeing your GP.

Click here for the link

Patient Information Leaflet

Information for patients on first contact physio services can be found here

Auld - Shauna Corbett/Ailis Doyle

McNiff - Gemma O'Donnell/Sharon Agnew/Fiona Gribben

Ramsey - Ailis Doyle