MEDICAL receptionists in East Lancashire are set to be trained to signpost services to patients more effectively.
Under a Care Navigation Project, several disciplines have been singled out for inclusion by East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
These include a ‘pharmacy-first’ minor ailment scheme and minor eye condition and emergency dental services, psychological therapies and minor injuries.
Lisa Cunliffe, the CCG’s primary care development manager, said in a report the organisation would be using a model originally developed by their counterparts in West Wakefield.
Clinical commissioners will fund the £32,000 cost of the training through the GP Forward View programme for 2016-17.
The cost of the West Wakefield package is £25,000, with the remainder covering the provision of training venues and a communications campaign to support the work.
Further talks were held over the possibility of including the spinal drop-in service.
However it was agreed this would not be included in the initial phase.
Health bosses initially want to trial the scheme in Hyndburn, before it is rolled out to Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Ribble Valley later in the year.
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