A GP is a medical doctor who provides health care advice and treatment for people of all ages in the community. They are called "general practitioners" because they look at the health of the whole person, and this includes their mental health as well as their physical wellbeing.

GPs provide health care for a wide range of physical and mental health problems. 

GPs treat people when they are ill and also try to encourage healthy habits to improve health and wellbeing.

GPs can work on their own or in a group practice with other doctors and health care providers. Most group general practices have b oth male and female doctors working in them.

If a GP can't help with your problem they will suggest or refer you to someone who can. This may be another doctor, such as a specialist in a particular area, or another health worker, such as a psychologist, dietician or physiotherapist.

Practice Nurse

Many medical practices have one or two practice nurses who can also provide you with services. Practice nurses are very experienced nurses who can assist you in your visit to the GP. Sometimes the practice nurse will talk with you before your consultation with the GP. Practice nurses also often undertake procedures such as taking blood for blood tests or giving immunisations.

What does a GP do?

The GP is often the first person to contact for most health problems.

A GP can help with:

• physical illnesses
• injuries
• emotional issues (stress, problems with relationships, school family or work, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts)
• sexual health and contraception
• diet, nutrition, exercise and relaxation
• smoking, alcohol and other drug use
• immunisations (including Hepatitis B)
• general health check-ups.

The role of the GP is to:

• give you support and advice in relation to your health and wellbeing
• ask questions to help determine what the health problem is
• arrange diagnostic tests to find out more about a health condition
• provide prescriptions, if needed
• suggest types of treatment (e.g., relaxation, exercise)
• refer to other health services (e.g., physiotherapy, psychologist)
• refer to community services (e.g., immunisation clinic, supported accommodation)
• refer to medical specialists if a health condition requires specialist knowledge (e.g., orthopaedic surgeon, psychiatrist).