DETAILS of new services that will be brought in to support doctor surgeries in Clackmannanshire will be discussed during a meeting next month.

This follows the introduction of the national GP contract which will see mental health workers, physiotherapists, advanced nurse practitioners and pharmacists working as part of multi-professional teams with local general practitioners.

People can find out how this will take shape in the Wee County through a meeting in Sauchie Community Hall on Wednesday, September 5 from 7-9pm and will be attended by GP practice staff along representatives from NHS Forth Valley and the local health and social care partnership.

It said the changes will create additional capacity, increase the range of services available in local communities and free up doctors to spend more time seeing patients with more serious or complex healthcare needs.

They will also ensure people are seen by the right healthcare professionals with the right skills to deliver the care they need.

This could result in an appointment with a physiotherapist for patients with joint pain, backache or mobility issues such as knee or hip pain.

Mental health nurses will be able to provide support to patients with many common mental health conditions including stress and anxiety.

Meanwhile, advanced nurse practitioners, who are highly skilled clinicians, will be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe medication for a wide range of health conditions.

Also addressing the meeting will be the NHS Forth Valley’s director of pharmacy services, Scott Mitchell.

He will provide an update on pharmacy services across the area including pharmacy first, an initiative to provide free treatment for a variety of conditions without the need for a GP prescription.

These include urine infections, skin conditions (including impetigo, eczema, dermatitis and cellulitis), insect bites and nail infections.