‘We are such a good team’: Kirsty’s videos show range of professionals in medical practice
Patients at a Caithness medical practice have a new way of finding out about the range of healthcare expertise available to them – through a series of social media videos.
Kirsty Bain from Wick is the friendly face presenting the short, informative films aimed at raising awareness of the many roles within Three Harbours Medical Group.
The videos can be seen online and are also shown in the medical practice waiting room within Wick Medical Centre.
Kirsty (33) is one of a team of eight advanced nurse practitioners, or ANPs, in the practice.
She said: “When I was younger and growing up, if there was something wrong, the only option literally was to phone and make an appointment with the GP and many people may still be thinking this is the case.
“But there now are a number of different healthcare professionals that work in a GP practice – ANPs, physiotherapists, pharmacists, for example – and it just means then that the GP isn’t always the quickest and most appropriate person to see, depending on the patient’s problem.
“We thought about different ways that we could go about educating patients about who they could book an appointment to see, and we felt that social media does have such a huge platform. So we thought we could start by recording a series of videos explaining each role.
“I had many discussions with the practice manager [Joanna Groves] about this and started recording the videos.”
NHS Highland has shared the films on its social media channels and there has been “a lot of positive feedback from patients”, according to Kirsty.
“We now have the videos on a screen in the waiting room so patients can watch them while they wait for their appointments,” she said.
The videos, all of which are subtitled, can be viewed on the Three Harbours Medical Group website and Facebook page. The former Riverview medical practice in Wick became part of Three Harbours Medical Group in 2022, along with Riverbank (Thurso) and Lybster.
“Although the videos are based on what happens in this practice, I’m sure they are relevant to a lot of other practices,” Kirsty added.
She has completed seven videos so far and intends to make two more. There is no editing involved as Kirsty completes them in a single take.
“I try to keep them quite simple and short, probably averaging about two minutes,” she explained.
“It has been quite a good ice-breaker as well for when I go and get a patient from the waiting room. There was one patient that said, ‘Oh, I feel like I already know you.’
“We do realise that there are a lot of people who aren’t on social media so we’re in the process of creating a leaflet and poster as well.”
At the same time, efforts are being made to encourage young people to consider healthcare career options. Kirsty has visited Noss Primary School and Wick High to talk to pupils and also attended a careers event.
Practice manager Joanna Groves pointed out: “We’re trying to raise awareness of what careers are available in the health service. It’s not just doctors and nurses – there’s a plethora of other roles.”
Meanwhile, Kirsty recently completed her MSc and is due to graduate in a few weeks.
“My master’s dissertation was based on applying research for clinical impact,” she said. “I am passionate about my role as an advanced nurse practitioner and I feel very lucky and privileged to be able to work at the heart of my local community in the GP practice.
“I was born and grew up in Caithness, and I feel that the practice is such an important part of our community.
“My master’s dissertation looked at patient satisfaction levels in adults who attend a GP practice and have a consultation with an ANP. I had to carry out extensive research on GP practices and advanced nurse practitioners for this dissertation.
“Through experience I often find that many patients have a lack of knowledge and understanding about the ANP role. Therefore I really wanted to do something locally to try and promote not only the role of the ANP but also the other roles that work within our practice to create awareness for our patients.
“We’re such a good team and we really want to do something positive.”
