Preparing your doctors bag

There is great variability  in what equipment will be available to you when you arrive at a practice. When preparing your doctor’s bag it is worth thinking about what you are likely to need for a typical surgery  and home visits.

Along side your BNF & textbooks it is worth considering the following key items:

• Stethoscope
• Auroscope
• Ophthalmoscope
• BP machine
• Gloves
• Tongue depressors
• Tape measure
• Pulse oximeter
• Urine dipstick
• Urine pots
• Glucometer
• Peak flow meter
• Lubricant

Key questions at a new practice

• What is the number for reception? (you might need to contact them with queries during your session)
• Where is the panic button?
• How do I call patients in?
• How do I request blood tests & where are these done? (on site or at the local hospital)
• How do I order X-Rays & Ultrasounds?
• How do I refer for physiotherapy & counselling?
• Where are Med 3, MAT1 & Maternity exemption forms kept?
• How do I create referrals? (some practices require you to type them others will give you a Dictaphone).