About this role
Job summary
We are looking to recruit a motivated, organised and patient-focused General Practice Assistant to join East Kennet Primary Care Network (PCN) and work primarily at Old School House Surgery in Great Bedwyn.
This varied role combines administrative responsibilities with appropriately delegated clinical tasks. You will work closely with GPs and the wider practice team, helping to reduce avoidable workload, support the smooth running of clinics and ensure patients receive timely, well-coordinated care.
Old School House Surgery is a small rural practice where colleagues work closely together and individual contributions are noticed and valued. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in accurate work and wants to develop within a supportive primary care environment.
Training, supervision and competency assessment will be provided in line with the requirements of the role.
Main duties of the job
The role will suit someone who is proactive, dependable and able to manage a varied workload while working within clear professional boundaries.
The main duties will include:
Reviewing clinical correspondence and accurately recording and coding relevant information within the patient record
Preparing routine factual information and completing non-opinion sections of forms for GP review and approval
Supporting GPs and other clinicians with patient administration, follow-up actions and agreed communications
Undertaking basic clinical observations and procedures, such as blood pressure measurement, urine testing, ECG recording and phlebotomy, following training and competency assessment
Supporting the practice with long-term condition review preparation, patient recalls, questionnaires, observations and follow-up work
Maintaining accurate patient records, registers and recall systems
Liaising with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and other healthcare services
Recognising when information or clinical findings require escalation to an appropriate clinician
Contributing to the effective day-to-day running of the practice and supporting colleagues during periods of increased demand
All duties will be undertaken within the postholders training, assessed competence and supervision arrangements.
About us
East Kennet Primary Care Network consists of four GP practices serving approximately 38,000 patients across rural Wiltshire:
Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership
Ramsbury and Wanborough Surgery
Old School House Surgery, Great Bedwyn
Burbage Surgery
The successful candidate will be employed by East Kennet PCN Ltd and primarily based at Old School House Surgery.
Our practices work collaboratively while retaining their individual character and strong links with their local communities. At Old School House Surgery, you will join an approachable and experienced team where communication is open, colleagues work flexibly together and new staff are supported to develop confidence in their role.
You will also benefit from being part of the wider East Kennet PCN team, with access to broader multidisciplinary working, shared learning and opportunities to contribute to the continued development of local primary care services.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job purpose The General Practice Assistant will support GPs and the wider practice team by undertaking a combination of routine administrative and appropriately delegated clinical tasks.
The role is designed to reduce avoidable workload for clinicians, improve the flow of day-to-day work and help ensure patients receive timely, accurate and well-coordinated care.
The postholder will be employed by East Kennet Primary Care Network (PCN) and will work primarily at Old School House Surgery, Great Bedwyn.
The full scope of the role is set out in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, which applicants should read carefully before applying.
Main responsibilities The postholder will work closely with GPs, nurses, administrative staff and other members of the practice team.
Key areas of responsibility will include:
Reviewing clinical correspondence and recording relevant information accurately within the patient record
Supporting clinical coding, patient recalls, registers and follow-up processes
Completing routine factual sections of forms for GP review and signature
Assisting clinicians with patient-related administrative tasks and agreed communications
Supporting long-term condition review preparation and follow-up activity
Undertaking basic clinical observations and procedures, such as blood pressure measurement, urine testing, ECG recording and phlebotomy, once trained and assessed as competent
Liaising with patients, carers, healthcare professionals and other services
Maintaining accurate, timely and confidential patient records
Recognising when a matter requires clinical judgement and escalating it to the appropriate clinician
This is a developing role, and the balance of duties may change over time in response to practice needs, service priorities and the postholders training and competencies.
Working within the role The postholder will:
Work within agreed practice policies, protocols and professional boundaries
Undertake only those clinical duties for which they have received appropriate training and competency assessment
Seek advice or escalate concerns where information is unclear or falls outside the scope of the role
Participate in supervision, training, appraisal and ongoing professional development
Manage their workload effectively and communicate competing priorities
Work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues across the practice and East Kennet PCN
Confidentiality and data protection The postholder will have access to confidential information relating to patients, carers, staff and the business of the practice.
All information must be handled in accordance with:
UK data protection legislation
NHS information governance requirements
Practice and PCN confidentiality policies
Relevant records management and data-sharing procedures
Confidential information must only be accessed, used or shared where there is a lawful and legitimate reason to do so.
Safeguarding, equality and health and safety The postholder will be expected to:
Support the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk
Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check appropriate to the role
Promote equality, diversity, dignity and respect
Treat patients, carers and colleagues fairly and without discrimination
Follow health and safety, infection prevention and incident-reporting procedures
Report concerns, risks or hazards promptly to the appropriate manager
Quality and professional development The postholder will contribute to maintaining high standards of patient care and practice administration by:
Taking responsibility for the accuracy and quality of their own work
Raising concerns about quality, safety or risk
Participating in relevant training and competency assessments
Contributing to team discussions, service improvement and shared learning
Reflecting on their performance through supervision and appraisal
This summary should be read alongside the attached Job Description and Person Specification, which provides the full details of the responsibilities, requirements and boundaries of the post.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
GCSEs, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualifications, or demonstrable equivalent knowledge and experience A good standard of written English, numeracy and digital literacy Willingness to complete the recognised General Practice Assistant training pathway and required competency assessments Willingness to undertake role-specific clinical training and demonstrate competence before carrying out delegated clinical duties
Desirable
Completed or currently working towards an accredited General Practice Assistant qualification or training programme Relevant Level 3 qualification in healthcare, business administration, customer service or a related subject Care Certificate or equivalent healthcare training Training or competency in phlebotomy, ECG recording, blood pressure measurement, NHS Health Checks or other relevant clinical skills
Qualifications Essential
Experience of working in an administrative, customer-facing or patient-facing role Experience of communicating effectively and building positive working relationships with a range of people Experience of maintaining accurate records, entering information and handling confidential or sensitive information Ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload while maintaining attention to detail Ability to work effectively as part of a team and provide practical support to colleagues Ability to follow agreed procedures, recognise the boundaries of the role and identify when clinical advice or escalation is required Demonstrable commitment to learning and ongoing professional development
Desirable
Experience of working in general practice, primary care, the NHS or another health or care setting Experience of using a clinical system, particularly SystmOne Experience of clinical coding, patient recalls, workflow management or processing clinical correspondence Experience of supporting long-term condition review preparation Experience of undertaking basic clinical observations or procedures, such as blood pressure measurement, urine testing, ECG recording or phlebotomy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name East Kennet Primary Care Network
Address Old School House Surgery (Bedwyn)
Church Street
Great Bedwyn
Marlborough
Wiltshire
SN8 3PF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.ramsburyandwanboroughsurgery.com/index.aspx (Opens in a new tab)