About this role
Job summary
General Practice Assistants (GPAs) form part of a multi-disciplinary team within primary care, and provide a support role, carrying out administrative tasks, combined in some areas with basic clinical duties, helping to free up GPs time and contribute to the smooth running of appointments, improving patients experience in the surgery.
Main duties of the job
Improving patient access and releasing highly qualified staff to concentrate on treating and managing patients with more complex conditions
Improving patient flow within surgery hours, increasing the time efficiency of appointments, and reduction of waiting
times; supporting patient experience by translating or reiterating information from the GP
Have a positive impact on retention and job satisfaction
Reduce time spent by GPs on managing correspondence
About us
Our mission in Redbridge is to strengthen, develop and support local general practice, to enable the delivery of high-quality care to local people. We are in the very fortunate position where all 4 of the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Redbridge are working together as part of the Redbridge-wide GP federation Healthbridge Direct.
This means we can build strong clinical teams within and across the PCNs. We are now at the very start of an exciting journey of building a team of over 100 additional clinical roles to support and enable the delivery of services within each of our 4 PCNs. We are building teams within and across the PCNs to enable peer support and team working both within and across professions.
We have a unique opportunity in Redbridge to create something special and we want you to be part of it. We have the infrastructure, the relationships and the potential to create a team that will make a significant difference to GP practices, to outcomes for local populations, and to individual lives for patients across Redbridge.
Job description Job responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Check and monitor the practice incoming emails that are received in the NHS Email account, responding to patients
Sorting all clinical post and prioritising for the GP in terms of actions. Signposting some post to others such as clinical pharmacist etc.
Extracting all information from clinical letters that needs coding and adding to notes
Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients
Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
Dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs & phlebotomy
Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies e.g. getting an on call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultations
Support the GP with immunisations wound care
Phlebotomy and Patient Care
Obtain informed consent from patients prior to taking blood samples. Confirm the patient's identity using the appropriate patient identification procedures. Undertake venepuncture safely and competently in accordance with practice protocols and training. Explain the procedure to patients and provide reassurance, particularly to patients who may be anxious or vulnerable. Select and use the appropriate blood collection equipment and specimen bottles. Recognise difficulties or complications during venepuncture and seek clinical support where required. Maintain patients' privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times. Work within own level of competence and seek advice from an appropriate clinician when necessary. Sample Management
Ensure all blood samples are correctly labelled and matched to the correct patient. Complete the appropriate electronic or paper laboratory requests. Package, store and handle specimens safely and appropriately. Maintain specimen records ,logs where required. Identify and resolve discrepancies relating to specimens or escalate these appropriately. Ensure samples are prepared and sent to the laboratory within the required timescales. Liaise with laboratory and practice staff regarding specimen-related issues where necessary. Clinical Records
Accurately document blood collection and relevant information in the patient's clinical record. Use the practice clinical system appropriately, for example EMIS Web or SystmOne. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential patient records. Report any significant patient concerns or clinical issues promptly to the appropriate clinician.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths or equivalent Experience working in healthcare Recognised Phlebotomy Venepuncture Evidence of Practical Competency in Venepuncture
Desirable
Intermediate level office software programmes e.g Microsoft Office Experience working within primary care
Experience Essential
Experience of working with the general public Experience of administrative duties Experience of working in a healthcare setting Knowledge of EMIS web clinical system
Desirable
Knowledge of databases Customer Service Training or formal reception training
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) Strong IT skills Clear, polite telephone manner Effective time management (planning and organising) Ability to work as a team member and autonomously Good interpersonal skills Problem solving and analytical skills Ability to follow policies and procedures
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 Healthbridge Direct
Address 53-63 Redbridge Lane East
Ilford
Redbridge
IG4 5EY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.healthbridgedirect.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)