About this role
Job summary
A General Practice Assistant (GPA) will support GPs in the smooth running of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP freeing up their time to focus on the patient.
Main duties of the job
Duties may include, and may not be limited to:
Working with the PCN leadership team to design, plan and implement the PCN vision and strategy.
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
Completing basic (non-opinion) forms and core elements of some forms for the GP to approve and sign such as insurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc
Filtering test results based on set protocols to minimise those requiring opinions form the clinicians
Assisting the clinical staff in general to alleviate workload that can safely and appropriately be delegated to the GPA
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
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 consultation(s)
Supporting the GP with immunisations/wound care
About us
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have been created to facilitate delivery of more integrated care. They cover defined geographical areas to enable them to better respond to the needs of local populations and build relationships across wider primary care within natural neighbourhoods. By design they are small enough for relationships to flourish, but large enough to provide a broad scope of services.
Job description Job responsibilities
Duties:
Duties may include, and may not be limited to:
Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients
Dipping urine, taking blood pressure and calculating the average
Filtering test results based on set protocols to minimise those requiring opinions form the clinicians
Completing basic (non-opinion) forms and core elements of some forms for the GP to approve and sign such as insurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc
Assisting the clinical staff in general to alleviate workload that can safely and appropriately be delegated to the GPA
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 consultation(s)
Managing waiting room health displays
Working with the PCN leadership team to design, plan and implement the PCN vision and strategy
Help patients navigate practice services, ensuring they receive appropriate support
Confidentiality:
In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately
In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers.
They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential
Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
Quality:
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:
Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
Work to practice protocols
Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance
Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs
Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
Health & Safety:
The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines
Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
Reporting potential risks identified
Equality and Diversity
Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.
Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.
General
To undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, within the bounds of his/her own competence.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience in a healthcare or GP practice setting is desirable but not essential Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work Attend all relevant annual updates Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding GPA role and any professional development needed Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when reached
Communication Essential
The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate approach to patient care Ability to work well within a team and adapt to the needs of a busy practice Be familiar in all mediums of communications such as email, tasks, telephone etc Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Communicate effectively to outside agencies Communicate clearly with their lead GP
Quality Essential
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Work to practice protocols Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Strong administrative and organisational abilities, with attention to detail
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 GP First Ltd
Address Castlefields Surgery
Castle Way
STAFFORD
ST16 1BS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gpfirst.net/ (Opens in a new tab)