Paramedic Practitioner

Responsible for assessing patients with undifferentiated diagnosis who present to Primary Care within the South Hams Primary Care Network; diagnosing and treating patients presenting with undifferentiated illness, assessing, advising and treating people in respect of their healthcare needs in adherence to the Paramedics own sphere of clinical competence; seeking professional advice and referring to other Healthcare professionals when required. The Practitioner will be required to prioritise and triage the needs of patients accordingly, making any necessary referrals and / or investigations in the appropriate manner. Methods of consulting may include telephone consultations, face to face appointments and home visits according to Practitioner competence and PCN requirements. The level of Practitioner Competence will be evaluated in adherence with Health Education Englands Framework for Specialist / Advanced Level Practice.

Clinical Care Assess patient's health care needs using multiple methods and make professional autonomous decisions (within the boundaries of individual competence) based on Specialist / Advanced Level clinical knowledge and skills as determined by National Standards including Health Education England. Make differential diagnosis using decision making and problem-solving skills. Triage and prioritise patients appropriately. Screen patients for disease risk factors and early signs of illness.

Order and interpret necessary investigations and provide treatment both individually and as part of a team using referrals to other agencies when required. Provide a supportive role in helping people to manage and live with illness. Provide counselling and health education. Develop, with the patient, an ongoing care plan for health with the emphasis on preventative measures.

Work collaboratively with other health care professionals and disciplines. Utilise leadership and clinical education skills as required by the PCN. Prescribe medications where clinically indicated and when competent to do so. Use underlying knowledge of pathophysiology and Primary Care Pathways to recognise and rule out red flags for Cancer and other serious illness (despite presenting problems being seemingly benign and minor), taking appropriate action (including completing 2 week wait referrals or referring to Primary Care colleagues).

Pathological specimens and investigatory procedures Undertake the collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs etc. Perform investigatory procedures autonomously, seeking advice when required. Administration and professional responsibilities Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the Practice team. Ensure accurate and legible documentation of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients notes.

Ensure clinical systems are kept up to date with accurate details recorded and amended Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the Practice. Ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and ad hoc reports, audit, research, Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and National PCN indicators. Attend and participate in meetings and peer support / learning as required Restocking and maintenance of clinical areas and consulting rooms. Supplies and equipment Maintenance of equipment and stock relating to patient care Training and personal development Develop and maintain a Professional Portfolio using national guidance such as Health Education Englands Specialist / Advanced Level Practice guidance as structure.

Maintain requirements for ongoing HPC registration and, if available in the future, national registration with any other Specialist / Advanced level directory of staff (HEE). Training requirements will be monitored by yearly appraisal and will be in accordance with Practice requirements. Personal development will be encouraged and supported by the PCN. It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with national guidance and seeking support when required.

Participate in the education and training of students of all disciplines and the introduction of all members of the Practice staff where appropriate Maintain continued education by attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for professional development. If it is necessary to expand the role to include additional responsibilities, full training will be given. Liaison There is a requirement to work closely and communicate effectively with all clinical staff, Management and Admin and clerical teams to ensure the smooth running of the PCN, reporting any problems encountered to the relevant person and ensuring everyone is aware of the different roles within the Practice team. There is also the need to establish and maintain good liaison with other surgeries and agencies including secondary care Meetings It will be necessary to atte