General Practice Assistant

Job summary

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if wereceive a large number of applications or a suitable candidate is found. It is therefore advisable for you to complete your application as early aspossible and not wait until the closing date.

Please note that having a University Degree is not a requirement for this role.

Successful applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date regarding next steps. Previous applicants will not be considered for the role.

This role will be approximately 70% administrative and 30% clinical

A strong knowledge and experience of using EMIS is a requirement

A GPA will support the GP(s) smoothrunning of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinicaltasks on behalf of the GP freeing up their time to focus on the patient.

Main duties of the job

Sorting all clinical post andprioritising for the GP in terms of actions. Signposting some post to otherssuch as clinical pharmacist etc.

Extracting all information fromclinical letters that needs coding and adding to notes

Arranging appointments, referrals,tests and follow up appointments of patients

Preparing patients prior to going into see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for theGP appointment

Dipping urine, taking blood pressure,ECGs & phlebotomy

Completing basic (non-opinion) formsand core elements of some forms for the GP to approve and sign such asinsurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc

Explaining treatment procedures topatients

Helping the GP liaise with outsideagencies getting an on call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrangeadmission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s)

Support the GP withimmunisations/wound care

About us

Primary Care Networks (PCNs),supported by Dacorum Healthcare Providers Limited (DHPL), are developing newand exciting additional roles under the 2020 scheme, to support GPs andclinical teams at enhancing patient services in the local community.

There is a wide socio-economic anddemographic served within this area which will provide an interesting andvaried case mix. The role willcontribute to improving quality of patient care across the network ofpractices.

DHPL has been awarded the HertsValleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG) Certificate of Achievement inrecognition of exceptional contribution to the Primary Care workforce under thecategory of Supported Retention and Recruitment of Staff. As such, you will be joining an enthusiasticteam of clinicians and administrators and will be well supported with on-goingprofessional development (training support, CPD and peer support).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Purpose of theRole:

This role will be approximately 70% administrative and 30% clinical

A strong knowledge and experience of using EMIS is a requirement

A GPA will support the GP(s) smoothrunning of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinicaltasks on behalf of the GP freeing up their time to focus on the patient.

Duties:

Sorting all clinical post andprioritising for the GP in terms of actions. Signposting some post to otherssuch as clinical pharmacist etc.

Extracting all information fromclinical letters that needs coding and adding to notes

Arranging appointments, referrals,tests and follow up appointments of patients

Preparing patients prior to going into see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for theGP appointment

Dipping urine, taking blood pressure,ECGs & phlebotomy

Completing basic (non-opinion) formsand core elements of some forms for the GP to approve and sign such asinsurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc

Explaining treatment procedures topatients

Helping the GP liaise with outsideagencies getting an on call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrangeadmission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s)

Support the GP withimmunisations/wound care

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment,patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information inrelation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and havethe right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately

In the performance of the dutiesoutlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access toconfidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staffand other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relatingto the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from anysource is to be regarded as strictly confidential

Information relating to patients,carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practicemay only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practicepolicies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection ofpersonal and sensitive data

Health &Safety:

The post-holder will assist inpromoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security asdefined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems withinthe workplace according to Practice guidelines

Identifying the risks involved in workactivities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks

Making effective use of training toupdate knowledge and skills

Using appropriate infection controlprocedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards

Reporting potential risks identified

Equality andDiversity:

Acting in a way that recognises theimportance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistentwith Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needsand beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

Behaving in a manner which iswelcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects theircircumstances, feelings priorities and rights

Acting in a way that recognizes theimportance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistentwith Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needsand beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

Behaving in a manner which iswelcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects theircircumstances, feelings priorities and rights

Quality:

The post-holder will strive tomaintain quality within the Practice, and will:

Alert other team members to issues ofquality and risk

Work to practice protocols

Assess own performance and takeaccountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

Contribute to the effectiveness of theteam by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways toimprove and enhance the teams performance

Work effectively with individuals inother agencies to meet patients needs

Effectively manage own time, workloadand resources

Communication:

The post-holder should recognise theimportance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with otherteam members

Be familiar in all mediums ofcommunications such as email, tasks, telephone etc

Communicate effectively with patientsand carers

Recognise peoples needs for alternativemethods of communication and respond accordingly

Communicate effectively to outsideagencies

Communicate clearly with their lead GP

Contribution tothe Implementation of Services

The post-holder will:

Apply Practice policies, standards andguidance

Discuss with other members of the teamhow the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work

Participate in audit where appropriate

Pleasenote your job description is intended only as a guide to the responsibilitiesthat will generally be required of you. You may need to perform other dutiesthat have not been mentioned to accommodate both patient and business needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Personal/Professional Development: A GP Assistant Certificate qualification would be an advantage, however, staff can be trained in-practice, with on-job training and development led by GPs, in line with the role outline and national competency framework. Trainee GPAs may also complete HEEs accredited training programme, aligned to the competency framework, equipping them with formal certification of their learning 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 you have reached them A strong knowledge and experience of using EMIS is a requirement

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