Job post summary
Pay: From £12.90 per hour
Job Description:
Job summary
General Practice Assistants (GPAs) support the smooth running of clinics by performing more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP, freeing up their time to focus on the patient.
The ideal candidate will take a proactive approach to their role, have a proven track record in administrative and public-facing services and have a passion for Primary Care.
The remit of this role is broad and requires an adaptive approach as well as attention to detail in delivering high-quality services.
Main duties and responsibilities of the role
GPAs are expected to deliver a combination of the following requirements based on their level of skills and experience.
- Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
- Receive, assist and signpost patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
- Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of clinical administrative functions, including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.
- Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies.
Clinical support duties
- Arrange appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments for patients.
- Complete simple clinical observations /investigations as directed locally, such as dipstick urine, taking blood pressure, ECG, phlebotomy.
- Support the GP with immunisations/wound care.
- Prepare patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
- Complete 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.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients.
- Assist the GP to liaise with outside agencies, enabling the GP to continue with their consultation(s).
Administrative duties
- Sort clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff.
- Extract information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes.
- Assist with management of patient recalls supporting QOF/IIF reviews and immunisation/screening programmes.
- Process onward referrals for secondary care.
Personal Development specific to the GPA role
Training may be provided 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 Health Education England’s accredited programme, aligned to the competency framework, equipping them with formal certification of their learning. These staff are supported by a structured development programme (managed by HEE) and gain formal certification after around nine months.
GPAs should also:
a. Participate in an annual individual performance review.
b. Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework.
c. Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding their role and request professional development as needed.
d. Be aware of their own professional boundaries and what to do when they are reached.
Health Education England GPA Competency Framework:
https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Comp-framework-branded.pdf
Generic responsibilities
All staff in the A31 Group of Practices have a duty to conform to the following:
Equality, diversity and inclusion
A good attitude and positive action towards ED&I create an environment where all individuals are able to achieve their full potential. Creating such an environment is important for three reasons: it improves operational effectiveness; it is morally the right thing to do and it is required by law.
Patients and their families have the right to be treated fairly and to be routinely involved in decisions about their treatment and care. They can expect to be treated with dignity and respect and will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Patients have a responsibility to treat other patients and our staff with dignity and respect.
Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. Staff can expect to work in an environment where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted. Staff will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that patients and colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF)
A31PCN is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, well-being and safety. You have a duty to take reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others and to cooperate with employers to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. All personnel are to comply with current legislation.
Confidentiality
A31 PCN is committed to maintaining an outstanding confidential service. Patients entrust and permit us to collect and retain sensitive information relating to their health and other matters pertaining to their care. They do so in confidence and have a right to expect that all staff will respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality at all times. It is essential that, if the legal requirements are to be met and the trust of our patients is to be retained, all staff protect patient information and provide a confidential service.
Quality and Continuous Improvement (CI)
To preserve and improve the quality of our output, all personnel are required to think not only of what they do, but how they achieve it. By continually re-examining our processes, we will be able to develop and improve the overall effectiveness of the way we work. The responsibility for this rests with everyone working within the practice to look for opportunities to improve quality and share good practice.
A31 PCN continually strives to improve work processes which deliver health care with improved results across all areas of our service provision. We promote a culture of continuous improvement where everyone counts and staff are permitted to make suggestions and contributions to improve our service delivery and enhance patient care.
Safeguarding
To be aware of safeguarding polices to protect vulnerable patients and undertake regular safeguarding training to a level deemed appropriate for the role. To be involved in safeguarding meetings as appropriate.
Learning and development
The effective use of training and development is fundamental to ensuring that all staff are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge, attitude and competences to perform their role. All staff will be required to partake and complete mandatory training as directed by the training coordinator as well as participating in relevant training programmes.
Staff will also be permitted (subject to approval) to undertake external training courses which will enhance their knowledge and skills, progress their career and, ultimately, enable them to improve processes and service delivery.
Collaborative working
All staff are to recognise the significance of collaborative working. Teamwork is essential in multidisciplinary environments. Effective communication is essential and all staff must ensure they communicate in a manner which enables the sharing of information in an appropriate manner.
Service delivery
A31 PCN staff must adhere to the information contained within A31 PCN and member practices policies and regional directives, ensuring protocols are adhered to at all times. Staff will be given detailed information during the induction process regarding policies and procedures.
Security
Security is the responsibility of all personnel. Staff must ensure they remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity immediately to their line manager.
Professional conduct
Staff are required to behave in a professional manner at all times and to dress appropriately for their role. Uniform will be provided where indicated.
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.
Person Specification
Person Specification – General Practice Assistant
Qualifications (Essential in italics)
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
GCSE Mathematics & English (C or above)
Evidence of continual professional development
NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care
Health Education England GPA accreditation programme
Experience
Experience of working in a front-facing role with the general public
Experience of administrative / receptionist duties
Experience of working in a health care setting
Skills
Ability to work collaboratively, liaising with other stakeholders as needed for the collective benefit of patients including GPs, Practice Nurses, healthcare professionals and other practice staff
Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families and carers
Ability to recognise and work within limits of competence and seek advice when needed
Ability to record accurate clinical notes
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Strong IT skills
Clear, polite telephone manner
Ability to prioritise work to meet workload demands
Competent in the use of MS Office (including Excel) and Outlook
EMIS user skills – including searches and templates
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 clinical policy and procedure
Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information in an understandable form to a variety of audiences
Able to work across organisations and with a wide range of Health Care Professionals
Knowledge of and ability to work to policies and procedures including confidentiality, safeguarding, information governance and health and safety
Ability to provide motivational coaching to support people’s behaviour change
Personal Qualities
Ability to demonstrate personal accountability and resilience
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all colleagues and to work flexibly and enthusiastically within a team or working under own initiative
Polite and confident
Flexible and cooperative
Motivated, forward thinker
Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
High levels of integrity and loyalty
Demonstrates accountability for own actions
Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations
Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
Calm and supportive approach to assisting patients or their carers to navigate health and social care as needed.
Commitment to ongoing professional development
Effectively utilise resources
Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
Other requirements
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
This role has the potential for home visiting and lone working across the PCN on a regular basis
Access to own your vehicle and a clean driving license is essential.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
