Job summary
The GP Assistant (GPA) is a new nationally specified NHS
role with lots of potential to create a job developing a variety of different
skills. A GPA will support the GP(s) to provide the smooth running of clinics
by performing the more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of
the GP, reducing the administrative burden on GPs, making best use of
consultation time, thus enabling GP time to be focused on patient care.
This is an exciting new opportunity to develop and train
in-house whilst you work. You will help
to shape this new role so that it becomes an effective part of the practice
team. The right candidate will need to be flexible, keen to learn new skills and
adaptable as the role evolves.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the
job
Preparing patients prior to going in to see the
GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP
appointment eg checking urine samples (dipstick tests), taking blood pressure,
ECGs & phlebotomy (blood tests)
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Supporting GPs to provide effective chronic
disease management
Arrange appointments, referrals, tests and book
some follow up appointments for patients
Helping with repeat prescription requests- for
instance identifying where these might need blood tests or check-ups arranging
Sorting clinical post and prioritizing for the
GP or forwarding to the correct team member
Extracting key information from clinical letters/Docman
that needs coding and adding to notes
Completing basic forms for the GP to approve
such as insurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc
Assisting the GP with procedures such as minor
surgery or coil fitting
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)
About us
We are a large, very busy,
GP training Practice with approximately 17,800 patients, working within a
healthcare centre in the heart of Northfield. We have a large clinical team
consisting of 8 partners, 8 salaried GPs, 3 nurses, 2 HCAs, 4 GPA's and 1 phlebotomist.
We work alongside colleagues in neighbouring practices as part of the
Bournville & Northfield Primary Care Group. We are a friendly, supportive
team and work to promote the Practice ethos: make every contact count when
thriving to deliver excellent Patient care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
A GPA will support the GP(s) 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.
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
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)
Support the GP with immunisations/wound care
Job description
Job responsibilities
A GPA will support the GP(s) 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.
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
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)
Support the GP with immunisations/wound care
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience:
- Previous experience working in a healthcare setting (e.g., medical clinic, hospital).
- Experience supporting healthcare professionals.
- Practical experience in patient care, administration, or clinical support tasks.
- Clinical Skills:
- Understanding of basic clinical procedures
- Ability to assist with patient assessments or examinations under supervision.
- Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
- Experience with patient record management and ensuring patient confidentiality.
Desirable
- Experience:
- Experience working in a general practice setting.
- Experience with specific patient groups (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, chronic illness management).
- Previous experience with medical coding.
- Clinical Skills:
- Proficiency in specialised clinical tasks (e.g., ECGs, phlebotomy, spirometry).
- Experience with point-of-care testing (e.g., rapid strep tests, blood glucose testing).
- Technology Skills:
- Use of computer software packages such as word and excel
- Knowledge of EMIS system
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and clinicians
- Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
- Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them
- Self-directed and willing to learn new areas of work
- Highly motivated
- Flexible and able to cope with changing environment
- Enthusiastic
- Team player with ability to work across functions, effectively communicating with colleagues
- Ability to work alongside clinicians and to learn quickly
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- Completed GPA competency framework
Knowledge
Essential
- Willingness to complete the GPA core competency framework within 9 months
Desirable
- Infection control principles
- Health and Safety principles
- Participation in 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 other 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
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience:
- Previous experience working in a healthcare setting (e.g., medical clinic, hospital).
- Experience supporting healthcare professionals.
- Practical experience in patient care, administration, or clinical support tasks.
- Clinical Skills:
- Understanding of basic clinical procedures
- Ability to assist with patient assessments or examinations under supervision.
- Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
- Experience with patient record management and ensuring patient confidentiality.
Desirable
- Experience:
- Experience working in a general practice setting.
- Experience with specific patient groups (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, chronic illness management).
- Previous experience with medical coding.
- Clinical Skills:
- Proficiency in specialised clinical tasks (e.g., ECGs, phlebotomy, spirometry).
- Experience with point-of-care testing (e.g., rapid strep tests, blood glucose testing).
- Technology Skills:
- Use of computer software packages such as word and excel
- Knowledge of EMIS system
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and clinicians
- Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
- Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them
- Self-directed and willing to learn new areas of work
- Highly motivated
- Flexible and able to cope with changing environment
- Enthusiastic
- Team player with ability to work across functions, effectively communicating with colleagues
- Ability to work alongside clinicians and to learn quickly
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- Completed GPA competency framework
Knowledge
Essential
- Willingness to complete the GPA core competency framework within 9 months
Desirable
- Infection control principles
- Health and Safety principles
- Participation in 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 other 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
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.
