General Practice Assistant (GPA)

Job summary

GP Assistant is a new role and provides a unique opportunity to work in NHS primary care team and implement a fulfilling role providing care for the local population along a team of GPs and other clinical and non-clinical members. 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. You can find below a detailed list of your expected duties.

You will be able to take part on a free University level structured training program for 6-9 months to help you acquire the skills for the job. You will have educational and clinical supervision by the primary care team. At the end of the program, you will receive 10 credits at Level 4 (equivalent of first year University course).

If you are excited about providing support and care, flexible in order to work in a multidisciplinary team and keen to develop in a structured and supportive environment please do apply for this unique new role.

Main duties of the job

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)

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

About us

The local population in Tower Hamlets has high and complex health needs complicated by a high level of patient turnover and significant numbers of patients who do not have English as their first language.

GP Practices in Tower Hamlets tend to be the first point of contact for not only health services, but also for many welfare services.

The Primary Care Network model begun in Tower Hamlets in 2008 through the Primary Care Resource project. Key components of the project included:

1. The creation of local federated Networks of primary care practices across the eight LAPs (Local Area Partnerships)
2. Development and delivery of care packages for key Long-Term conditions e.g., Diabetes and health promotion e.g. smoking cessation.
3. The realignment and integration of Community Health and Social Care services, to deliver care on a Network model.
4. To ensure the promotion of healthy lifestyles is embedded into all care pathways, supporting Tower Hamlets residents to make healthy lifestyle choices and ensure access to appropriate statutory and voluntary services

The Network was originally formed in June 2009 and comprises four practices: Albion Health Centre, Blithehale Medical Centre, Health E1 Homeless Medical Centre and The Spitalfields Practice. These practices are situated in the LAP 2 (Local Area Partnership) area of Tower Hamlets. The Network was legally constituted in 2012 and became known as the East End Health Network Co Ltd (eehn.co.uk)