GP assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Primary responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the GP assistant/medical assistant. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels.

a. Undertaking new patient health checks

b. When trained, undertaking venepuncture

c. Carrying out BMI checks as directed

d. Acting as a chaperone as required

e. Conducting ECGs as requested

f. Carrying out dermatoscopy as directed by the GPs

g. Signposting some received correspondence to others, e.g., clinical pharmacist, practice nurse

h. Extracting all the required information from clinical letters, applying medical codes as required and adding these to patient notes

i. Supporting practice patients by arranging appointments, onward referrals, clinical tests and follow up appointments.

j. Undertaking all mandatory training and induction programmes

k. Attending a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed

l. Contributing to public health campaigns (e.g., flu clinics) through advice or direct care, including opportunistic health promotional programmes

m. Maintaining a clean, tidy and effective working area at all times

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the GP assistant/medical assistant may be requested to:

a. Demonstrate the ownership of responsibility for personal development, learning and performance

b. Demonstrate performance of skills and activities to others undertaking similar work

c. Attend relevant annual updates and shared practice learning

d. Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead

e. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

f. Support and participate in shared learning throughout the PCN

g. Undertake any tasks consistent with the level of the post and the scope of the role, ensuring that work is delivered in a timely and effective manner

Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths.

Desirable

• NVQ in Health and Social Care Qualified in Phlebotomy.

Experience

Essential

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Keyboard and computer skills.
• Ability to use own judgement and make decisions
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise work.
• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
• Ability to use own judgement and common sense.
• Displays positive and professional attitude.
• Ability to work as part of an integrated, multi-skilled team.
• Pleasant and articulate.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Flexibility of working hours/able to work at the desired times
• Dealing with the public/patients.

Desirable

• Experience of customer service.
• Use of EMIS computer software.
• Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities.
• GP Assistant Certificate qualification or work in General Practice or Primary Care.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

The Whickham Practice

Address

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre

Rectory Lane

Whickham

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE16 4PD

Employer's website

https://whickhampractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)