Job responsibilities
Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care, both clinically and administratively. Such tasks may include:
- Arranging appointment, referrals, tests and follow up appointments
- Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP; taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
- Completing simple clinical observations / investigations such as dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs & phlebotomy
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies e.g. speaking to the bed bureau to ask advice or arrange admission while the clinical can continue with their consultation(s)
- 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
- Supporting with chronic disease management reviews
- Running health promotion clinics and completing health checks
- Chaperoning
- Coordinating the completion of QOF related work including reviewing records and recalling patients for checks
- Assist with minor operations
- Acting on clinical safety alerts
Other tasks including:
- Maintaining and cleaning equipment
- Participation in administrative systems in the Practice
- Attend and participate in any Practice meetings when required
- Participate in an annual individual performance review
- Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework
- Any other delegated duties appropriate to the post
Special Requirements of the Post:
- An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
- Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and common sense.
- A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of care and keep up to date with all aspects relevant to the post.
- A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection Control measures are met and to report any problems to the Practice Manager
- A commitment to the effective use of Practice and NHS resources.
- An awareness of own limitations and experience.
Confidentiality:
- In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately
- In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential
- Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
Health & Safety:
The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
- Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines
- Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
- Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
- Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
- Reporting potential risks identified
Equality and Diversity:
The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:
- Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
- Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
- Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.
Personal/Professional Development:
The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include:
- 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
- Support others with their training and development needs
- To participate in continuing education and maintain a contemporary level of professional knowledge and skills.
- Complete mandatory training as directed by the Practice Manager
Quality:
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance
- Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
Communication:
The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:
- Communicate effectively with other team members
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers
- Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
Contribution to the Implementation of Services:
The post-holder will:
- Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance
- Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work
- Participate in audit where appropriate
