The Bridges Medical Practice

General Practice Assistant

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

This is a relatively new role within the Practice and therefore provides an exciting opportunity for the candidate to shape it with the team, so that it benefits patients and clinicians as much as possible.

Flexibility is essential as the needs of the practices change regularly and therefore the tasks required will change. The purpose of the role is to see patients routinely but also support other clinicians in their work; this includes seeing patients requiring urgent treatment and administration tasks.

The hours full time. Training will be provided but NHS experience in a similar role is preferred.

Main duties of the job

Working alongside trained clinicians, this is a patient facing and clinical administration role designed to reduce GP and clinical workload to free them up to complete more complex clinical tasks. It also helps the running of the practice by having routine booked appointments for phlebotomy, dressings etc.

We expect the role to evolve over time as skills are developed and the needs of the Practice change. The candidate will therefore need to be adaptable and flexible.

The candidate will work independently and part of the team. Initiative and problem solving skills essential.

About us

The Bridges is a large busy practice in Weymouth located across 2 sites; the main site is in the town centre and the branch site is in Littlemoor, approximately 4 miles away.

We have a range of clinical and admin staff who work as a team and support each other. We strive to provide excellent patient care for a wide demographic including high levels of deprivation.

We aim to continually improve our services and implement new systems where appropriate.

We are part of the NHS pension scheme, there is free on site parking and a cycle to work scheme.

Details

Date posted

28 November 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£13 to £13.45 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A3203-24-0000

Job locations

The Bridges Medical Centre

26 Commercial Road

Weymouth

Dorset

DT4 7DW


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

To provide and maintain a high standard of care for patients by providing assistance to the doctors and other members of the primary healthcare team.

Support the smooth running of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the clinical team, freeing up their time to focus on more complex tasks.

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 observations in readiness for the GP appointment.

Completing clinical observations / investigations such as dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs, dressings & phlebotomy

Explaining treatment procedures to patients

Helping GPs liaise with outside agencies e.g. speaking to the bed bureau to ask advice or arrange admission while the clinician 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 ops

Complete training necessary to expand skills depending on the needs of the practice

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 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

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

To provide and maintain a high standard of care for patients by providing assistance to the doctors and other members of the primary healthcare team.

Support the smooth running of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the clinical team, freeing up their time to focus on more complex tasks.

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 observations in readiness for the GP appointment.

Completing clinical observations / investigations such as dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs, dressings & phlebotomy

Explaining treatment procedures to patients

Helping GPs liaise with outside agencies e.g. speaking to the bed bureau to ask advice or arrange admission while the clinician 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 ops

Complete training necessary to expand skills depending on the needs of the practice

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 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

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE grade A to C in English, Maths and Science
  • NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care / Administration or other relevant subject

Desirable

  • Trained in basic clinical skills such as phlebotomy, wound care, ECGs

Experience

Essential

  • Customer/patient care skills and experience of working in a customer/patient facing environment.
  • Competence in Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Desirable

  • Experience of working in health care
  • Experience of taking basic clinical observations
  • Experience of working with clinical systems e.g. SystmOne
  • Admin experience

Skills and abilities

Essential

  • Ability to remain calm when dealing with difficult or distressed people / circumstances.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Able to think ahead and anticipate issues.
  • Ability to problem solve.
  • Ability to be assertive, but polite and patient.
  • Excellent organisation skills required along with ability to prioritise and work to very high standards of performance.
  • Commitment to health and safety, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices in employment and service provision.
  • Understanding of the needs for confidentiality and compliance with protocols.
  • Able to adapt a flexible working approach.
  • Willingness to undertake training both in house and externally.

Desirable

  • Awareness of infection control prevention procedures
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE grade A to C in English, Maths and Science
  • NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care / Administration or other relevant subject

Desirable

  • Trained in basic clinical skills such as phlebotomy, wound care, ECGs

Experience

Essential

  • Customer/patient care skills and experience of working in a customer/patient facing environment.
  • Competence in Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Desirable

  • Experience of working in health care
  • Experience of taking basic clinical observations
  • Experience of working with clinical systems e.g. SystmOne
  • Admin experience

Skills and abilities

Essential

  • Ability to remain calm when dealing with difficult or distressed people / circumstances.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Able to think ahead and anticipate issues.
  • Ability to problem solve.
  • Ability to be assertive, but polite and patient.
  • Excellent organisation skills required along with ability to prioritise and work to very high standards of performance.
  • Commitment to health and safety, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices in employment and service provision.
  • Understanding of the needs for confidentiality and compliance with protocols.
  • Able to adapt a flexible working approach.
  • Willingness to undertake training both in house and externally.

Desirable

  • Awareness of infection control prevention procedures

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Bridges Medical Practice

Address

The Bridges Medical Centre

26 Commercial Road

Weymouth

Dorset

DT4 7DW


Employer's website

https://www.thebridgesmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Bridges Medical Practice

Address

The Bridges Medical Centre

26 Commercial Road

Weymouth

Dorset

DT4 7DW


Employer's website

https://www.thebridgesmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Manager

Leonie Edwards

leonie.edwards@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

01305774411

Details

Date posted

28 November 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£13 to £13.45 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A3203-24-0000

Job locations

The Bridges Medical Centre

26 Commercial Road

Weymouth

Dorset

DT4 7DW


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