PCN General Practice Assistant (GPA) - Havering Liberty PCN

Job description

Job responsibilities

The full Job Description is attached for further information. JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be trained to support the streamlining of clinics by performing the more routine administration and clinical tasks to provide the GP with greater capacity to focus on the patient. The role of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within Havering Liberty PCN will be developed in practice with the support of a GP Mentor and the local Training Hub Provider to complete an accredited training programme. If the post holder is already an accredited GPA this will be discussed and clarified, as well as establishing primary care experience during the interview process.

Training and support

The GPA role offers significant opportunities for learning and professional development. This role will be developed depending on the needs of each individual practice and all training will be carried out in post. Each GPA will have a GP mentor from within the practice they are assigned; if not yet an accredited GP the post holder will also embark on a 6 to 9 month self-directed learning programme. Protected learning time of a day for self-learning and day for mentor supervision will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your practices needs, a GP Assistant can be trained to help with:

Sorting all clinical post and prioritising. Sign posting some post to other healthcare professionals, such as Clinical Pharmacists

Extracting all information from clinical letters that needs coding and adding notes

Dealing with all routine clinical post directly e.g. DNA letters, 2WW etc.

Arranging appointments, referrals 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 for the GP to approve and sign such as insurance forms, mortgage forms e.g. ESA113 etc

Explaining treatment procedures to patients including arranging follow up appointments

Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies i.e. 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

Support and carryout any tasks set by the PCN Clinical Director, PCN Manager and the wider PCN multi-disciplinary team with regard to meeting the requirements as set out by the Network Contract DES

Person Specification

Special skills & aptitudes

Essential

• Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to complete forms such as those for clinical investigations, referral templates, benefits and insurance
• Strong organisational skills including planning, prioritising, time management, report writing and record keeping
• Understanding of the requirements for handling information in health and social care settings
• Ability to recognise and work within limits of competence and seek advice when needed
• Ability to build and maintain long- term-working relationships with colleagues
• A professional and compassionate attitude to patient care, providing support while maintaining professional boundaries
• Ability to remain diplomatic when dealing with sensitive matters or having challenging discussions with patients or carers
• Willingness to take a pro-active and flexible approach to the role as it develops over time

Desirable

• Understanding of clinical policies and procedures, the preparation of medical equipment and environments and infection control
• Phlebotomy -Experience of understanding, preparing, obtaining and transporting venous blood samples

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in health, social care or other support roles in direct contact with people, families or carers (in a paid or voluntary capacity)
• Experience of working within multi- professional team environments

Desirable

• Experience of using the EMIS clinical system

Qualifications

Essential

• Grade A-C GCSE English and Maths or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong written communication and administrative skills
• Excellent computer skills including email, word and excel
• Has enrolled in, undertaking or willing to enrol on the 6-9 month self-directed learning
• To have a DBS enhanced level checked carried out by the employer or have an existing DBS

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

Havering Health Ltd

Address

170 Rush Green Road

Rush Green

Romford

Essex

RM7 0JU

Employer's website

http://haveringhealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)