General Practice Assistant - Liberty PCN

Job description

Job responsibilities

We do not offer Visa Sponsership

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be trained to support the streamlining of clinics by performing 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 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 position provides substantial opportunities for both educational advancement and professional growth. This role will be tailored according to the specific needs of the PCN, with all training conducted during employment. The GPA will be assigned a GP mentor within the PCN. If not yet accredited, the post holder will complete a 6 to 9-month self-directed learning programme. The role includes protected learning time, comprising half a day for independent study and half a day for mentor supervision.

Key Responsibilities

The GP Assistant will be trained in to:

Sort and prioritise clinical post, directing some to other healthcare professionals.

Extract information from clinical letters for coding and medical records.

Handle routine clinical post directly (e.g. DNA letters, 2WW).

Arrange appointments, referrals, and follow-ups.

Prepare patients for attendance at the GP appointment, taking brief histories and basic readings.

Perform urine tests, take blood pressure, ECGs, and phlebotomy.

Complete basic forms for the GPs approval and signature.

Explain treatment procedures and arrange follow-ups.

Assist the GP in liaising with outside agencies.

Support the GP with immunisations and wound care.

Carry out tasks set by the PCN Leadership Team and the wider PCN multidisciplinary team to meet the Network Contract DES requirements.

To support the PCN with wider stakeholder engagement by representation at local resident events

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

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 proactive 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

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

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

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)