Job summary
Paramedics work autonomously within the community at an advanced level of practice, using their enhanced clinical assessment and treatment skills, to provide first point of contact for patients presenting with undifferentiated, undiagnosed problems relating to minor illness or injury, abdominal pains, chest pains and headaches. They are health professionals who practice at an advanced level having the capability to make sound judgements in the absence of full information and to manage varying degrees of risk when there are complex, competing or ambiguous information or uncertainty.
Important Notice: Please note all candidates must have a minimum 6 months of relevant UK experience and have completed Stage 1 of the Roadmap to Practice. Portfolios of evidence will be verified before an offer of employment is provided.
Main duties of the job
Job Purpose
- The role involves working very closely with the practices within the PCN.
- The role is pivotal in ensuring all patients receive the best possible care and service.
- To assess and triage patients, including same day triage, and as appropriate provide definitive treatment or make necessary referrals to other members of the PCN team
- Advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate, including signposting patients to other community or voluntary services.
About us
Aplos Health PCN was founded in 2019 and consists of four practices in the London Borough of Lewisham - Sydenham Green Group Practice, The Vale Medical Centre, Wells Park Practice and Woolstone Medical Centre.
We provide care to a patient population over 50,000 and have developed excellent working relationships between the practices. We run educational events for patients, started an adolescent and contraceptive clinic, continue to provide Health and Wellbeing cohorts and are now looking forward to developing further innovative pathways and services for our patients.
Date posted
12 September 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
Depending on experience Includes inner London HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
U0107-23-0003
Job locations
The Vale Medical Centre
Perry Vale
London
SE23 2JF
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide the first point of contact for clinical queries from practice telephonists/receptionists.
Be responsible for telephone triaging.
Undertake urgent/same day clinics.
Undertake home visits alongside the GP visiting team.
Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis
Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordingly
Assess, diagnosis, plan, implement and evaluate interventions/treatments for patients with complex needs
Diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions, integrating both drug and non-drug-based treatment methods into a management plan
Initiate and interpret tests and investigations as appropriate.
Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice
Work with patients in order to support compliance with and adherence to prescribed treatments
Provide information and advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medication on medication regimens, side-effects and interactions
Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care
Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning or sexual health consultation
Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health
Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care
Record accurate data in the patient records to an agreed standard.
Collaborate with other members of the Primary Health Care Team including doctors, nurses and other AHPs, accepting referrals and referring to them for specialist care.
Direct referral to and liaison with consultants and other professional agencies.
Ensure a high standard of clinical practice is maintained by ensuring care is based on current best practice, embarking upon further training if required and continuing to update clinical knowledge
Quality Requirements
Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC and College of Paramedics.
Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
Be aware of data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality issues particularly within a GP surgery.
Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information
Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes.
Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality
Deliver care according to NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care
Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking and formal evaluation
Keep up to date with current evidence-based practice.
Participate in research and utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required
In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care responding to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate
Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation
Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures
Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidance.
Participate in annual professional development review. Personal development will be encouraged and supported by the practice. It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments.
Training requirements will be monitored by annual appraisal and will be in accordance with practice requirements.
To attend and participate in Significant Event Audits
To attend the UC planning meetings
To work within the HCPC code of professional practice and Scope of professional conduct, H&S at work Act 1974, Data Protection Act 1984 and Access to Health Records 1990.
Clinical System / Medical Records
Familiarity with the clinical system -EMIS
Utilise EMIS to record all treatment and care, applying all appropriate templates and protocols relating to recording of patient data.
Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
Review and process data using accurate read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes
Extraction of necessary data from clinical correspondence and input into Electronic Patient Record, i.e., GP2GP and Docman system
Ensure full and accurate recording in the patients computerised records.
Confidentiality
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 and PCN 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:
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 & PCN 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/PCN 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.
To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team.
Supervision
The post holder will have access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the PCN to provide general advice and support on a day to day basis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide the first point of contact for clinical queries from practice telephonists/receptionists.
Be responsible for telephone triaging.
Undertake urgent/same day clinics.
Undertake home visits alongside the GP visiting team.
Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis
Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordingly
Assess, diagnosis, plan, implement and evaluate interventions/treatments for patients with complex needs
Diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions, integrating both drug and non-drug-based treatment methods into a management plan
Initiate and interpret tests and investigations as appropriate.
Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice
Work with patients in order to support compliance with and adherence to prescribed treatments
Provide information and advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medication on medication regimens, side-effects and interactions
Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care
Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning or sexual health consultation
Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health
Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care
Record accurate data in the patient records to an agreed standard.
Collaborate with other members of the Primary Health Care Team including doctors, nurses and other AHPs, accepting referrals and referring to them for specialist care.
Direct referral to and liaison with consultants and other professional agencies.
Ensure a high standard of clinical practice is maintained by ensuring care is based on current best practice, embarking upon further training if required and continuing to update clinical knowledge
Quality Requirements
Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC and College of Paramedics.
Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
Be aware of data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality issues particularly within a GP surgery.
Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information
Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes.
Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality
Deliver care according to NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care
Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking and formal evaluation
Keep up to date with current evidence-based practice.
Participate in research and utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required
In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care responding to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate
Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation
Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures
Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidance.
Participate in annual professional development review. Personal development will be encouraged and supported by the practice. It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments.
Training requirements will be monitored by annual appraisal and will be in accordance with practice requirements.
To attend and participate in Significant Event Audits
To attend the UC planning meetings
To work within the HCPC code of professional practice and Scope of professional conduct, H&S at work Act 1974, Data Protection Act 1984 and Access to Health Records 1990.
Clinical System / Medical Records
Familiarity with the clinical system -EMIS
Utilise EMIS to record all treatment and care, applying all appropriate templates and protocols relating to recording of patient data.
Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
Review and process data using accurate read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes
Extraction of necessary data from clinical correspondence and input into Electronic Patient Record, i.e., GP2GP and Docman system
Ensure full and accurate recording in the patients computerised records.
Confidentiality
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 and PCN 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:
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 & PCN 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/PCN 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.
To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team.
Supervision
The post holder will have access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the PCN to provide general advice and support on a day to day basis.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
- Ability to operate at an advanced level of clinical practice
- Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) Level 7 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCOF) Level 11
- Roadmap to Practice Stage 1 - portfolio of evidence available for verification
Desirable
- Pre-reg MSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in managing a designated caseload using theoretical and practical experience, completing assessments, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes aligned to care plans
- Working knowledge of Microsoft and GP practice and prescribing data monitoring systems
- Ability to write comprehensive clinical notes, implement and evaluate care plans
- Strong and inspirational leadership
- Ability to co-ordinate and prioritise workloads able to multi-task as well as be self-disciplined and highly motivated
Desirable
- Working towards advanced clinical practitioner status
- Mentorship or supervisory skills training
- Ability to undertake nails surgery assessments, procedure and post-operative care
- Awareness of data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality issues particularly within a PCN
- Cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing approaches / skills
- High degree of personal credibility, emotional intelligence, patience and flexibility
- Ability to cope with unpredictable situations
- Confident in facilitating and challenging others
- Demonstrates a flexible approach in order to ensure patient care is delivered
Analysis Skills
Essential
- Ability to evidence a sound understanding of the NHS principles and values
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex/ often incomplete information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
Desirable
- Experience of working within a primary care setting
- Evidence of working across organisational boundaries within health and social care
- Independent thinker with good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
Other
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence and persuade others articulating a balanced view and able to constructively question information
- Ability to negotiate effectively
- Build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders which are based on openness, honesty trust and confidence
- Clear communicator with
- excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
Desirable
- The ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme management
- Evidence of inspiring and motivating teams with the ability to communicate passionately, effectively and persuasively across a diverse set of stakeholders
- Car driver/clean licence
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
- Ability to operate at an advanced level of clinical practice
- Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) Level 7 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCOF) Level 11
- Roadmap to Practice Stage 1 - portfolio of evidence available for verification
Desirable
- Pre-reg MSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in managing a designated caseload using theoretical and practical experience, completing assessments, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes aligned to care plans
- Working knowledge of Microsoft and GP practice and prescribing data monitoring systems
- Ability to write comprehensive clinical notes, implement and evaluate care plans
- Strong and inspirational leadership
- Ability to co-ordinate and prioritise workloads able to multi-task as well as be self-disciplined and highly motivated
Desirable
- Working towards advanced clinical practitioner status
- Mentorship or supervisory skills training
- Ability to undertake nails surgery assessments, procedure and post-operative care
- Awareness of data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality issues particularly within a PCN
- Cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing approaches / skills
- High degree of personal credibility, emotional intelligence, patience and flexibility
- Ability to cope with unpredictable situations
- Confident in facilitating and challenging others
- Demonstrates a flexible approach in order to ensure patient care is delivered
Analysis Skills
Essential
- Ability to evidence a sound understanding of the NHS principles and values
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex/ often incomplete information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
Desirable
- Experience of working within a primary care setting
- Evidence of working across organisational boundaries within health and social care
- Independent thinker with good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
Other
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence and persuade others articulating a balanced view and able to constructively question information
- Ability to negotiate effectively
- Build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders which are based on openness, honesty trust and confidence
- Clear communicator with
- excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
Desirable
- The ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme management
- Evidence of inspiring and motivating teams with the ability to communicate passionately, effectively and persuasively across a diverse set of stakeholders
- Car driver/clean licence
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Aplos Health PCN
Address
The Vale Medical Centre
Perry Vale
London
SE23 2JF
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Aplos Health PCN
Address
The Vale Medical Centre
Perry Vale
London
SE23 2JF
Employer's website
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
12 September 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
Depending on experience Includes inner London HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
U0107-23-0003
Job locations
The Vale Medical Centre
Perry Vale
London
SE23 2JF