JOB SUMMARY

General Practice Assistants (GPAs) support the smooth running of clinics by performing more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP, freeing up their time to focus on the patient.
The ideal candidate will take a proactive approach to their role, have a proven track record in administrative and public-facing services and have a passion for Primary Care.
The remit of this role is broad and requires an adaptive approach as well as attention to detail in delivering high-quality services.

HEALTH EDUCATION ENGLAND GPA COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK:

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Comp-framework-branded.pdf

EXPERIENCE

Experience of working in a front-facing role with the general public
Experience of administrative / receptionist duties
Experience of working in a health care setting

SKILLS

Ability to work collaboratively, liaising with other stakeholders as needed for the collective benefit of patients including GPs, Practice Nurses, healthcare professionals and other practice staff
Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families and carers
Ability to recognise and work within limits of competence and seek advice when needed
Ability to record accurate clinical notes
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Strong IT skills
Clear, polite telephone manner
Ability to prioritise work to meet workload demands
Competent in the use of MS Office (including Excel) and Outlook
EMIS user skills – including searches and templates
Effective time management (planning and organising)
Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
Good interpersonal skills
Problem solving and analytical skills
Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information in an understandable form to a variety of audiences
Able to work across organisations and with a wide range of Health Care Professionals
Knowledge of and ability to work to policies and procedures including confidentiality, safeguarding, information governance and health and safety
Ability to provide motivational coaching to support people’s behaviour change

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
This role has the potential for home visiting and lone working across the PCN on a regular basis
Access to own your vehicle and a clean driving license is essential.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From £12.21 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In perso

GPAs are expected to deliver a combination of the following requirements based on their level of skills and experience.

• Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
• Receive, assist and signpost patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of clinical administrative functions, including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.
• Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

GPAs are expected to deliver a combination of the following requirements based on their level of skills and experience.

• Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
• Receive, assist and signpost patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of clinical administrative functions, including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.
• Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies.

CLINICAL SUPPORT DUTIES

• Arrange appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments for patients.
• Complete simple clinical observations /investigations as directed locally, such as dipstick urine, taking blood pressure, ECG, phlebotomy.
• Support the GP with immunisations/wound care.
• Prepare patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
• Complete 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.
• Explain treatment procedures to patients.
• Assist the GP to liaise with outside agencies, enabling the GP to continue with their consultation(s).

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Sort clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff.
• Extract information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes.
• Assist with management of patient recalls supporting QOF/IIF reviews and immunisation/screening programmes.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIFIC TO THE GPA ROLE

Training may be provided in-practice, with on-job training and development led by GPs, in line with the role outline and national competency framework. Trainee GPAs may also complete Health Education England’s accredited programme, aligned to the competency framework, equipping them with formal certification of their learning. These staff are supported by a structured development programme (managed by HEE) and gain formal certification after around nine months.

GENERIC RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff in the A31 Group of Practices have a duty to conform to the following: