Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The GP Assistant will support GPs and the wider practice team with administrative work and agreed clinical support tasks. The role will help appointments run smoothly, improve the patient experience and allow clinicians to focus more of their time on patient care.

The postholder will work closely with clinical and administrative colleagues, following practice procedures and carrying out duties appropriate to their training and assessed competence.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative support

Prepare information ahead of consultations, ensuring relevant correspondence, results and other documents are available for the clinician to review. Review and organise incoming correspondence in line with practice procedures, identifying information that requires a clinicians attention. Enter and update information accurately on the clinical system, including coding where trained and authorised. Help prepare forms, letters and other documents for clinician review and authorisation. Support the administration of referrals, investigations and follow-up arrangements as directed by a clinician. Monitor allocated tasks and bring outstanding or urgent matters to the attention of the appropriate colleague. Request information from other services where needed to support patient care. Help maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.

Patient support and communication

Welcome patients and help them prepare for their consultation or an agreed procedure. Explain the purpose of your role and obtain consent before carrying out any patient facing task. Communicate clearly and sensitively, taking account of individual needs, language barriers and accessibility requirements. Help patients understand practical next steps agreed by their clinician, such as booking an appointment or attending a test. Signpost patients to appropriate practice services and sources of support. Pass on messages or information as instructed, referring questions about symptoms, results or treatment to a qualified clinician. Arrange interpreting support in line with practice procedures when required. Treat patients, carers and colleagues with dignity, kindness and respect.

Clinical support

Clinical tasks will be agreed with the supervising clinician and undertaken only after appropriate training and assessment of competence. These may include:

Measuring and recording blood pressure, pulse, height and weight. Supporting routine health checks by collecting and recording agreed information. Undertaking venepuncture where trained, assessed as competent and authorised. Supporting specimen collection, labelling and handling in accordance with practice procedures. Preparing rooms and equipment for consultations and procedures. Assisting clinicians during agreed examinations or procedures. Acting as a chaperone following appropriate training and in line with practice policy.

The postholder must record observations accurately and promptly report abnormal readings, patient deterioration or any other concern to an appropriate clinician. The GP Assistant will not independently diagnose conditions, interpret test results, prescribe medication or make treatment decisions.

Teamworking and organisation

Work closely with GPs, nursing staff, reception, administration and practice management. Organise daily work and prioritise tasks with guidance from the appropriate colleague. Communicate promptly when a task cannot be completed or further advice is needed. Attend relevant team meetings and contribute ideas for improving patient care and practice processes. Provide appropriate support to colleagues within the scope of the role. Help maintain a welcoming, organised and professional working environment.

Confidentiality and record keeping

Maintain confidentiality when handling patient, staff and practice information. Access records only where necessary for authorised work duties. Follow practice policies on information governance, data protection and secure communication. Maintain clear, accurate and timely records of work undertaken. Report information security concerns or suspected breaches promptly through the practice reporting process.

Patient safety and safeguarding

Recognise the limits of the role and seek advice whenever unsure. Follow practice procedures for escalating urgent concerns and obtaining clinical assistance. Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the appropriate clinician or safeguarding lead. Complete safeguarding training appropriate to the role. Report incidents, errors and near misses, and contribute to learning and improvements. Follow patient identification and consent procedures before undertaking any task or intervention.

Infection prevention and health and safety

Follow infection prevention procedures, including hand hygiene and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Clean equipment and clinical areas associated with your work in accordance with practice procedures. Handle specimens, sharps and clinical waste safely where relevant to your duties. Report faulty equipment, hazards and concerns promptly. Follow practice health and safety procedures and take reasonable care of your own safety and that of others.

Equality, dignity and inclusion

Provide a respectful and inclusive service to patients and carers. Recognise that patients may need additional support to access services. Support reasonable adjustments and raise any barriers to care with the appropriate colleague. Work respectfully with colleagues and contribute to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Training and development

Complete induction and mandatory training relevant to the post. Undertake training and competency assessments before accepting new clinical responsibilities. Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing development. Maintain a record of relevant training and competencies. Ask for support when a task falls outside your knowledge, training or experience.

Quality improvement

Support practice audits and quality improvement work appropriate to the role. Help collect accurate information to monitor services and identify areas for improvement. Contribute to discussions about patient feedback and ways to improve the patient experience. Follow agreed changes to practice processes and share any difficulties with the team.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

The GP Assistant is a support role and does not replace assessment or decision-making by a registered clinician. Delegated tasks must be clearly understood, appropriate to the postholders competence and supported by suitable supervision.

The postholder must decline tasks they are not trained or competent to undertake and seek guidance from their supervisor.

GENERAL

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list. Other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, training and level of responsibility may be required.

The job description will be reviewed with the postholder as the needs of the practice and the role develop.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Willingness to undertake training and competency assessments required for the role

Desirable

• A relevant qualification in health and social care, healthcare support or administration.
• Completion of a GP Assistant training programme.
• Relevant clinical skills training, such as blood pressure measurement or venepuncture.

Knowledge, skills and personal qualities

Essential

• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• A kind, respectful and patient-focused approach.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when recording information.
• Understanding of confidentiality and the importance of protecting patient information.
• Ability to follow instructions and agreed procedures.
• Ability to recognise the limits of your role, seek guidance and report concerns appropriately.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in sensitive or difficult situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and support colleagues.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and competency assessments.
• Commitment to treating people fairly and respecting individual needs.

Desirable

• Understanding of the GP Assistant role and how a general practice team works.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles.
• Awareness of infection prevention procedures.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Ability to support patients with online services, such as the NHS App.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with patients, customers or members of the public.
• Experience of completing administrative tasks and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of using computer systems to enter, retrieve and update information.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience of organising workload and managing competing tasks.
• Experience of handling confidential or sensitive information appropriately.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a GP practice or another healthcare setting.
• Experience of using EMIS Web or another electronic patient record system.
• Experience of processing clinical correspondence, referrals or patient-related administrative tasks.
• Experience of providing direct patient support or undertaking clinical observations.
• Experience of supporting people with language, communication or accessibility needs.

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

SSP Health

Address

colne road surgery

36 Colne Road

Burnley

Lancashire

BB10 1LG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ssphealth.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities:

In accordance with the practice timetable, as agreed, the post-holder will make him/her-self available to undertake a variety of duties including surgery consultations, telephone consultations and queries, visiting patients at home, checking and signing repeat prescriptions and dealing with queries, paperwork and correspondence in a timely fashion

Making professional, autonomous decisions in relation to presenting problems, whether self-referred or referred from other health care workers within the organisation

Assessing the health care needs of patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed problems

Screening patients for disease risk factors and early signs of illness

In consultation with patients and in line with current practice disease management protocols, developing care plans for health

Providing counselling and health education

Admitting or discharging patients to and from the caseload and referring to other care providers as appropriate

Recording clear and contemporaneous consultation notes to agreed standards

Collecting data for audit purposes

Compiling and issuing computer-generated acute and repeat prescriptions (avoiding hand-written prescriptions whenever possible)

Prescribing in accordance with the practice prescribing formulary (or generically) whenever this is clinically appropriate

In general the post-holder will be expected to undertake all the normal duties and responsibilities associated with a GP working within primary care.

Other responsibilities within the organisation:

• Awareness of and compliance with all relevant practice policies/guidelines, e.g. prescribing, confidentiality, data protection, health and safety
• A commitment to life-long learning and audit to ensure evidence-based best practice
• Contributing to evaluation/audit and clinical standard setting within the organisation
• Attending training and events organised by the practice or other agencies, where appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MRCGP
• Full GMC registration
• National Performers List registration

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

SSP Health

Address

Ashton Medical Centre

120 Wigan Road

Ashton in Makerfield

Wigan

WN4 9SU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ssphealth.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Phlebotomy (taking blood samples)
• Blood pressure checks
• ECGs
• NHS Health Checks
• Routine health screening
• Chronic disease monitoring support
• Administering B12 injections, Shingles, Pneumococcal and flu vaccinations (if appropriately trained)
• Assisting with minor surgery and clinics
• Maintaining clinical equipment and stock
• Updating patient records accurately on the clinical system
• Supporting the nursing team and GPs as required
• Promoting health education and wellbeing

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification)

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a General Practice or Primary Care setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate, patient-focused approach
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• IT skills and ability to use clinical systems (training provided)
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection
• Commitment to undertake additional training to meet the requirements of the role of a Healthcare Assistant in General Practice

Desirable

• Phlebotomy, ECG, and vaccination experience.
• Understanding of infection control, health and safety, and safeguarding 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

SSP Health

Address

Claire House Surgery

Phoenix Way

Lower Ince

Wigan

WN3 4NW

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ssphealth.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

You must be able to deal objectively and professionally in a calm and approachable manner when liaising with patients, staff, healthcare professionals and outside agencies. Prioritising a busy workload, being a good team player and possessing the ability to deal with a wide range of clerical and administration duties in a busy environment is also required.

Knowledge of the EMIS web system would be an advantage; full training and support would be offered to the successful applicant.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable

• Experience in patient facing environment

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

SSP Health

Address

Shanti Medical Centre

160 St. Helens Road

Bolton

BL3 3PH

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ssphealth.com/ (Opens in a new tab)