Physician Associate (PA)

Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

North Shropshire Primary Care Network (PCN) already employ a Physician Associate (PA) and are looking to expand their team and recruit up to three further PAs, either newly qualified or with more experience.

As a newly qualified PA you would benefit from a Health Education England recognised preceptorship programme in your first year of employment. The preceptorship programme was established in 2017 and since then, there have been more than 13 cohorts graduating. The preceptorship programme is also endorsed by the Royal College of GPs and provides a foundation for commencing a career in primary care. During the year-long preceptorship you would have a half day a week protected teaching time. The sessions also provide informal peer and tutor support. Following successful completion of the internship you will receive a certificate. For the more experienced Physician Associate interested in this opportunity, you will benefit from ongoing support and training with many development prospects accessible across our Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin health economy.

When applying for the post you should be due to sit the National examination in Sept. 2021 or Jan. 2022 or have passed the National examination already. Employment is dependent on passing the national exam and registering on the voluntary register held by the faculty of Physician Associates.

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Practice Manager at a host practice and ultimately to the Clinical Director of the PCN, you will be based at a host practice whilst working on occasion from others. You will see patients independently, whilst remaining under the supervision of a GP. You will be expected to use your theoretical knowledge when taking a history and examining patients to come to a diagnosis and produce a management plan. You will need an understanding of when to order further investigations and or refer the patient. You are required to work according to evidence-based medicine and according to current guidelines and local policies. Successful applicants will be fully supported in their first year to develop these skills further. You will be seeing acute on the day patients and those with more chronic conditions. Consultations will be face to face and via the telephone. You will see patients of all ages and may be required to undertake consultations with patients in their own homes or in Nursing/Care Homes.

You must have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. An understanding of patient confidentiality is vital.

You will need a full driving licence and live within reasonable distance of your work base or you would need to be willing to relocate.

About us

The PCN is made up of six core practices who are working together providing clinical care to nearly 90,000 patients in North Shropshire. The roles will be based in practices across the PCN (in Oswestry, Ellesmere, Wem, Whitchurch and in Market Drayton).

Our commitment

We will provide a supportive learning environment.

We will ensure appropriate supervision.

Regular appraisals at six months and after the first year and then yearly going forward with a personalised development plan.

The development of systems to facilitate a smooth process for the management and signing off X-rays and prescriptions.

You will be supported to obtain the required CPD and have opportunities to access further training and development.

Date posted

20 September 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,890 to £44,503 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A1574-21-2987

Job locations

Middleton Road

Oswestry

Shropshire

SY11 2RB


Maer Lane

Market Drayton

Shropshire

TF9 3AL


Trimpley Street

Ellesmere

Shropshire

SY12 0DB


Trimpley Street

Ellesmere

Shropshire

SY12 0DB


Bridgewater Street

Whitchurch

Shropshire

SY13 1QH


New Street

Wem

Shrewsbury

SY4 5AF


Job description

Job responsibilities

The PA will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients. They will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures. The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from GPs as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate. The PA will be expected on a typical day to carry out some home visits and consult with patients who present on the day and via booked appointments as well as support and manage appropriate patient care at Nursing and Care Homes. The PA will also review and act appropriately on blood results and referrals/correspondence regarding their patients.

Mentorship and supervision will be provided by designated senior medical personnel. The level and type of supervision will be dependent on the post holders acquisition of skills and knowledge and determined by the organisations clinical governance arrangements. The PA would be expected to attend and partake in PCN and practice meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

CLINICAL

Participate in all treatment and preventative healthcare as agreed by the supervising GP(s).

Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines.

Take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose, explain medical problems and formulate management plan during surgery consultations and home visits. In consultation with or referring to supervising doctor(s) as appropriate.

Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.

Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary as agreed with supervising doctor(s).

Perform specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures.

Instruct and educate patients in preventative health care.

Consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated.

All of the above for patients in Nursing and Care Homes as and when required.

Conduct telephone consultations which may involve discussing the result and implications of laboratory investigations with patients as well as dealing appropriately with routine and emergency complaints.

Fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required paperwork for legal and administrative purposes.

Contribute to the clinical development of patient care in the PCN by developing a special interest and to help establish appropriate systems to manage common chronic medical conditions, ensuring compliance with NSF guidelines.

Participate fully in the clinicians duty rota including the provision of home visits and Nursing/Care home when appropriate.

Communicate when necessary with colleagues in Primary Care and hospital specialists in order to discuss or refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities or exchange information in order to improve the quality of patient care.

Deal regularly with community hospitals, consultants and other health care providers, insurance companies and other community organisations to refer/consult on specific cases, participate in community service and education projects and activities and the like.

TRAINING / EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ensure continuing education, training and development is undertaken to meet clinical governance guidelines for Continuing Professional Development and a Personal Development Plan.

Keep up to date with relevant medical research, technology and evidence-based medical practice by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals etc.

Undertake 50 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every year. A minimum of 25 hours must be external. Maintain Royal College of Physicians CPD diary.

Take and pass the national re-certification exam every 6 years in accordance with the requirements of the PA Managed Voluntary Register and as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.

Perform a variety of research and analysis tasks associated with improvement of clinical care, medical diagnosis and treatment where appropriate using the following means:

o Audit of clinical practice.

o Review of relevant literature.

o Research unusual symptoms and treatment options, through consultation with physicians and other medical specialists.

Provide literature reviews and the like; review, analyse and determine the significance of a variety of diagnostic test results.

Assist in clinical instruction and supervision of medical and nursing students as well other learners that may periodically be attached to the practice, including the educational development and mentoring of Physician Associate students.

Attend regular multi-disciplinary meetings organised by the Practice/PCN in order to discuss and learn from recent significant events relating to clinical practice occurring within the Practice/PCN.

Attend regular educational meetings organised by the practice in order to update clinical knowledge, practice policy and guidelines and disseminate other useful information relevant to the provision of adequate healthcare for patients.

Regularly reflect on own practice (and keep a record of learning encounters) in order to identify learning needs and encourage self-directed lifelong learning and continued professional development.

ADMINISTRATION

Send and receive written information on behalf of the Practice regarding matters of insurance, housing and other issues relating to the physical and social welfare of patients.

Work to deliver with other members of the practice and PCN Team, the objectives of the PCN DES.

Attend regular multi-disciplinary meetings organised by the Practice in order to discuss the health and social needs of particular patients.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person wishing to develop their clinical and management practice across different practices in the heart of the community, learning from each. The supervising teams have a wealth of experience in general practice which will undoubtedly provide the opportunity for the new appointee to develop their knowledge and shape the position within a dynamic PCN.

Other Information:

General

The duties of this post are a guide to the range of responsibilities that may be required. These may change from time to time to meet the needs of the service and/or the development needs of the post holder. This job description will be revised regularly to take account of changes within the PCN structure and PCN DES.

Other duties

The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties according to the needs of the service. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, but rather an outline of the main areas of responsibility. Any reasonable changes will be discussed and agreed with the post holder before any variations to the job description are made.

Travel to other sites

The post holder will be required to travel.

Medical Examinations

All appointments are conditional upon prior health clearance by the practice.

Failure to provide continuing satisfactory evidence will be regarded as a breach of contract.

Professional Registration

Staff undertaking work which requires professional/state registration are responsible for ensuring that they are so registered and that they comply with any Codes of Conduct applicable to that profession. Proof of registration must be produced on appointment and, if renewable, proof of renewal must also be produced.

Disclosure and Barring Service

Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. Further information is available from www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Equal Opportunities

North Shropshire PCN is an equal opportunities employer and you will be expected to comply with all relevant policies and procedures in this area together with all other policies and procedures as initiated by the practice.

Work Visa/ Permits/Leave To Remain

If you are a non-resident of the United Kingdom or European Economic Union, you are required to have a valid work visa and leave to remain in the UK, which is renewed as required. The Practice is unable to employ or continue to employ you if you require but do not have a valid work visa and/or leave to remain in the UK.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The PA will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients. They will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures. The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from GPs as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate. The PA will be expected on a typical day to carry out some home visits and consult with patients who present on the day and via booked appointments as well as support and manage appropriate patient care at Nursing and Care Homes. The PA will also review and act appropriately on blood results and referrals/correspondence regarding their patients.

Mentorship and supervision will be provided by designated senior medical personnel. The level and type of supervision will be dependent on the post holders acquisition of skills and knowledge and determined by the organisations clinical governance arrangements. The PA would be expected to attend and partake in PCN and practice meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

CLINICAL

Participate in all treatment and preventative healthcare as agreed by the supervising GP(s).

Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines.

Take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose, explain medical problems and formulate management plan during surgery consultations and home visits. In consultation with or referring to supervising doctor(s) as appropriate.

Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.

Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary as agreed with supervising doctor(s).

Perform specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures.

Instruct and educate patients in preventative health care.

Consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated.

All of the above for patients in Nursing and Care Homes as and when required.

Conduct telephone consultations which may involve discussing the result and implications of laboratory investigations with patients as well as dealing appropriately with routine and emergency complaints.

Fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required paperwork for legal and administrative purposes.

Contribute to the clinical development of patient care in the PCN by developing a special interest and to help establish appropriate systems to manage common chronic medical conditions, ensuring compliance with NSF guidelines.

Participate fully in the clinicians duty rota including the provision of home visits and Nursing/Care home when appropriate.

Communicate when necessary with colleagues in Primary Care and hospital specialists in order to discuss or refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities or exchange information in order to improve the quality of patient care.

Deal regularly with community hospitals, consultants and other health care providers, insurance companies and other community organisations to refer/consult on specific cases, participate in community service and education projects and activities and the like.

TRAINING / EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ensure continuing education, training and development is undertaken to meet clinical governance guidelines for Continuing Professional Development and a Personal Development Plan.

Keep up to date with relevant medical research, technology and evidence-based medical practice by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals etc.

Undertake 50 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every year. A minimum of 25 hours must be external. Maintain Royal College of Physicians CPD diary.

Take and pass the national re-certification exam every 6 years in accordance with the requirements of the PA Managed Voluntary Register and as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.

Perform a variety of research and analysis tasks associated with improvement of clinical care, medical diagnosis and treatment where appropriate using the following means:

o Audit of clinical practice.

o Review of relevant literature.

o Research unusual symptoms and treatment options, through consultation with physicians and other medical specialists.

Provide literature reviews and the like; review, analyse and determine the significance of a variety of diagnostic test results.

Assist in clinical instruction and supervision of medical and nursing students as well other learners that may periodically be attached to the practice, including the educational development and mentoring of Physician Associate students.

Attend regular multi-disciplinary meetings organised by the Practice/PCN in order to discuss and learn from recent significant events relating to clinical practice occurring within the Practice/PCN.

Attend regular educational meetings organised by the practice in order to update clinical knowledge, practice policy and guidelines and disseminate other useful information relevant to the provision of adequate healthcare for patients.

Regularly reflect on own practice (and keep a record of learning encounters) in order to identify learning needs and encourage self-directed lifelong learning and continued professional development.

ADMINISTRATION

Send and receive written information on behalf of the Practice regarding matters of insurance, housing and other issues relating to the physical and social welfare of patients.

Work to deliver with other members of the practice and PCN Team, the objectives of the PCN DES.

Attend regular multi-disciplinary meetings organised by the Practice in order to discuss the health and social needs of particular patients.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person wishing to develop their clinical and management practice across different practices in the heart of the community, learning from each. The supervising teams have a wealth of experience in general practice which will undoubtedly provide the opportunity for the new appointee to develop their knowledge and shape the position within a dynamic PCN.

Other Information:

General

The duties of this post are a guide to the range of responsibilities that may be required. These may change from time to time to meet the needs of the service and/or the development needs of the post holder. This job description will be revised regularly to take account of changes within the PCN structure and PCN DES.

Other duties

The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties according to the needs of the service. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, but rather an outline of the main areas of responsibility. Any reasonable changes will be discussed and agreed with the post holder before any variations to the job description are made.

Travel to other sites

The post holder will be required to travel.

Medical Examinations

All appointments are conditional upon prior health clearance by the practice.

Failure to provide continuing satisfactory evidence will be regarded as a breach of contract.

Professional Registration

Staff undertaking work which requires professional/state registration are responsible for ensuring that they are so registered and that they comply with any Codes of Conduct applicable to that profession. Proof of registration must be produced on appointment and, if renewable, proof of renewal must also be produced.

Disclosure and Barring Service

Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. Further information is available from www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Equal Opportunities

North Shropshire PCN is an equal opportunities employer and you will be expected to comply with all relevant policies and procedures in this area together with all other policies and procedures as initiated by the practice.

Work Visa/ Permits/Leave To Remain

If you are a non-resident of the United Kingdom or European Economic Union, you are required to have a valid work visa and leave to remain in the UK, which is renewed as required. The Practice is unable to employ or continue to employ you if you require but do not have a valid work visa and/or leave to remain in the UK.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • To hold a post graduate diploma or MSc in Physician Associate Studies
  • Degree at 2:2 or above
  • When qualified Must be a Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP, which includes registration on the PA MVR until such time that statutory regulation of PAs is achieved
  • Before taking up employment Current and valid certification or re-certification by the UK Physician Associate National Examination
  • Willingness to fulfil 50 hours of CPD per year (As per FPARCP guidance) and to maintain a CPD diary. Experienced Physician Associates to provide evidence of this

Desirable

  • Science nursing or other allied health care degree

General Skills

Essential

  • Able to work independently
  • Ability to manage conflict calmly, using tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy particularly when handling difficult calls and requests
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to form close working relationships with patients, nurses, GPs, community pharmacists, external healthcare professionals and non-clinical staff
  • Ability to manage time and workload, meeting deadlines as needed

Desirable

  • Knowledge of QoF and PCN IIF Toolkit
  • Familiarity with the audit cycle and data collection

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of range of common acute and chronic conditions, how to diagnose and manage them
  • Ability to take histories, examine patients, diagnose and formulate a management plan for both adults and children
  • Undertake, tests and investigations, interpret results and act on these appropriately
  • Able to explain results to patients and give healthcare advise
  • Computer literate
  • Clear and accurate documentation of clinical consultations.
  • Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
  • A desire to work in primary care long term.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of EMiS Web/SystmOne
  • Experience of working in primary care or other health care setting
  • An understanding of how to triage patients
  • Understanding of the issues facing primary care
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • To hold a post graduate diploma or MSc in Physician Associate Studies
  • Degree at 2:2 or above
  • When qualified Must be a Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP, which includes registration on the PA MVR until such time that statutory regulation of PAs is achieved
  • Before taking up employment Current and valid certification or re-certification by the UK Physician Associate National Examination
  • Willingness to fulfil 50 hours of CPD per year (As per FPARCP guidance) and to maintain a CPD diary. Experienced Physician Associates to provide evidence of this

Desirable

  • Science nursing or other allied health care degree

General Skills

Essential

  • Able to work independently
  • Ability to manage conflict calmly, using tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy particularly when handling difficult calls and requests
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to form close working relationships with patients, nurses, GPs, community pharmacists, external healthcare professionals and non-clinical staff
  • Ability to manage time and workload, meeting deadlines as needed

Desirable

  • Knowledge of QoF and PCN IIF Toolkit
  • Familiarity with the audit cycle and data collection

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of range of common acute and chronic conditions, how to diagnose and manage them
  • Ability to take histories, examine patients, diagnose and formulate a management plan for both adults and children
  • Undertake, tests and investigations, interpret results and act on these appropriately
  • Able to explain results to patients and give healthcare advise
  • Computer literate
  • Clear and accurate documentation of clinical consultations.
  • Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
  • A desire to work in primary care long term.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of EMiS Web/SystmOne
  • Experience of working in primary care or other health care setting
  • An understanding of how to triage patients
  • Understanding of the issues facing primary care

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre

Address

Middleton Road

Oswestry

Shropshire

SY11 2RB


Employer's website

https://www.pfmc.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre

Address

Middleton Road

Oswestry

Shropshire

SY11 2RB


Employer's website

https://www.pfmc.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Manager

Nick Storey

admin.pfmc@nhs.net

Date posted

20 September 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,890 to £44,503 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A1574-21-2987

Job locations

Middleton Road

Oswestry

Shropshire

SY11 2RB


Maer Lane

Market Drayton

Shropshire

TF9 3AL


Trimpley Street

Ellesmere

Shropshire

SY12 0DB


Trimpley Street

Ellesmere

Shropshire

SY12 0DB


Bridgewater Street

Whitchurch

Shropshire

SY13 1QH


New Street

Wem

Shrewsbury

SY4 5AF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)