General Practice Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibility and Duties

The following are the core responsibilities of the General Practice Assistant.

• There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels.
• Sorting all clinical post and prioritising for the GP(s) regarding actions required
• Signposting some received correspondence to others, e.g., clinical pharmacist, practice nurse
• Extracting all the required information from clinical letters, applying medical codes as required and adding these to patient notes
• Support practice patients by arranging appointments, onward referrals, clinical tests and follow up appointments.
• Preparing patients, prior to seeing the GP(s), by taking a brief history and basic observations.
• Conducting urinalysis, taking blood pressure
• Performing ECGs
• Performing phlebotomy
• Completing basic (non-opinion) forms in addition to some elements of forms for the GP(s) to approve such as insurance forms, mortgage applications, Department for Works and Pensions benefits forms and other as appropriate
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Supporting GP(s) in liaising with external agencies such as helping to arrange patient admission while the GP(s) continue with the consultation.
• Supporting the GP(s) with wound care and immunisations
• Attending a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed
• Contributing to public health campaigns (e.g., flu clinics) through advice or direct care
• Maintaining a clean, tidy and effective working area at all time

In addition to the primary responsibilities, General Practice Assistant may be requested to:

• Demonstrate the ownership of responsibility for personal development, learning and performance
• Demonstrate performance of skills and activities to others undertaking similar work
• Attend relevant annual updates and shared practice learning
• Complete all required mandated training

Undertake any tasks consistent with the level of the post and the scope of the role, ensuring that work is delivered in a timely and effective manner

Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility

This is not an exhaustive list. The successful candidate may be required to undertake additional or alternative duties which are commensurate with the level of skill and responsibility of the role.

Person Specification

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• ECGs
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes

Desirable

• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure

Desirable

• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• EMIS/SystmOne/Vision user skills

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• Problem-solver with the ability to process information effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilise resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

Qualifications

Desirable

• Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level
• Phlebotomy certification
• Vaccination certification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• Experience of working in a primary care environment

Other Requirements

Essential

• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health clearance

Desirable

• Flexibility to work outside core office hours

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

Elmwood Family Doctors

Address

Huddersfield Road

Holmfirth

Huddersfield

West Yorkshire

HD9 3TR

Employer's website

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