PCN Physician Associate, West Waverley

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

Support patients

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

Provide direct clinical care to patients using up to date clinical guidelines. Consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as deemed appropriate.

Consult with patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose and explain medical problems during surgery consultations and home visits. Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. Establish a working diagnosis and management plan in partnership with the patient (and their carers where applicable).

Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary. Perform specialised diagnostic physical examinations and treatment procedures.

Educate patients in preventative health care to enable them to make informed decisions about their health.

Support the management of patients conditions through offering specialised clinics following appropriate training including (but not limited to) family planning, baby checks, COPD, asthma, diabetes, and anticoagulation.

Conduct telephone consultations which may include discussing results and implications of laboratory investigations.

Fully document all aspects of patient care on patients SystmOne/EMIS record and complete any relevant paperwork.

Support PCN development

Develop integrated patient-centred care through appropriate wording with the wider primary care multi-disciplinary team and social care networks. Support Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as required.

Utilise clinical guidelines and promote evidence-based practice and partake in clinical audits, significant event reviews and other research and analysis tasks.

Participate in duty rotas; undertaking face-to-face, telephone, and online consultations for emergency or routine problems as determined by the PCN, including management of patients with long-term conditions. Support home visits as necessary.

Contribute to the clinical development of the Practice by developing a specialist clinical interest and to help establish appropriate systems to manage common chronic medical conditions, ensuring compliance with NHS guidelines.

Professional development

Work under the clinical supervision of a named GP

Maintain professional registration and participate in continuing professional development opportunities by keeping up to date with evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of their role, meeting clinical governance guidelines.

Undertake 50 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year. A minimum of 25 hours must be in accredited direct learning programmes. Develop and agree a personal development plan (PDP) utilising a reflective approach to practice, operating under appropriate clinical supervision.

Reflect on own practice (and keep a record of learning encounters) in order to identify learning needs and encourage self-directed lifelong learning and CPD. We are keen to support newly qualified PAs who are interested in undertaking the Kent Surrey and Sussex School of Physician Associates preceptorship programme, subject to consultation with the practices and their support.

Attend and contribute to practice, PCN and other education and development opportunities.

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.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• Knowledge of how the NHS works, including primary care and PCNs.
• Knowledge of local and national health policy, and of public health issues, both nationally and locally.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of, and ability to work to policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, and health and safety
• Understanding of the needs of older people / adults with disabilities / long term conditions particularly in relation to promoting their independence

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Advanced clinical practice skills and clinical examination skills.
• Ability to actively listen, empathise with people and provide personalised support in a non-judgemental way
• Ability to provide a culturally sensitive service supporting people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity
• Ability to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders
• Ability to identify risk and assess / manage risk when working with individuals
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to promote collaborative practice with all colleagues
• High level of written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Experience of using primary care records, including EMIS

Attributes

Essential

• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure
• Organised, plan and prioritise on own initiative, including when under pressure and meeting deadlines
• Personable and approachable, caring and sympathetic
• Self-confident and able to work with minimum direction
• Adaptable and innovative
• Enthusiasm, energy and drive
• Trustworthy, discrete, honest and reliable
• Determined and willing to persevere

Other

Essential

• Meets DBS reference standards
• Willingness to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands
• Able to work across several sites

Desirable

• Holds a full, current UK driving licence

Qualifications

Essential

• Completed a post-graduate physician associate course (either PG Diploma or MSc).
• Has maintained professional registration with the Faculty of Physician Associates and/or the General Medical council following implementation of statutory regulation, working within the latest code of professional conduct (CIPD)
• Has passed the UK Physician Associate (PA) National Re-Certification Exam if applicable, which needs to be retaken every six years
• Has kept up to date with evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of their role, meeting clinical governance guidelines

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in primary care.
• Experience of liaising effectively with hospitals and other agencies

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).