Job Description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for Carnforth and Milnthorpe PCN to recruit General Practice Assistance, based at Ash Trees Surgery, in line with our business development plans.

GPAs will support our GPs with the smooth running of clinics by performing routine administration and other tasks on behalf of our GPs, freeing up their time to focus on the patient.

This post requires excellent IT skills - Microsoft Office Programmes and EMIS experience desirable, and an ability to work to strict deadlines whilst prioritising routine and non-routine duties.

The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required for the role. The post holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required to fulfil the objectives of the surgery.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide a warm, welcoming and supportive first point of contact for our patients

Assist our patients with navigating the NHS healthcare systems, including signposting to appropriate services

Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients, in line with internal appointment allocation process

Preparing patients prior to going seeing the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the patients appointment with the GP

Assist with health promotion and lifestyle advice within agreed protocols

Completing 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;

Explaining treatment procedures to patients in line with NHS guidance

Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies e.g. asking the duty doctor on the phone for advice or arrange admission, to allow the GP to continue with their consultation(s)

-Administrative support to the clinical visiting team

Sorting clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff such as Clinical Pharmacist etc

Extracting information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes, supporting with QOF reviews

This is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the postholder.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.

In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.

Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of people's rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Health & Safety:

Staff members are expected to assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others' health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified
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Personal/Professional Development:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Attend all relevant annual updates

Inform the GP lead of any concerns regarding GPA role and any professional development needed

Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them

Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework

Quality:

The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will:

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team's performance

Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients' needs

Effectively manage own time, workload and resources

Communication:

The post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members

Communicate effectively with patients and carers

Recognize people's needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Contribution to the implementation of services

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills and Knowledge:

Essential:

12 months minimum experience within GP practice or Primary Care setting

Strong administration and organisational skills

Good communication skills

A good understanding of data protection, GDPR and patient confidentiality

Experience:

Essential:

A high level of competence in good patient care and working with the public

Experience in documenting medical details

Experience of referring to senior colleagues where appropriate

Desirable:

Experience of applying theoretical learning to practical situations

Experience of managing health records

Experience of common examination procedures

Personal Qualities:

Essential:

A strong interest in health and social care

Committed learner

Ability to work independently

Other Requirements:

Essential:

Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.54 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person