Job summary
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 of the job
1. Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients, in line with internal appointment allocation process
2. Preparing patients prior to going seeing the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the patient's appointment with the GP
3. 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;
4. Explaining treatment procedures to patients in line with NHS guidance
5. Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies getting an on-call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s);
6. Sorting clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff such as Clinical Pharmacist etc
7. Extracting information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes, supporting with QOF reviews
About us
Ash Trees Surgery is a 26,000-patient general practice on the Lancashire, Cumbria border.
Ash Trees Surgery is made up of 6 branches Carnforth, Bolton le Sands, Halton, Silverdale, Arnside and Stoneleigh.
Job description
Job responsibilities
8. Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients, in line with internal appointment allocation process
9. Preparing patients prior to going seeing the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the patient's appointment with the GP
10. 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;
11. Explaining treatment procedures to patients in line with NHS guidance
12. Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies getting an on-call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s);
13. Sorting clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff such as Clinical Pharmacist etc
14. Extracting information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes, supporting with QOF reviews
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:
15. Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
16. Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
17. 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:
18. Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines
19. Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
20. Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
21. Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
22. Reporting potential risks identified
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:
23. Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development
24. Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
25. Attend all relevant annual updates
26. Inform the GP lead of any concerns regarding GPA role and any professional development needed
27. Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them
28. 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:
29. Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
30. Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
31. Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance
32. Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs
33. 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:
34. Communicate effectively with other team members
35. Communicate effectively with patients and carers
36. Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
37. Contribution to the implementation of services
38. This Job Description 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.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
39. A high level of competence in good patient care and working with the public
40. Experience in documenting medical details
41. Experience of referring to senior colleagues where appropriate
Desirable
42. Experience of applying theoretical learning to practical situations
43. Experience of managing health records
44. Experience of common examination procedures
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
45. 12 months minimum experience within GP practice or Primary Care setting
46. Strong administration and organisational skills
47. Good communication skills
48. A good understanding of data protection, GDPR and patient confidentiality
Other requirements
Essential
49. Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
Personal Qualities
Essential
50. A strong interest in health and social care
51. Committed learner
52. Ability to work independently