Job summary This is a new role within our two site Practice working collaboratively with the clinical team and non-clinical staff providing patient care in the form of triage, face-to-face and telephone clinics and home visits. You will be responsible for assessing patients needs, treatment and making referrals as necessary. For more information about the role, please refer to the job description. Main duties of the job The Paramedic role at Grosvenor & St James Medical Practice, will be a registered Paramedic with post graduate qualifications, including the Independent and Supplementary Prescriber qualification and HCPC registration, acting within their professional boundaries. Working as part of the same day GP team to manage the on-the-day patient demand From initial history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of their care. They will demonstrate safe, clinical decision-making and expert care for patients within the service The Paramedic is expected to attend to patients within the defined list of conditions, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment to deliver quality patient services in conjunction with the daily duty doctor. The Paramedic will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs of patients, supporting the delivery as per policy and procedures. There is an expectation that training across the service is maintained to an expected level with use of appropriate equipment and facilities as directed by the post holder who is an autonomous allied healthcare professional. The post holder will use advanced clinical skills to provide education to service users, promoting self-care and empowering them to make informed choices about their treatment. The Paramedic will actively support integrated ways of working to support standardisation for efficiency purposes. About us Grosvenor & St James Medical Practice is a large and friendly two-site Practice based in central Tunbridge Wells, close to amenities and within walking distance from both Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms Rail Stations. We believe that a positive and inclusive work environment is key to personal and professional success and want all staff to feel valued. Regular events are held from fundraising to creative which help connect us as a community. Date posted 06 November 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number A4619-Para-ACP1124 Job locations 23 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2DX St. James Medical Centre 11 Carlton Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2HW Job description Job responsibilities CORE REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILTIES Assess, diagnose, plan, develop, implement, provide and evaluate treatment programmes for all patients including complex needs Manage and treat acute conditions, in line with national and local policies and practice needs Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health Proactive health promotion and well-being plus individual plans to support patients with/at risk of a long-term condition Effectively and safely triage patients with acute clinical problems over the telephone. To arrange further review as necessary either within the duty team, or with another team member. Prioritise health problems, intervening appropriately, to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care Work in areas such as care planning, diabetes management and complex wound care Prescribe and review medications as appropriate following policy, patient group directives and local pathways (Qualification dependent) Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC/relevant associated body Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures Prioritise, organise and manage own and others workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality Deliver care as an individual and team according to NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care, assessing effectiveness of care delivery through peer review, benchmarking and formal evaluation and leading on the maintenance of quality governance systems for the nursing team When necessary refer to facilitate further advanced assessment and guidance from the wider teams. Work closely with other care providers and agencies to ensure quality and safety. Refer all safeguarding concerns, using established safeguarding referral pathways. Accurately and professionally document all patient contacts, following all relevant organisational policy and procedure. This will include at least two different clinical systems. Know own limits in relation to scope of practice and recognise when a requirement exists to refer to or seek advice from other clinicians. Take responsibility for the safe storage and administration of drugs and equipment. Participate in setting and monitoring standards to ensure effective care and delivery of evidence based practice. Utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required Evaluate patients response to health care provision and the effectiveness of care Lead and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation and assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery Being aware of and acting in accordance with NHS Englands Patient Group Directives and the practice protocols Act as a clinical leader in the delivery of practice nursing services to patients, ensuring that the needs of the patient are the priority Work with the nursing team in the planning and implementation of local guidelines, protocols and standards, and of local projects or initiatives Learning and development Mentorship and supervision of junior colleagues and peers, including train the trainer courses to skill-up other members of the team and partner organisations. Be open to learning from other professionals including General Practice and Nursing to expand the scope of your own practice and holistic care. Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking, and formal evaluation Use a structured framework (e.g. Ardens) to manage, review and identify learning from patient feedback, clinical incidents and near-miss events Ensure that professional standards are maintained and within the guidance by the Department of Health, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Paramedics (COP) Communication and relationships Liaising with team members to challenge current process and where improvements to efficiencies can be made Liaise with the business manager on key areas of workflow within the EMIS system are maintained to safe proportions Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working. Where involved in delegation of tasks, delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence of those taking on delegated duties. Demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating. Utilise communication skills to support patients to adhere to prescribed treatment regimes. Risk Management You have a responsibility for the identification of all risk which have a potential adverse effect on the practice ability to maintain quality of care and the safety of patients, staff and visitors, and for the taking of positive action to eliminate or reduce these. Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines Support members of the nursing team to undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs is undertaken. Where appropriate, oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation of controlled drug usage according to legal requirements. Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines To raise concerns around risk, malpractice or wrongdoing at work, this may affect patients, staff or the organisation, at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Apply policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all. Systems You will update and maintain the following systems in relation to patient information: Emis Web Patient health system Emis X cloud based, currently used to instant messaging Docman Patient document system Anima - Patient triage system Doris Referrals This is software list is not exhaustive, other systems may be used of which you will receive relevant training. Further Information Infection control Staff will work to minimise any risk to clients, the public and other staff from Healthcare Associated Infection including MRSA and C difficle by ensuring they are compliant with the Health Act 2006 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (They Hygiene Code); and by ensuring they are familiar with the practice Infection Control Polices within the practice. All employees must comply with the Infection Control Policy and must attend infection control training as required within the practice and adhere to our mandatory training expectations. Confidentiality As an employee you have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information which comes into your possession regarding patients, employees or any other business relating to the practice. In accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protected disclosures are exempt from this express duty of confidentiality. Health & Safety As an employee you have a responsibility to abide by all of the safety practices and codes provided by the practice and have an equal responsibility with management for maintaining safe working practices for the health and safety of yourself and others. All employees must comply with the practice Health & Safety Policy. All employees must attend Health & Safety training as required within the Practice. Quality Assurance As an employee of Grosvenor & St James Medical Practice you are a member of a practice that endeavours to provide the highest quality of service to our patients. You are an ambassador of the practice and, as such, are required to ensure that high standards are maintained at all times. As an employee you have a responsibility for data quality. All employees are accountable for the quality of data they input into Trust systems and/or document in paper-based records, and must ensure that it is accurate, complete, valid and timely at all times. Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Equal Opportunities As an employee you have a responsibility to ensure that all people that you have contact with during the course of your employment, including patients, relatives and staff are treated equally in line with the practice Equal Opportunities Policy. You must: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Safeguarding This practice has a responsibility to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who use our services. The practice expects all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. The practice expects all staff to act accordingly in line with all safeguarding polices. Job description Job responsibilities CORE REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILTIES Assess, diagnose, plan, develop, implement, provide and evaluate treatment programmes for all patients including complex needs Manage and treat acute conditions, in line with national and local policies and practice needs Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health Proactive health promotion and well-being plus individual plans to support patients with/at risk of a long-term condition Effectively and safely triage patients with acute clinical problems over the telephone. To arrange further review as necessary either within the duty team, or with another team member. Prioritise health problems, intervening appropriately, to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care Work in areas such as care planning, diabetes management and complex wound care Prescribe and review medications as appropriate following policy, patient group directives and local pathways (Qualification dependent) Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC/relevant associated body Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures Prioritise, organise and manage own and others workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality Deliver care as an individual and team according to NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care, assessing effectiveness of care delivery through peer review, benchmarking and formal evaluation and leading on the maintenance of quality governance systems for the nursing team When necessary refer to facilitate further advanced assessment and guidance from the wider teams. Work closely with other care providers and agencies to ensure quality and safety. Refer all safeguarding concerns, using established safeguarding referral pathways. Accurately and professionally document all patient contacts, following all relevant organisational policy and procedure. This will include at least two different clinical systems. Know own limits in relation to scope of practice and recognise when a requirement exists to refer to or seek advice from other clinicians. Take responsibility for the safe storage and administration of drugs and equipment. Participate in setting and monitoring standards to ensure effective care and delivery of evidence based practice. Utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required Evaluate patients response to health care provision and the effectiveness of care Lead and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation and assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery Being aware of and acting in accordance with NHS Englands Patient Group Directives and the practice protocols Act as a clinical leader in the delivery of practice nursing services to patients, ensuring that the needs of the patient are the priority Work with the nursing team in the planning and implementation of local guidelines, protocols and standards, and of local projects or initiatives Learning and development Mentorship and supervision of junior colleagues and peers, including train the trainer courses to skill-up other members of the team and partner organisations. Be open to learning from other professionals including General Practice and Nursing to expand the scope of your own practice and holistic care. Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking, and formal evaluation Use a structured framework (e.g. Ardens) to manage, review and identify learning from patient feedback, clinical incidents and near-miss events Ensure that professional standards are maintained and within the guidance by the Department of Health, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Paramedics (COP) Communication and relationships Liaising with team members to challenge current process and where improvements to efficiencies can be made Liaise with the business manager on key areas of workflow within the EMIS system are maintained to safe proportions Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working. Where involved in delegation of tasks, delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence of those taking on delegated duties. Demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating. Utilise communication skills to support patients to adhere to prescribed treatment regimes. Risk Management You have a responsibility for the identification of all risk which have a potential adverse effect on the practice ability to maintain quality of care and the safety of patients, staff and visitors, and for the taking of positive action to eliminate or reduce these. Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines Support members of the nursing team to undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs is undertaken. Where appropriate, oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation of controlled drug usage according to legal requirements. Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines To raise concerns around risk, malpractice or wrongdoing at work, this may affect patients, staff or the organisation, at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Apply policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all. Systems You will update and maintain the following systems in relation to patient information: Emis Web Patient health system Emis X cloud based, currently used to instant messaging Docman Patient document system Anima - Patient triage system Doris Referrals This is software list is not exhaustive, other systems may be used of which you will receive relevant training. Further Information Infection control Staff will work to minimise any risk to clients, the public and other staff from Healthcare Associated Infection including MRSA and C difficle by ensuring they are compliant with the Health Act 2006 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (They Hygiene Code); and by ensuring they are familiar with the practice Infection Control Polices within the practice. All employees must comply with the Infection Control Policy and must attend infection control training as required within the practice and adhere to our mandatory training expectations. Confidentiality As an employee you have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information which comes into your possession regarding patients, employees or any other business relating to the practice. In accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protected disclosures are exempt from this express duty of confidentiality. Health & Safety As an employee you have a responsibility to abide by all of the safety practices and codes provided by the practice and have an equal responsibility with management for maintaining safe working practices for the health and safety of yourself and others. All employees must comply with the practice Health & Safety Policy. All employees must attend Health & Safety training as required within the Practice. Quality Assurance As an employee of Grosvenor & St James Medical Practice you are a member of a practice that endeavours to provide the highest quality of service to our patients. You are an ambassador of the practice and, as such, are required to ensure that high standards are maintained at all times. As an employee you have a responsibility for data quality. All employees are accountable for the quality of data they input into Trust systems and/or document in paper-based records, and must ensure that it is accurate, complete, valid and timely at all times. Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Equal Opportunities As an employee you have a responsibility to ensure that all people that you have contact with during the course of your employment, including patients, relatives and staff are treated equally in line with the practice Equal Opportunities Policy. You must: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Safeguarding This practice has a responsibility to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who use our services. The practice expects all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. The practice expects all staff to act accordingly in line with all safeguarding polices. Person Specification Communication skills Essential Strong listening, communication, presentation and social skills and a willingness to contribute to improving systems and procedures Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and make suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Skills for communication of complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively at a range of levels including Board members, patients and colleagues. Qualifications Essential Recognised qualification in Paramedic Science (Foundation Degree or Undergraduate Degree) Minimum 3 years post qualification experience Professional registration HCPC Desirable Masters degree or equivalent in Advanced Practice Prescribing course completed Analytical Essential Being organised and methodical in process review and implementation Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise. Skills for supporting project management and planning workload Experience Essential Experience of telephone triage and face to face appointments Primary care consultations History Taking experience Physical assessment training Desirable Experience of working in Primary Care/triage Experience managing long-term conditions i.e. asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHD Experience of working in a clinical Team (providing on the day care) Work within policies regarding family violence, vulnerable children and adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour, and refer as appropriate Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice Experience of TEPs/EOLC Experience in following, reporting on and reviewing Patient Group Directions (PGDs) Management and autonomy Essential Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Physical skills Essential Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software Car driver Desirable Experience using the main Microsoft office packages with particular focus around MS Outlook and Calendar management. Person Specification Communication skills Essential Strong listening, communication, presentation and social skills and a willingness to contribute to improving systems and procedures Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and make suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Skills for communication of complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively at a range of levels including Board members, patients and colleagues. Qualifications Essential Recognised qualification in Paramedic Science (Foundation Degree or Undergraduate Degree) Minimum 3 years post qualification experience Professional registration HCPC Desirable Masters degree or equivalent in Advanced Practice Prescribing course completed Analytical Essential Being organised and methodical in process review and implementation Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise. Skills for supporting project management and planning workload Experience Essential Experience of telephone triage and face to face appointments Primary care consultations History Taking experience Physical assessment training Desirable Experience of working in Primary Care/triage Experience managing long-term conditions i.e. asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHD Experience of working in a clinical Team (providing on the day care) Work within policies regarding family violence, vulnerable children and adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour, and refer as appropriate Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice Experience of TEPs/EOLC Experience in following, reporting on and reviewing Patient Group Directions (PGDs) Management and autonomy Essential Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Physical skills Essential Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software Car driver Desirable Experience using the main Microsoft office packages with particular focus around MS Outlook and Calendar management. 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). 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. 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 Grosvenor & St James Medical Practice Address 23 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2DX Employer's website https://gsjmedicalpractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)