Job summary
Havering Liberty Primary Care Network is lookingto appoint a General Practice Assistant or GPA Trainee to join Havering Libertya newly established Primary Care Network.
The postholder will be trained to support the streamlining of clinics by performing the more routineadministration and clinical tasks to provide the GP with greater capacity to focuson the patient. The role of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within HaveringLiberty PCN will be developed in practice with the support of a GP Mentor andthe local Training Hub Provider to complete an accredited trainingprogramme. If the post holder is alreadyan accredited GPA this will be discussed and clarified as part of theapplication and interview process.
External candidates only
Main duties of the job
The role of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within Havering Liberty PCN will be developed in practice with the support of a GP Mentor and the local Training Hub Provider to complete an accredited training the post holder is already an accredited GPA this will be discussed and clarified as part of the application and interview process.
About us
Havering Liberty Primary Care Network
We are a collaborative healthcarenetwork of five General Practices serving the population of Upminster andHornchurch with an extended multi-disciplinary team seeking to provideaccessible, patient-centred, and high-quality primary care services thatpromotes the health and well-being of our community and our workforce.
Havering Liberty PCN is led by our ClinicalDirector and PCN Manager who work together with the GP leads from eachpractice. The PCN also works closelywith and is supported by its GP Federation, Havering Health Ltd, who are theemploying body for the workforce of the network. The GP Federation supports the provision ofinnovative, high-quality and responsible health care services for Haveringsresidents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full Job Description is attached for further information. JOBSUMMARY
The post holder will be trained to support thestreamlining of clinics by performing the more routine administration andclinical tasks to provide the GP with greater capacity to focus on the patient. The roleof the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within Havering Liberty PCN will bedeveloped in practice with the support of a GP Mentor and the local TrainingHub Provider to complete an accredited training programme. If the post holder is already an accreditedGPA this will be discussed and clarified, as well as establishing primary careexperience during the interview process.
Training and support
The GPA role offers significantopportunities for learning and professional development. This role will be developed depending on theneeds of each individual practice and all training will be carried out in post. Each GPA will have a GP mentor from withinthe practice they are assigned; if not yet an accredited GP the post holderwill also embark on a 6 to 9 month self-directed learning programme. Protected learning time of a day forself-learning and day for mentor supervision will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
Dependingon your practices needs, a GP Assistant can be trained to help with:
Sorting all clinical post and prioritising. Sign posting some postto other healthcare professionals, such as Clinical Pharmacists
Extracting all information from clinical letters that needs codingand adding notes
Dealing with all routine clinical post directly DNA letters,2WW etc.
Arranging appointments, referrals and follow up appointments ofpatients
Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a briefhistory and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
Dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs & phlebotomy
Completing basic (non-opinion) forms for the GP to approve andsign such as insurance forms, mortgage forms ESA113 etc
Explaining treatment procedures to patients including arrangingfollow up appointments
Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies getting an oncall doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP cancontinue with their consultation(s)
Support the GP with immunisations/wound care
Support and carryout any tasks set by the PCN Clinical Director,PCN Manager and the wider PCN multi-disciplinary team with regard to meetingthe requirements as set out by the Network Contract DES
Person Specification
Special skills & aptitudes
Essential
1. Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
2. The ability to complete forms such as those for clinical investigations, referral templates, benefits and insurance
3. Strong organisational skills including planning, prioritising, time management, report writing and record keeping
4. Understanding of the requirements for handling information in health and social care settings
5. Ability to recognise and work within limits of competence and seek advice when needed
6. Ability to build and maintain long- term-working relationships with colleagues
7. A professional and compassionate attitude to patient care, providing support while maintaining professional boundaries
8. Ability to remain diplomatic when dealing with sensitive matters or having challenging discussions with patients or carers
9. Willingness to take a pro-active and flexible approach to the role as it develops over time
Desirable
10. Understanding of clinical policies and procedures, the preparation of medical equipment and environments and infection control
11. Phlebotomy -Experience of understanding, preparing, obtaining and transporting venous blood samples
Experience
Essential
12. Experience of working in health, social care or other support roles in direct contact with people, families or carers (in a paid or voluntary capacity)
13. Experience of working within multi- professional team environments
Desirable
14. Experience of using the EMIS clinical system
Qualifications
Essential
15. Grade A-C GCSE English and Maths or equivalent qualifications.
16. Strong verbal communication skills
17. Strong written communication and administrative skills
18. Excellent computer skills including email, word and excel
19. Has enrolled in, undertaking or willing to enrol on the 6-9 month self-directed learning
20. To have a DBS enhanced level checked carried out by the employer or have an existing DBS