JOB DESCRIPTION The post-holder will provide general medical services and deal with a wide range of health needs in a primary care setting, ensuring the highest standards of care for all registered and temporary patients Clinical Responsibilities In accordance with the practice timetable, as agreed, the post-holder will make themselves available to undertake a variety of duties including surgery consultations, telephone consultations and queries, visiting patients at home, checking and signing repeat prescriptions, and dealing with online requests, queries, paperwork and correspondence in a timely fashion. Making professional, autonomous decisions in relation to presenting problems, whether self-referred or referred from other health care workers within the organisation. Assessing the health care needs of patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed problems. Screening patients for disease risk factors and early signs of illness, helping the practice maximise its QOF points and deliver enhanced services in line with the service level agreements. Ensuring that health data and full consultation records are entered on to the practice computer system accurately and contemporaneously. Using the computerised templates as an accurate means of recording health data in relation to individual patients. In consultation with patients and in line with current practice disease management guidelines, developing care plans for health. Support the work of the practice in any new initiatives introduced by the current CCG or its successors. Compiling and issuing computer generated acute and repeat prescriptions (avoiding hand-written prescriptions whenever possible). Prescribing in accordance with the practice policy of shared prescribing and generic prescribing. In general the post-holder will be expected to undertake all the normal duties and responsibilities associated with a GP working within primary care. Other Responsibilities within the Organisation Awareness of, and compliance with, all relevant practice policies and guidelines, e.g., prescribing, confidentiality, data protection, health and safety. A commitment to life-long learning and audit to ensure evidence-based best practice. Contributing to evaluation/audit and clinical standard setting within the organisation. Contributing to the development of computer-based patient records. Attending training and events organised by the practice or other agencies, where appropriate. Contributing to the success of the practice in achieving its targets within the GMS contract (QOF, Enhanced Services, etc.). 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. Health and Safety The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health and safety and security as defined in the practice Health and 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. 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 peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and polices, 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-judgemental and respects their circumstances, feelings, priorities and rights. Personal/Professional Development In addition to maintaining continued education through attendance at any courses and/or study days necessary to ensure that professional development requirements for appraisal and accreditation are met, 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 as summarised in a Personal Development Plan and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Taking personal responsibility for identification of courses to ensure that objectives in PDP are met and statutory requirements around training are met. Attendance at clinical meetings and practice away days alongside other members of the clinical and administration team. 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 significant event analysis as appropriate within the practice team 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 Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Address complaints in accordance with the practice complaints procedure Communication The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Attend meetings of the Primary Health Care team, management meetings as appropriate and any additional meetings that are deemed necessary by the partners. Contribution to the Implementation of Services The post-holder will: Apply practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work Participate in audit where appropriate