There is wide recognition that people's health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors. The NHS has published a bold new vision for Social Prescribing, a relatively new function within Primary Care that seeks to address people's needs in a non-medicalised way, focusing on What Matters to Me to agree personalised care plans, and then support individuals to take greater control of their health, by connecting them to diverse community groups and statutory services for both practical and emotional support.
Primary Care Networks were established in 2019 as part of NHS England's long-term plan to enable services to work collaboratively to meet the needs of patients. As Primary Care Networks are becoming the vehicle of change for most primary care services, the NHS recognised the need to evolve other services and integrate Primary Care Networks into a newly formed Integrated Care System. Integrated care systems are geographically based partnerships that bring together providers and commissioners of NHS services with local authorities and other local partners to plan, co-ordinate and commission health and care.
Main duties of the job
1. Perform urinalysis for member practice patients on behalf of the surgeries
2. Perform phlebotomy as needed
3. Request blood tests for patients who need monitoring
4. Look into and chase up referrals from the Enhanced Access Contract
5. Work as a wider MDT to deliver more holistic care to patients with complex needs
6. Work on PCN projects and LES's as instructed by NHSE and the ICB
About us
Southend East PCN is located at Norton Place in Shoebury, along Ness Road. We have our own PCN building which is extremely active and is in use by our 5 member practices in the local area. We cover approx 37,000 patients and offer a range of appointments from our wide range of staff, fully utilising the ARRS budget. Our team consists of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, social prescribers, health trainers, paramedics, physiotherapists and assistant practitioners. We have 2 clinical directors who are partners in two local surgeries, and an operations manager to provide support wherever needed. We have a strong digital presence and have employed a Digital Transformational Lead, to help our PCN network with other businesses and mature over time.
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
A GPA will support the GP(s) smooth running of clinics by performing the more routine administrative and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP freeing up their time to focus on the patient.
DUTIES:
1. Sorting all clinical post and prioritising for the GP in terms of actions. Signposting some post to others, such as clinical pharmacists etc.
2. Extracting all information from clinical letters that needs coding and adding to notes
3. Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow-up appointments for patients
4. Preparing patients before seeing the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
5. 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.
6. Explaining treatment procedures to patients
7. Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies, e.g. getting an on-call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s)
8. Support the GP with immunisations/wound care
CONFIDENTIALITY:
While seeking treatment, patients entrust us with or allow us to gather sensitive information about 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 performing the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may access confidential information relating to patients, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also access data 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 following 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, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
1. Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines
2. Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
3. Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
4. Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY:
Acting in a way that recognises 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
PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
The post holder must hold, or be working towards, a GP Assistant Certificate qualification
Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal 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 lead GP of any concerns regarding the GPA role and any professional development needed
Be aware of your professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them
QUALITY:
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice and will:
1. Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
2. Work to practice protocols
3. Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
4. Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and group activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team's performance
5. Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients' needs
6. Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
COMMUNICATION:
The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:
1. Communicate effectively with other team members
2. Be familiar in all mediums of communication such as email, tasks, telephone etc.
3. Communicate effectively with patients and carers
4. Recognise people's needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
5. Communicate effectively to outside agencies
6. Communicate clearly with their lead GP
CONTRIBUTION TO SERVICE DELIVERY:
The post-holder will:
1. Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance
2. Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect your work
3. Participate in audits where appropriate
Person Specification
Experience
* Competent with clinical observations/investigations as directed
* Perform Blood Pressure Checks, ECGs and dipstick urine
* Experience in phlebotomy
* Arranging appointments, referrals and follow ups with patients
Qualifications
* Completed the Trainee GPA HEE's accreditation programme framework
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.
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