Medical Secretary / GPA - A31 Primary Care Network

Job post summary

Pay: From £12\.90 per hour

Job Description:

Job summary

General Practice Assistants (GPAs) support the smooth running of clinics by performing more routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP, freeing up their time to focus on the patient.

The ideal candidate will take a proactive approach to their role, have a proven track record in administrative and public\-facing services and have a passion for Primary Care.

The remit of this role is broad and requires an adaptive approach as well as attention to detail in delivering high\-quality services.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role

GPAs are expected to deliver a combination of the following requirements based on their level of skills and experience.

• Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.


• Receive, assist and signpost patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.


• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of clinical administrative functions, including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.


• Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies.

• Arrange appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments for patients.


• Complete simple clinical observations /investigations as directed locally, such as dipstick urine, taking blood pressure, ECG, phlebotomy.


• Support the GP with immunisations/wound care.


• Prepare patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.


• Complete 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.


• Explain treatment procedures to patients.


• Assist the GP to liaise with outside agencies, enabling the GP to continue with their consultation(s).

• Sort clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff.


• Extract information from clinical letters that needs coding, adding this to patient notes.


• Assist with management of patient recalls supporting QOF/IIF reviews and immunisation/screening programmes.


• Process onward referrals for secondary care.

Training may be provided in\-practice, with on\-job training and development led by GPs, in line with the role outline and national competency framework. Trainee GPAs may also complete Health Education England’s accredited programme, aligned to the competency framework, equipping them with formal certification of their learning. These staff are supported by a structured development programme (managed by HEE) and gain formal certification after around nine months.

GPAs should also:

a. Participate in an annual individual performance review.

b. Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework.

c. Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding their role and request professional development as needed.

d. Be aware of their own professional boundaries and what to do when they are reached.

Health Education England GPA Competency Framework:

https://www.e\-lfh.org.uk/wp\-content/uploads/2022/09/Comp\-framework\-branded.pdf

Generic responsibilities

All staff in the A31 Group of Practices have a duty to conform to the following:

Equality, diversity and inclusion

A good attitude and positive action towards ED\&I create an environment where all individuals are able to achieve their full potential. Creating such an environment is important for three reasons: it improves operational effectiveness; it is morally the right thing to do and it is required by law.

Patients and their families have the right to be treated fairly and to be routinely involved in decisions about their treatment and care. They can expect to be treated with dignity and respect and will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Patients have a responsibility to treat other patients and our staff with dignity and respect.

Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. Staff can expect to work in an environment where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted. Staff will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that patients and colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.

Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF)

A31PCN is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, well\-being and safety. You have a duty to take reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others and to cooperate with employers to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. All personnel are to comply with current legislation.

Confidentiality

A31 PCN is committed to maintaining an outstanding confidential service. Patients entrust and permit us to collect and retain sensitive information relating to their health and other matters pertaining to their care. They do so in confidence and have a right to expect that all staff will respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality at all times. It is essential that, if the legal requirements are to be met and the trust of our patients is to be retained, all staff protect patient information and provide a confidential service.

Quality and Continuous Improvement (CI)

To preserve and improve the quality of our output, all personnel are required to think not only of what they do, but how they achieve it. By continually re\-examining our processes, we will be able to develop and improve the overall effectiveness of the way we work. The responsibility for this rests with everyone working within the practice to look for opportunities to improve quality and share good practice.

A31 PCN continually strives to improve work processes which deliver health care with improved results across all areas of our service provision. We promote a culture of continuous improvement where everyone counts and staff are permitted to make suggestions and contributions to improve our service delivery and enhance patient care.

Safeguarding

To be aware of safeguarding polices to protect vulnerable patients and undertake regular safeguarding training to a level deemed appropriate for the role. To be involved in safeguarding meetings as appropriate.

Learning and development

The effective use of training and development is fundamental to ensuring that all staff are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge, attitude and competences to perform their role. All staff will be required to partake and complete mandatory training as directed by the training coordinator as well as participating in relevant training programmes.

Staff will also be permitted (subject to approval) to undertake external training courses which will enhance their knowledge and skills, progress their career and, ultimately, enable them to improve processes and service delivery.

Collaborative working

All staff are to recognise the significance of collaborative working. Teamwork is essential in multidisciplinary environments. Effective communication is essential and all staff must ensure they communicate in a manner which enables the sharing of information in an appropriate manner.

Service delivery

A31 PCN staff must adhere to the information contained within A31 PCN and member practices policies and regional directives, ensuring protocols are adhered to at all times. Staff will be given detailed information during the induction process regarding policies and procedures.

Security

Security is the responsibility of all personnel. Staff must ensure they remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity immediately to their line manager.

Professional conduct

Staff are required to behave in a professional manner at all times and to dress appropriately for their role. Uniform will be provided where indicated.

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.

Person Specification

Person Specification – General Practice Assistant

Qualifications (Essential in *italics)*

*Educated to GCSE level or equivalent*

GCSE Mathematics \& English (C or above)

Evidence of continual professional development

NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care

Health Education England GPA accreditation programme

Experience

*Experience of working in a front\-facing role with the general public*

Experience of administrative / receptionist duties

Experience of working in a health care setting

Skills

*Ability to work collaboratively, liaising with other stakeholders as needed for the collective benefit of patients including GPs, Practice Nurses, healthcare professionals and other practice staff*

*Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families and carers*

*Ability to recognise and work within limits of competence and seek advice whe

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