General Practice Assistant (GPA)

• As a General Practice Assistant, and valued member of our team, you will support the GP(s) with the smooth running of clinics by performing routine administrations and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP. This will be a combination of clinical duties, working with our administration team and outside agencies who are involved with your patients. In addition, this role will support the development of our practice research portfolio.

• The main responsibilities of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) role are:
• Contributing to Research by admin and clinical, following appropriate GPC training.
• Supporting and managing the practices Womans Health agenda alongside the dedicated named practice team
• Extracting information from clinical letters that needs coding and adding to notes.
• Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients.
• Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
• Dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs, phlebotomy and supporting Long Term health checks.
• 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. GPA Competency Framework 2
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies e.g., ensuring language line or third parties are available and, on the phone, to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s)
• Support the GP with immunisations and wound care.
• This list is not exhaustive and can be subject to change.

• Maintain effective communication with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Build positive working relationships across all departments within the practice.
• Liaise effectively with GPs, nurses, administrative teams and external organisations.
• Demonstrate empathy, patience and understanding when dealing with vulnerable patients.
• Adapt communication styles to meet the needs of individuals, including those with communication difficulties or language barriers.
• Contribute positively to team meetings and practice initiatives.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion and teamwork.

• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with GDPR, Data Protection legislation and practice policies.
• Handle patient information securely and appropriately.
• Ensure information is only shared with authorised individuals in accordance with established procedures.

• Contribute to maintaining high standards of patient care and service delivery.
• Identify areas for improvement and suggest solutions.
• Participate in quality improvement projects where appropriate.
• Support the practice in achieving contractual, clinical and quality targets.
• Work collaboratively to improve patient experience and access to services.
• Take responsibility for personal performance and professional development.

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Use personal security systems where appropriate.
• Report hazards, incidents and risks promptly.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Participate in mandatory training and updates.

• Treat all patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect.
• Support an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Recognise and respect individual needs, beliefs and circumstances.
• Deliver services in a non-judgemental and compassionate manner.

• Hold a GP Assistant Certificate qualification.
• Participate in mandatory and role-specific training.
• Engage in annual appraisals and personal development reviews.
• Take responsibility for maintaining and developing their own knowledge and skills.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Support students, trainees and new team members where appropriate.
• Attend all relevant annual updates.
• Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding GPA role and any professional development needed.
• Be aware of own professional boundaries and what to do when you have reached them.

• A supportive, friendly and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for learning, development and career progression.
• The chance to work within an innovative and expanding practice.
• Exposure to a broad range of healthcare services and patient groups.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients' lives every day.
• A positive workplace culture where staff wellbeing, teamwork and mutual respect are highly valued.

• Passionate about delivering excellent customer service.
• Compassionate and committed to patient-centred care.
• Organised, reliable and able to prioritise workload effectively.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working in a busy and sometimes demanding environment.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• IT literate and willing to learn new systems and processes.
• Professional, flexible and adaptable.
• Empathetic when supporting patients who may be anxious or vulnerable.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and high professional standards.

• Friendly, supportive and experienced team.
• Innovative and forward-thinking practice committed to service development.
• Opportunity to make a real difference to patients' lives every day.
• Commitment to staff training, development and career progression.
• Work within a respected teaching practice helping to shape future healthcare professionals.
• A positive workplace culture where staff wellbeing, respect and teamwork are genuinely valued.

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a primary care environment
• High degree of self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative
• Understand the importance of evidence-based practice
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations as well as ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations

Essential

• Good standard of general education, including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• GP Assistant Certificate qualification -Care Certificate -IGCSE Science pass
• Knowledge of SystmOne clinical system.
• Experience of working in a primary care environment