Job summary
As a GP assistant (GPA), you will support the GP(s) smooth running of clinics by performing routine administration and clinical tasks on behalf of the GP freeing up their time to focus on the patient. This includes managing patient correspondence, performing basic clinical tasks and contributing to overall practice efficiency. This role is ideal for someone with a keen interest in healthcare, excellent organisation skills, and a commitment to providing excellent patient service.

Main duties of the job
Clinical duties:

• 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.
• Support the GP with immunisations/wound care.

Administrative duties:

• Sorting clinical post and prioritising for clinicians. Signposting some post to others such as clinical pharmacist etc.
• Extracting all information from clinical letters that needs coding and adding notes.
• 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.
• To participate in audit and other quality reviews at the practice.

Patient interaction

• Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients.
• Explaining treatment procedures to patient.
• 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 consultations(s).

About us
Thirteen practices in north Southwark have come together as Quay Health Solutions (QHS) Community Interest Company to jointly deliver services that improve outcomes for our 190k registered patients. As a GP Federation, QHS provides the building blocks for at scale service delivery and wider system integration through four neighbourhoods that are the delivery units of Local Care Networks, bringing together local health and care organisations (including social care, the voluntary sector and patient groups) to work collaboratively to deliver more joined up, patient-centred services.

New Mill Street Surgery is a friendly and patient-focused GP surgery in Bermondsey, North Southwark, with registered list size 7000. We are a team of permanent GPs, Advance nurse practitioner, practice nurse and receptionists working together to deliver high-quality care.

In addition to our core team, we maintain a close relationship with North Southwark Primary care network, hosting clinics run by diverse ARRS team including First contact physiotherapist, apprentice nurse associates and nurse associates. Our patients also have direct access to dedicated team of care coordinators, social prescribers and mental health practitioners in the neighbourhood. With the surgery located within walking distance to the QHS North Southwark Enhanced Access GP hub, our patients have excellent access to out of hour appointment options, catering to their needs.

Job responsibilities
Please see attached the General Practice Assistant (GPA) job description and person specification for full details of the role.

Qualifications
Essential

• Good standard of general education.

Desirable

• GP Assistant Certificate qualification

Skills, abilities and knowledge
Essential

• Have a working knowledge of IT systems such as EMIS and Microsoft Office products.
• Can demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality and information governance.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of medical terminology.
• Have an understanding of the referral process.
• Can demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have excellent inter-personal skills and are able to work in a team.
• Is able to work autonomously and can prioritise their workload.
• Has good time management and can meet deadlines.
• Is flexible and can adapt quickly to changing situations.

Experience
Essential

• Have worked in a health environment
• Have worked in a team
• Have a worked with a clinical IT system
• Have used clinical coding

Desirable

• Experience working within an NHS service

IT Skills
Essential

• Experience of a clinical system.
• Accurate keyboard skills.
• Excellent IT skills across Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Experience of EMIS Web.

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.