Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) to join our friendly multidisciplinary team at The Meads Medical Practice.

The successful candidate will work as an autonomous practitioner, managing a varied clinical caseload within General Practice. The role involves assessing, diagnosing and treating patients with acute, chronic and complex health needs, whilst working collaboratively alongside GPs, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team.

Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners from Nursing, Paramedic, Pharmacy or Allied Health Professional backgrounds who hold a recognised ACP qualification and Independent Prescriber status.

The successful candidate will be working at Master's level Advanced Clinical Practice, demonstrating practice across the four pillars of Advanced Practice and contributing to the ongoing development of services within the Practice.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive practice committed to delivering high-quality patient-centred care and developing innovative services to meet the needs of our local population.

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will:

• Assess, diagnose and treat patients with acute, chronic, complex and undifferentiated conditions.
• Provide first-contact care for patients presenting with a wide range of undifferentiated health needs.
• Undertake independent clinical decision-making within their scope of practice.
• Provide same-day and urgent care appointments.
• Independently prescribe within professional and regulatory requirements.
• Interpret investigations and diagnostic tests.
• Refer appropriately to secondary care and community services.
• Undertake home visits where required.
• Manage clinical correspondence, investigations and workflow tasks.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records using EMIS Web.
• Participate in audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activity.
• Deliver evidence-based care in accordance with NICE guidance and current best practice.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes for children and vulnerable adults.
• Support service development and collaborative team working across the Practice.

About us
The Meads Medical Practice is a forward-thinking GP practice serving approximately 12,000 patients in Sittingbourne, Kent.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care through a supportive multidisciplinary team environment. We actively encourage professional development, innovation and collaborative working to improve outcomes for both patients and staff.

Previous experience in General Practice would be advantageous, although applications from experienced ACPs working in other healthcare settings will also be considered.

Job responsibilities
The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) will work as an autonomous practitioner within the Practice, providing high-quality, patient-centred clinical care to patients presenting with acute, chronic and complex health needs. The post holder will work independently whilst also contributing to the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and responsive care.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and treat patients presenting with acute, non-acute, chronic, complex and undifferentiated medical conditions.
• Independently manage a varied clinical caseload within scope of practice.
• Provide same-day and urgent care appointments.
• Undertake clinical decision-making and risk assessment for patients presenting with complex healthcare needs.
• Deliver holistic, patient-centred care with an emphasis on prevention, self-management and health promotion where appropriate.
• Prescribe independently in line with local and national guidance.
• Interpret diagnostic tests and investigations and initiate appropriate management plans.
• Refer patients to secondary care, community services and other agencies as appropriate.
• Undertake home visits where required.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and legally compliant clinical records using EMIS Web.

Service Delivery

• Contribute to the management of patients with long-term conditions and preventative healthcare programmes.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits and clinical governance activities.
• Actively contribute to achieving local and national quality standards and service objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of new ways of working and service improvements.
• Manage clinical correspondence, investigations and workflow tasks in a timely manner.

Communication and Team Working

• Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals and administrative colleagues to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and external agencies.
• Provide professional support, advice and guidance to colleagues where appropriate.
• Participate in practice meetings, multidisciplinary discussions and service development initiatives.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional registration and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Work within professional codes of conduct, national guidance and Practice policies.
• Support safeguarding processes for children and vulnerable adults.
• Participate in mandatory training and maintain competencies relevant to the role.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery.

General
The post holder will be expected to undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the role as required by the Practice.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to manage undifferentiated and complex presentations.
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and NICE guidance.
• Understanding of clinical governance, audit and quality improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Competent IT skills and ability to maintain accurate clinical records.

Desirable

• Understanding of Primary Care Networks and the wider NHS.
• Experience mentoring, teaching or supervising colleagues.

Qualifications
Essential

• Current registration with the NMC, HCPC or GPhC.
• Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice or recognised Advanced Clinical Practitioner qualification at Master's level (or equivalent recognised capability framework).
• Independent Prescriber qualification.
• Evidence of practice across the four pillars of Advanced Practice.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Desirable

• Teaching, mentoring or supervision qualification.
• Primary Care or General Practice related qualifications.
• Advanced assessment and diagnostic skills training.

Experience
Essential

• Significant post-registration clinical experience.
• Experience working autonomously in an Advanced Clinical Practitioner role.
• Experience assessing, diagnosing and treating patients with acute illness.
• Experience managing undifferentiated presentations.
• Experience managing patients with long-term conditions.
• Experience of independent prescribing and medication reviews
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience assessing and managing clinical risk.
• Evidence of working across the four pillars of Advanced Practice.

Desirable

• Experience working within General Practice or Primary Care.
• Experience using EMIS Web.
• Experience of audit, quality improvement or service development projects.
• Experience of supporting the education and development of colleagues.

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.