General Practice Assistant (GPA)

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dorchester is seeking a compassionate General Practice Assistant to support clinical and administrative tasks within the Primary Care Network. The role involves patient monitoring, health promotion, and assisting experienced staff in delivering exceptional care. Ideal candidates are team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to personal development. A full-time post with training opportunities for personal growth is available, and the salary ranges from £24,864 to £30,163.50 depending on experience.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

NHS Pension

Qualifications

• Experience working in a healthcare environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of high-quality patient care under supervision.
• Undertake patient observations and assist with clinical duties.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary team approaches and planning care.

Skills

Polite and confident

Flexible and cooperative

Problem solving

Sensitive and empathetic

Excellent communication skills

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Tools

SystmOne

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you a caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic team player looking for your next challenge? Join our friendly and forward-thinking PrimaryCare Network (PCN) team here in Mid Dorset, as a General Practice Assistant, where innovation meetspatient-centred care. Our PCN consists of a group of 8 GP practices workingtogether to improve health outcomes and deliver exceptional care to ourcommunity.

We are eager to speak to candidates who would look forward to supportingour Frailty and Respiratory teams across the working week, based in the centreof Dorchester and Poundbury.

If you are a strong team player with a great work ethic, then we want tohear from you. In return we will offeryou strong leadership, a supportive clinical team and encouragement for you tobe the best that you can be within your chosen career.

The post is ideally full time; however, we would consider part time forthe right candidate.

We would consider a trainee post for the right candidate looking to enhance their career within the NHS. Full training and support would be provided for candidates with a passion to move into a more clinical role, who are committed to clinical training and have a flexible approach to the working day.

This post is only open to candidates with full UK residency.

Main duties of the job

The General Practice Assistant (GPA) will work as part of the Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN)Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care under thesupervision of the Clinical Lead. The role includes assisting in clinicalduties, health promotion, and administrative tasks, ensuring patients receivesafe, efficient, and compassionate care.

This role willbe an integral part of the Frailty and Respiratory Team, supporting patients in care homesacross Mid Dorset in addition one day per week supporting the respiratorynurses in Spirometry and FeNo testing. There may also be some ad hoc support topractices at time of critical staff shortage e.g. urgent phlebotomy.

About us

Mid Dorset PCN works in partnership with 8 Mid Dorset GP Practices, employing clinical and non-clinical teams to support patients.

As part of the NHS we have access to NHS Pensions and abide by the NHS Code of Conduct.

Job responsibilities

KeyDuties and Responsibilities:

ClinicalDuties

Undertake patient observations suchas blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygensaturation, and blood glucose monitoring.

Contributeto patient assessment/consultation in conjunction with registered staffmembers.

Contributeto multi-disciplinary team approaches and planning care for patients.

Carry out routine venepuncture(phlebotomy) for blood tests.

Assist with ECG recording.

Assist with spirometry and FeNotesting under supervision.

Conduct vaccinations (e.g., fluvaccines) if appropriately trained and competency assessed when requiredas part of the PCN team.

Provide support to the clinical PCNand Mid Dorset practices when required urgently.

HealthPromotion and Patient Education

Supportcampaigns such as flu vaccination, cervical screening, and other public healthinitiatives as part of the wider PCN team.

Support patients with advice and guidance aroundhealth promotion and managing long term illness.

Maintainaccurate and timely patient records using the clinical system (e.g., SystmOne).

Contributeto the collection of data for audits and quality improvement initiatives withinthe PCN and as directed by the clinical lead.

General Responsibilities

Follow practice policies,protocols, and national guidelines, including infection control andsafeguarding.

Participate in staff training andclinical competency assessments.

Maintain confidentiality andprofessionalism at all times in line with GDPR and professional codes ofconduct.

Undertake continuing professionaldevelopment and mandatory training.

Assist with any other reasonableduties required to ensure the smooth running of the clinical PCN team.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Polite and confident.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required.
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations.
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• IT Skills

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
• Evidence of independent learning
• Willingness to undertake further role specific training including phlebotomy and spirometry
• Certification within a healthcare setting

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare environment
• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience in a GP practice, PCN environment, Primary Care or Secondary Care.
• Experience of dealing with a wide range of clinical conditions.
• Experience in using SystmOne clinical system or equivalent
• Using a range of Microsoft Office packages

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to seek support.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Effective time management (planning and organising).
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure.
• Basic understanding of the principles of frailty.
• Some understanding of community health and social care systems.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate and patient-focused.
• Reliable, flexible, and team-oriented.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Self Motivated
• Ability to work under supervision and independently.
• Commitment to ongoing training and development
• Supportive, friendly, adaptable, and patient focussed.
• Adaptable and able to respond to changing situations.
• Ability to always maintain and act in a professional manner.
• Car Driver with access to a vehicle.

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.

£24,864 to £30,163.50 a yearDepending on experience