GP AssistantNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an organised, caring and enthusiastic GP Assistant to join our team at Colne Road Surgery in Burnley.

You will work alongside our GPs and wider practice team, providing practical and administrative support to help appointments run smoothly and patients receive timely care. By supporting clinicians with routine tasks, you will help them spend more time focusing on patients.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with people, has good attention to detail and can manage a varied workload in a busy general practice. You will need to communicate clearly, respect confidentiality and take a helpful, patient-focused approach.

You will become a valued member of our team, with opportunities to build your skills and contribute to the care we provide for our local community.

Main duties of the job

You will support the day-to-day work of our GPs, combining administrative duties with appropriate patient-facing tasks.

Your work may include preparing information ahead of appointments, updating patient records, helping with correspondence and forms, and following up administrative actions requested by clinicians. You will liaise with patients, colleagues and other services to help keep care organised and information flowing.

Depending on your training and assessed competence, you may also undertake agreed clinical support tasks, such as recording basic observations, supporting health checks and helping patients prepare for their consultation.

You will work within clear protocols and the limits of your role, referring clinical questions or concerns to the appropriate clinician. Maintaining accurate records, protecting patient confidentiality and treating everyone with kindness and respect will be central to your work.

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

The GP Assistant will support GPs and the wider practice team with administrative work and agreed clinical support tasks. The role will help appointments run smoothly, improve the patient experience and allow clinicians to focus more of their time on patient care.

The postholder will work closely with clinical and administrative colleagues, following practice procedures and carrying out duties appropriate to their training and assessed competence.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative support

Prepare information ahead of consultations, ensuring relevant correspondence, results and other documents are available for the clinician to review. Review and organise incoming correspondence in line with practice procedures, identifying information that requires a clinicians attention. Enter and update information accurately on the clinical system, including coding where trained and authorised. Help prepare forms, letters and other documents for clinician review and authorisation. Support the administration of referrals, investigations and follow-up arrangements as directed by a clinician. Monitor allocated tasks and bring outstanding or urgent matters to the attention of the appropriate colleague. Request information from other services where needed to support patient care. Help maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.

Patient support and communication

Welcome patients and help them prepare for their consultation or an agreed procedure. Explain the purpose of your role and obtain consent before carrying out any patient facing task. Communicate clearly and sensitively, taking account of individual needs, language barriers and accessibility requirements. Help patients understand practical next steps agreed by their clinician, such as booking an appointment or attending a test. Signpost patients to appropriate practice services and sources of support. Pass on messages or information as instructed, referring questions about symptoms, results or treatment to a qualified clinician. Arrange interpreting support in line with practice procedures when required. Treat patients, carers and colleagues with dignity, kindness and respect.

Clinical support

Clinical tasks will be agreed with the supervising clinician and undertaken only after appropriate training and assessment of competence. These may include:

Measuring and recording blood pressure, pulse, height and weight. Supporting routine health checks by collecting and recording agreed information. Undertaking venepuncture where trained, assessed as competent and authorised. Supporting specimen collection, labelling and handling in accordance with practice procedures. Preparing rooms and equipment for consultations and procedures. Assisting clinicians during agreed examinations or procedures. Acting as a chaperone following appropriate training and in line with practice policy.

The postholder must record observations accurately and promptly report abnormal readings, patient deterioration or any other concern to an appropriate clinician. The GP Assistant will not independently diagnose conditions, interpret test results, prescribe medication or make treatment decisions.

Teamworking and organisation

Work closely with GPs, nursing staff, reception, administration and practice management. Organise daily work and prioritise tasks with guidance from the appropriate colleague. Communicate promptly when a task cannot be completed or further advice is needed. Attend relevant team meetings and contribute ideas for improving patient care and practice processes. Provide appropriate support to colleagues within the scope of the role. Help maintain a welcoming, organised and professional working environment.

Confidentiality and record keeping

Maintain confidentiality when handling patient, staff and practice information. Access records only where necessary for authorised work duties. Follow practice policies on information governance, data protection and secure communication. Maintain clear, accurate and timely records of work undertaken. Report information security concerns or suspected breaches promptly through the practice reporting process.

Patient safety and safeguarding

Recognise the limits of the role and seek advice whenever unsure. Follow practice procedures for escalating urgent concerns and obtaining clinical assistance. Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the appropriate clinician or safeguarding lead. Complete safeguarding training appropriate to the role. Report incidents, errors and near misses, and contribute to learning and improvements. Follow patient identification and consent procedures before undertaking any task or intervention.

Infection prevention and health and safety

Follow infection prevention procedures, including hand hygiene and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Clean equipment and clinical areas associated with your work in accordance with practice procedures. Handle specimens, sharps and clinical waste safely where relevant to your duties. Report faulty equipment, hazards and concerns promptly. Follow practice health and safety procedures and take reasonable care of your own safety and that of others.

Equality, dignity and inclusion

Provide a respectful and inclusive service to patients and carers. Recognise that patients may need additional support to access services. Support reasonable adjustments and raise any barriers to care with the appropriate colleague. Work respectfully with colleagues and contribute to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Training and development

Complete induction and mandatory training relevant to the post. Undertake training and competency assessments before accepting new clinical responsibilities. Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing development. Maintain a record of relevant training and competencies. Ask for support when a task falls outside your knowledge, training or experience.

Quality improvement

Support practice audits and quality improvement work appropriate to the role. Help collect accurate information to monitor services and identify areas for improvement. Contribute to discussions about patient feedback and ways to improve the patient experience. Follow agreed changes to practice processes and share any difficulties with the team.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

The GP Assistant is a support role and does not replace assessment or decision-making by a registered clinician. Delegated tasks must be clearly understood, appropriate to the postholders competence and supported by suitable supervision.

The postholder must decline tasks they are not trained or competent to undertake and seek guidance from their supervisor.

GENERAL

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list. Other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, training and level of responsibility may be required.

The job description will be reviewed with the postholder as the needs of the practice and the role develop.

About us

Colne Road Surgery is a busy GP practice in Burnley and part of SSP Health. We care for a diverse local community and aim to provide accessible, compassionate care that meets our patients needs.

Our team includes GPs, nursing and healthcare staff, reception and administration colleagues, and practice management. We work closely together to support patients and keep the practice running smoothly.

We value clear communication, teamwork and respect. We encourage colleagues to ask questions, share ideas and help us improve how we work. Understanding the different needs of our patients, including language and digital barriers, is an important part of our approach.

Joining our practice offers the opportunity to contribute to a local service, work alongside experienced colleagues and develop your skills within general practice.