GP Assistant

General Practice Assistants (GPAs) form part of a multidisciplinary team within primary care and provide a support role. They carry out administrative tasks, which are combined with basic clinical duties. This helps to free up GPs' time and contributes to the smooth running of appointments, improving patients' experience in the surgery. Reviewing and coding of clinical correspondence and prioritising for the GP in terms of actions required.

Signposting correspondence to other members of the team such as clinical pharmacist etc. Arranging appointments, referrals, letters, tests and follow up appointments for 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 & vaccinations within competences (following adequate training). 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 in line with GPA Competency Framework 2 Explaining treatment procedures to patients 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 consultation(s)