General Practice Assistant (GPA)

Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a General Practice Assistant (GPA) to join the team at Diamond Health Group. We are a well-established GP practice providing patient-focused care to approximately 13,500 patients across two sites. As a forward-thinking organisation with a multi-professional workforce, we are committed to delivering high-quality care, education, and training.

Hendford Lodge Medical Centre is an accredited training practice with a strong track record of supporting the development of both clinical and non-clinical staff, reflecting our commitment to building for the future.

We are seeking to recruit a General Practice Assistant to support the wider practice team with a range of administrative and clinical support duties if required.

This is a full-time position of 37 hours per week, with working patterns to be discussed at interview and confirmed with the successful candidate upon appointment.

The role will involve supporting the smooth running of patient services, including routine administration, medical secretarial tasks, and basic clinical support duties as required. Full training will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills and experience within a busy and supportive primary care environment.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide both administrative and medical secretarial support to the practice team to ensure the smooth running of patient services.

Duties include extracting information from clinical correspondence, accurately coding and updating patient records.

The role involves providing a medical secretarial service, including processing referrals (including e-referrals), arranging appointments and diagnostic tests, and liaising with external organisations such as hospitals and specialist services.

The post holder will support QOF requirements through patient recalls for chronic disease management and maintain accurate clinical records and data quality.

The post holder will manage incoming clinical correspondence, prioritise GP actions, and signpost tasks to appropriate teams such as prescriptions.

Additional duties include supporting administrative and project work for the management team, assisting with meeting actions and follow-up, and completing basic (non-opinion) forms for GP approval, such as insurance and benefit-related documentation.

About us
Employment is provided by the Yeovil Primary Care Network and the role is based at Hendford Lodge Medical Centre. The Yeovil Primary Care Network is an NHS collaboration between five GP practices: Penn Hill Surgery, Ryalls Park Medical Centre, Preston Grove Medical Centre, Diamond Health Group, and Oaklands Surgery.

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a key building block of the NHS Long Term Plan, bringing general practices together to work at scale. This collaborative approach supports improved recruitment and retention of staff, more sustainable management of financial and estates pressures, and the development of a wider range of services for patients. It also enhances integration with the broader health and care system.

Diamond Health Group is located in central Yeovil, with a branch site at Abbey Manor Park. We offer 27 days annual leave per year (pro rata) and NHS Pension Scheme membership.

Job responsibilities
This role provides a key support function within the general practice team, combining administrative and medical secretarial responsibilities to support the delivery of patient care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Clinical coding and accurate updating of patient records following review of clinical correspondence
• Processing referrals (including e-referrals), arranging appointments and diagnostic tests, and supporting referral tracking
• Reviewing and actioning laboratory results in line with practice protocols
• Providing medical secretarial support, including managing clinical correspondence and liaising with hospitals and external agencies
• Completing basic (non-opinion) forms for GP review and signature (e.g. insurance and benefit-related forms)
• Supporting QOF activity through patient recalls for chronic disease management
• Assisting with meeting administration, action tracking, and follow-up
• Supporting administrative tasks and project work as required across the practice

Full training will be provided. This is a varied and important role within a supportive and forward-thinking primary care environment.

Full job description can be found attached.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of clerical and administrative work
• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience of prioritising own workload in a busy working environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in a GP practice or healthcare environment
• Experience in medical secretarial duties (including typing, referrals and correspondence management)
• Experience of processing referrals and dealing with external organisations (e.g. hospitals)
• Experience of using clinical systems such as EMIS Web
• Experience of clinical coding

Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to listen, discuss and inform clearly
• Excellent organisational skills with strong time management and ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and promote good team working
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to use clinical systems effectively
• Ability to accurately extract, interpret and code information from clinical correspondence into patient records
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Ability to manage multiple demands and work under pressure

Desirable

• Familiarity with EMIS Web or similar clinical systems
• Knowledge of NHS primary care systems, referral processes and pathways
• Understanding of medical terminology

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE Grade A-C Maths and English or skills level 2 Maths and English or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake relevant training for the role

Desirable

• Qualification in a health or social care related subject
• Administration or secretarial qualification (e.g. AMSPAR, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
• Further training relating to medical administration or clinical systems

Personal qualities
Essential

• Strong customer/patient focus
• Professional, empathetic and approachable manner
• Ability to use own judgement, initiative and common sense
• Ability to cope with multiple demands and work under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work
• Positive attitude and self-motivated
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Honest, reliable and maintains integrity at all times
• Willingness to undertake training and continuous professional development

Other
Essential

• Willingness to undergo a DBS check
• Hepatitis B immunity or willingness to undertake immunisations required for the role

Desirable

• Full and clean UK driving licence

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.