Physician Assistant

Job summary
Grove Surgery has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced physician assistant (PA) to join our team on a full-time basis, for 36 hours per week working over 4 days.

The role will offer the post-holder the opportunity to build on their experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, as well as developing positive new working relationships across organisational and professional boundaries.

Main duties of the job

• Providing direct clinical care for patients, including clinical assessments, diagnoses and treatment, under the supervision of a GP;
• Interviewing patients, taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, analysing, diagnosing and explaining medical problems;
• Working with the wider practice clinical team, to deliver services to meet the needs of the patients, which may include home visits;
• Consulting and referring patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals, as indicated;
• Recommending and explaining appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments;
• Requesting and interpreting results of laboratory investigations;
• Performing specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures;
• Instructing and educating patients in preventative healthcare;
• Conducting telephone consultations, which may involve discussing the result, and implications, of laboratory investigations with patients;
• Dealing appropriately with routine and emergency complaints;
• Fully documenting all aspects of patient care and completing all required paperwork for legal and administrative purposes.

About us
Thetford is an historic and beautiful market town, nestled in forest and countryside. Once the 6th largest settlement in England, Thetford is the birthplace of Thomas Paine, a key figure in the American Revolution and modern human rights. We are also home to Britain's first black mayor, a Bahamian GP, and legend has it Queen Boudicca held court on the very site of our current surgery. Some say this is where modern civilisation began and we won't argue.

We are a friendly, energetic, positive and supportive team, who love to have fun every day helping our patients through life's health challenges.

Grove Surgery cares for c.12,000 patients. We are a teaching practice and support the development and training of nursing associates, physician associates, medical students and GP registrars. We have an exceptional multi-disciplinary team including GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, social prescriber, care co-ordinator, paramedic, physician associates, clinical pharmacist and pharmacy technicians.

What we offer

• NHS pension scheme
• Health service discounts
• Health cash plan - includes cash towards dental and optical care, gym membership and other reward schemes
• Annual leave: min. 25 days FTE, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• 4-day working pattern
• Regular support from a named GP clinical supervisor
• Protected learning and development opportunities
• Regular educational sessions
• Opportunity to work within an experienced multidisciplinary practice team
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development

Essential experience and skills

• Experience including preventative medicine and chronic disease management;
• Flexible and adaptable approach to a varied and high-volume workload, with the ability to multi-task and to work under pressure;
• Consistently compassionate and respectful approach, placing a high value on the dignity of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, relatives, nurses, other staff and agencies;
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Experience of working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• An understanding of common acute and chronic conditions encountered in general practice.
• The ability to work safely within an agreed scope of practice and under appropriate medical supervision.
• A commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, clinical governance and evidence-based practice.
• Good clinical IT skills. Experience of SystmOne would be advantageous.
• The resilience, flexibility and professional judgement needed to work effectively in a busy primary care environment.
• Access to suitable transport and the ability to travel within the locality, including for home visits.

Essential qualifications and registrations

• A postgraduate degree in Physician Associate Studies from an accredited PA programme;
• Membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP;
• Current professional registration;
• Current and valid certification or re-certification by the UK Physician Associate National Examination.
• At least 1 years experience in primary care.

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Apply through our website