Physician Assistant

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. The main responsibilities of the role include:

• 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.
  
  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.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following experience, skills and qualities:
• 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.
  
  Join us in Thetford, a uniquely historic and beautiful market town nestled in forest and countryside. Once the 6th largest settlement in England (Domesday Book), Thetford is the birthplace of Thomas Paine, a key figure in the American Revolution and modern human rights. We're 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 team who love to have fun everyday helping our patients through life's health challenges. Our dynamic surgery delivers excellent care to our patients and provides a positive and supportive working environment. Grove Surgery cares for approximately 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 Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Social prescriber, Care co-ordinator, Paramedic, Physician associates, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technicians who work alongside our GPs to ensure our patients receive the best care available. Some of the benefits for working with us include:
• NHS pension scheme
• Health service discounts
• Health cash plan - which includes cash towards dental care, optical care, gym memberships and additional reward schemes.
• Annual leave: minimum 25 days FTE, with additional bank holidays (pro rata)
What else we can offer :
• A four-day working pattern
• Regular support from a named GP Clinical Supervisor
• Protected learning and development opportunities
• Regular educational sessions
• The opportunity to work within an experienced multidisciplinary practice team
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development