GP Assistant

The GP Assistant (GPA) plays a key role in supporting the clinical and administrative functions of the practice, ensuring patients receive safe, efficient and well-coordinated care. Working under the supervision of GPs, ANPs, practice nurses and the management team, the GPA assists with clinical triage, patient coordination, workflow management and routine clinical tasks. This position is ideal for someone who is organised, compassionate, enthusiastic about patient care, and keen to develop within primary care. You will act as a vital link between administrative and clinical staff, helping to streamline processes, improve patient experience and enable clinicians to focus on complex decision-making and direct patient care.

Main duties of the job

• This role supports both clinical and administrative functions within the practice.
• Key duties include booking appointments, recording baseline observations, supporting 24-hour BP monitoring, chaperoning examinations, and maintaining recalls, registers and clinic diaries.
• The role processes tasks, assists with QOF and contract requirements, and supports audits and service improvement.
• It involves liaising with external services, helping with general operational duties, promoting smooth clinic flow, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in training and public health initiatives.

Job responsibilities

• Main Duties & Responsibilities
• 1. Triage Support & Appointment Coordination
  • Assist with the triage pathway by reviewing incoming appointment requests and patient queries across multiple channels.
  • Gather relevant information from patients to support clinician decision-making.
  • Prioritise and signpost patients appropriately to GPs, nurses, pharmacists, reception or external services.
  • Directly book appointments where clinically appropriate and ensure patients receive clear instructions.
  • Explain outcomes of triage decisions and guide patients through next steps, treatments or referrals.
• 2. Clinical Support & Observations (training provided where required)
  • Take and accurately record baseline observations including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, pulse oximetry and BMI.
  • Support 24-hour BP monitoring by fitting devices, advising patients, and liaising with local services for results.
  • Support clinicians during clinics by preparing rooms, replenishing stock, and ensuring equipment is ready for use.
  • Act as a trained chaperone during sensitive clinical examinations.
• 3. Administrative & Workflow Management
  • Extract relevant clinical information from hospital/OOH letters and code accurately onto patient records.
  • Process tasks and correspondence requiring administrative action or clinician review.
  • Assist with form completion for GP approval (insurance, DWP, housing, mortgage and medical reports).
  • Maintain recall systems, test tracking, vaccination registers, injection clinics and diary bookings.
  • Support the practice with QOF, enhanced services and other GP contract-related administrative tasks.
  • Participate in audits, data management and service improvement projects.
  • Arrange and coordinate referrals, clinical tests, follow-up appointments and onward care.
  • Liaise with external services including hospitals, community teams, care homes and emergency services when needed.
  • Support weekly care home ward round administration, ensuring clinicians have up-to-date information and follow-up actions are completed.
  • Provide clear explanations to patients regarding referrals, treatment plans and next steps.
• 5. Practice Operations & Team Support
  • Assist with general operational duties including rotas, patient queries, reception support and contractor coordination.
  • Promote smooth running of high-volume clinics by managing workflow and ensuring good communication between staff.
  • Uphold confidentiality, safeguarding and information governance policies in all work.
  • Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment, following infection control guidance at all times.
  • Actively participate in mandatory and ongoing training, annual appraisals, and personal development plans.
  • Support public health campaigns (e.g., flu vaccination clinics) and other seasonal practice initiatives.

Person Specification

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Previous experience in NHS/Primary Care/Local Authority role.

Experience

• Strong communication skills both verbal and written with a friendly and professional manner.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy clinical environment.
• IT-literate and comfortable working with electronic patient systems (training provided).
• High attention to detail and accuracy when recording clinical or administrative data.
• Respect for confidentiality, safeguarding principles and diversity.
• Previous experience in General Practice or primary care more than two years.
• Knowledge of clinical coding, EMIS, Ardens, Docman or similar systems.
• Experience in vital or basic observations.
• Experience supporting triage processes or patient coordination.
• Experience in safeguarding or understanding risk indicators within health records.

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.