Advanced Clinical Practitioner in England

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) will work autonomously within the GP surgery to assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe for patients presenting with minor illness and acute conditions. The ACP will provide high-quality, patient-centred care, supporting the delivery of primary care services to the local population. The ACP will independently manage a defined patient caseload and contribute to improving patient access, reducing GP workload, and ensuring safe and effective clinical care. The post holder will be educated to Level 7 (MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent) and hold an Independent Prescribing qualification. Accurate documentation and patient management using EMIS Web is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Management
  • Independently assess, diagnose, and manage patients presenting with minor illness and acute conditions in primary care.
  • Undertake comprehensive history taking, clinical examination, and diagnostic reasoning.
  • Formulate differential diagnoses and implement evidence-based treatment plans.
  • Manage a wide range of primary care presentations including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, dermatological conditions, ENT conditions, minor infections and acute illnesses, and musculoskeletal presentations.
  • Recognise and appropriately elevate patients requiring GP input or secondary care referral.
• Independent Prescribing
  • Prescribe safely and independently in accordance with national and local prescribing guidelines.
  • Provide medication reviews and ensure safe prescribing practices.
  • Offer advice on medication use, side effects, and self-management.
  • Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans where necessary.
• Clinical Systems and Documentation
  • Maintain accurate, clear, and contemporaneous clinical records using EMIS Web.
  • Ensure all consultations, prescribing, referrals, and clinical decisions are appropriately documented.
  • Manage electronic tasks, pathology results, and clinical correspondence within EMIS.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to information governance policies.
• Patient Care and Service Delivery
  • Provide same-day and routine appointments for acute presentations.
  • Manage minor illness clinics independently.
  • Support GP workload by managing appropriate patient cohorts.
  • Provide health promotion advice and patient education.
  • Refer patients appropriately to secondary care, community services, or other healthcare professionals.
• Communication and Team Working
  • Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and carers.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team working.
  • Provide clinical advice and support to colleagues where appropriate.
• Patient Safety and Clinical Governance
  • Deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care.
  • Work within practice protocols, national guidelines, and scope of practice.
  • Participate in clinical audit, quality improvement, and governance activities.
  • Identify and report clinical risks and incidents appropriately.
  • Adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Professional Responsibilities
  • Maintain registration with NMC or HCPC.
  • Maintain Independent Prescriber status.
  • Maintain MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Level 7) competencies.
  • Participate in CPD, appraisal, and mandatory training.
  • Practice in accordance with professional codes and standards.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications and Registration
  • Registered Nurse (NMC), Paramedic (HCPC), or Allied Health Professional.
  • MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Level 7) or equivalent.
  • Independent Prescriber (V300).
  • Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience
  • Experience working in Primary Care or GP Surgery.
  • Experience managing minor illness independently.
  • Experience prescribing autonomously.
  • Experience using EMIS Web.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
  • Independent prescribing competency.
  • Ability to work autonomously in primary care.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong clinical decision-making ability.
  • Excellent IT and documentation skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working as an ACP in GP Practice.
• Minor Illness qualification.
• Experience managing same-day acute clinics.
• Experience with chronic disease management.

Key Attributes

• Professional and compassionate approach.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Flexible and reliable.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.