Paramedic Practitioner

Fairbrook Medical Centre has an exciting opportunity for a Paramedic Practitioner to join our forward-thinking, patient-focused team based in Borehamwood, providing high-quality care to around 15,000 patients.

We are interested in candidates who are already fully functioning paramedics looking for an opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain more autonomy, and take on more clinical responsibility.

Successful applicants will play a large role within the surgery with a specific focus on reducing the workload of our General Practitioners by undertaking daily home visits, as well as an element of assessment and consulting with patients on a day-to-day basis.

We have a paramedic working 2 days who is fully supported by the clinical team. We are looking for the other 3 days to replace a paramedic who is leaving. This setup has worked wonderfully having paramedic cover 5 days a week with direct access when needed to a GP and work under the supervision of the GP.

Main duties of the job

You will need to be a registered Paramedic with a relevant degree - Educated to BSc, post-graduate Cert or Diploma level and would have had a minimum of three years post-registration with demonstrable experience of using diagnostic skills.

Experience in a primary care setting is desirable; however, induction and training in a primary care setting will be given.

A prescribing paramedic would also be desirable.

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to work with 1 Medical Centre in a great young team and develop care pathways for our Fairbrook patients.

The successful candidate will join our energetic, positive team of 6 GP partners, 4 salaried GPs, 1 Paramedic working 2 days, 1 prescribing Advanced Nurse Practitioner, 2 prescribing Clinical Pharmacists, 2 practice nurses (1 prescribing), and our Health Care Assistance. We are looking forward to adding a Paramedic Monday to Wednesday to join our stable team that has a good sense of humour to enhance our Fairbrook Family.

Job responsibilities

The role will provide a Paramedic Practitioner resource for health care professionals and service users, working in collaboration with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team.

To work within the community, as an autonomous, accountable, Specialist / Advanced Paramedic, in the provision of a holistic approach for individuals including assessment, management, and treatment, to deliver high-quality patient services.

To assess, manage, treat, refer and/or signpost patients/service users who attend surgery with undifferentiated or undiagnosed conditions relating to minor illness or minor injury.

The post holder will use advanced clinical skills to provide education to service users, promoting self-care and empowering them to make informed choices about their treatment.

Job responsibilities:

1. Housebound home visit requests
2. Managing and treating patients presenting with minor illness
3. Triage and treat patients wishing to see a health care professional, making any necessary referrals to other members of the primary health care team
4. Patients with problems needing referral to secondary care should be discussed with the registered GP before making such referral
5. Ensure clinical practice is safe and effective and remains within boundaries of competence, and to acknowledge limitations
6. Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments, with referral to other members of the primary and secondary health care team as necessary
7. Work from the surgery and within communities as an autonomous practitioner caring for patients and families
8. Work as an autonomous practitioner, in accordance with the Health and Care Professions Council.
9. Ensure that personal and professional clinical standards are maintained
10. Undertake assessment for patients within the community and those attending the surgery, using diagnostic skills and initiation of investigations where appropriate
11. Prescribe/issue medications as appropriate following policy, patient group directives NICE (national) and local clinical guidelines and local care pathways.
12. Formally and informally impart knowledge and skills to colleagues promoting peer review and best practice within the work environment
13. Communicate at all levels within the team ensuring an effective service is delivered
14. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous healthcare records appropriate to the consultation
15. Ensure evidenced-based care is delivered at the highest standards ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care
16. Work within local policies and procedures
17. Enhance own performance through Continuous Professional Development, imparting own knowledge and behaviours to meet the needs of the service
18. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development in order to meet the needs of the service
19. Participate in the audit process, evaluation and implementing plans and practice change in order to meet patient need
20. Actively participate in mentoring and supervision, plus practice-derived CPD opportunities
21. Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the team and work colleagues
22. Undertake the collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs etc. Perform investigatory procedures needed by patients and those requested by the GPs
23. Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the practice team
24. Ensure the clinical computer system is kept up to date, with accurate details recorded and amended
25. Ensure appropriate items of service claims are made accurately, reporting any problems to the practice administrator
26. Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice
27. Ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and ad hoc reports and audit
28. Attend and participate in practice meetings as required

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Able to operate at an advanced level of clinical practice
• Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) Level 7 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCOF) Level 11
• Pre-reg MSc in a training programme approved by the College of Paramedics
• Full UK driving license

Experience

• Knowledge experience in managing a designated caseload using theoretical and practical experience, completing assessments, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes aligned to care plans
• Working knowledge of Microsoft and GP practice and prescribing data monitoring systems
• Ability to write comprehensive clinical notes, implement and evaluate care plans working towards advanced clinical practitioner status
• Mentorship or supervisory skills training
• Ability to undertake nails surgery assessments, procedure and post-operative care
• Be aware of data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality issues particularly within a PCN
• Cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing approaches/skills
• Analysis skills ability to evidence a sound understanding of the NHS principles and values
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex/ often incomplete information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues experience of working within a primary care setting
• Evidence of working across organisational boundaries within health and social care
• Independent thinker with good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience of general practice and/or secondary 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.