Physician Associate

Innovations in Primary Care (IPC) , a federation of the GP Practices within the Coastal West Sussex area, are looking to recruit Physician Associates for a number of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) , including vacancies in Chichester , Littlehampton and Worthing .

Successful candidates will be a key part of the PCN team, providing a holistic clinical service through a variety of preventative and reactive healthcare services.

We have a variety of roles available, with differing focus on urgent care services, structured care around patients with long term conditions, including frailty, and considerable scope for flexibility and development, with a commitment to support individual specialist interests.

Both full and part time roles will be considered, and we are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.

Get in touch whether you are a newly qualified, awaiting your national exam results or an experienced PA open to new opportunities

The Physician Associate (PA) will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients. They will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures. The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from GPs as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate. The PA will be expected on a typical day to carry out some home visits and consult with patients who present on the day and via booked appointments.

Job Description

Clinical

• Provide acute illness triage via telephone once suitably trained externally and internally.
• Participate in all treatment and preventative healthcare services in the Practice as delegated and agreed by the supervising GP (s).
• Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines.
• Consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated.
• Interview patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analysis, diagnose and explain medical problems during surgery consultations and home visits.
• Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.
• Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary.
• Perform specialized diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures.
• Instruct and educate patients in preventative health care.
• Conduct telephone consultations which may involve discussing the result and implications of laboratory investigations with patients as well as dealing appropriately with routine and emergency complaints
• Order laboratory tests as required and agreed under supervising doctor (s).
• Fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required paperwork for legal and administrative purposes.
• Contribute to the clinical development of the Practice by developing a special interest and to help establish appropriate systems to manage common chronic medical conditions, ensuring compliance with NSF guidelines.
• Participate fully in the clinicians duty rota including the provision of home visits when appropriate.
• Formulate diagnoses and treatment plans, in consultation with or referring to Supervising doctor (s) as appropriate.
• Give clinical instructions to nursing staff and Primary Care Team as required.
• Communicate when necessary with colleagues in Primary Care and hospital specialists in order to discuss or refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities or exchange information in order to improve the quality of patient care.
• Deal regularly with community hospitals, consultants and other health care providers, insurance companies and other community organizations to refer / consult on specific cases, participate in community service and education projects and activities and the like.
• Other tasks commensurate with the post, relevant to the training and competence of the post holder

Person specification

Essential:

• Good communication skills with patients and carers
• Competency in history taking and physical assessment
• Good communication skills with colleagues
• Flexible approach to work
• Good time management skills
• Committed to ongoing personal and professional development

Desirable:

• Ability to order & interpret clinical investigations
• Experienced leader
• Experience in improving work processes

Qualifications

Post Graduate Diploma, Masters or MSc in Physician Associate Studies, from a UK Physician Associate Program or US Physician Assistant Program Minimum of a 2: 2 in a Life Science Degree or equivalent qualification

Registration

Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates Registered on the PA Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR)