GP Partner

Wellside Surgery

GP Partner – Job Description and Person Specification

Location: Sawtry, Cambridgeshire
Working commitment: 2–3 days per week (4–6 clinical sessions)
Contract: Initial six-month salaried period, with a view to partnership following mutual assessment
Start date: To be confirmed

1. Job Summary

Following the planned retirement of a senior partner, Wellside Surgery is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated and committed General Practitioner to join its established and supportive practice team.

The successful candidate will provide high-quality, patient-centred primary care to the practice population, working collaboratively with clinical, administrative and Primary Care Network (PCN) colleagues. In addition to delivering comprehensive general medical services, the GP Partner will contribute to the strategic development, clinical governance and effective management of the practice.

The post-holder will manage a varied clinical caseload, assess and treat patients with a broad range of acute and chronic conditions, and ensure that care is delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with current evidence-based practice, professional standards and relevant contractual requirements.

Where the role is undertaken on a partnership basis, the post-holder will also share responsibility for the leadership, operational management and long-term sustainability of the practice.

2. About Wellside Surgery

Wellside Surgery is a well-established general practice situated in the village of Sawtry, in semi-rural Cambridgeshire. The practice benefits from excellent road links via the A1(M), providing convenient access to Huntingdon, Peterborough and the wider region.

The practice is committed to delivering traditional, high-quality patient care within modern, purpose-built premises. An experienced and dedicated multidisciplinary team provides excellent clinical, nursing and administrative support to the GP team.

Practice profile:

• Approximately 8,200 registered patients.
• CQC rating: Good.
• High achievement against Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicators.
• EMIS Web clinical system.
• Member of the A1 Primary Care Network.
• Established multidisciplinary support, including Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Social Prescribers, First Contact Physiotherapists, Health and Wellbeing Coaches and Care Coordinators.
• Active participation in clinical research, working with the local Clinical Research Network.
• Regular protected time for continuing professional development (CPD).
• A supportive environment that encourages individual professional interests and development.

The practice serves Sawtry and several surrounding villages. Its population continues to evolve, with improved transport links attracting residents from a wider geographical area.

3. Main Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Clinical Responsibilities

The post-holder will provide comprehensive, safe and effective general medical services to registered patients, in accordance with the agreed practice timetable and relevant professional and contractual standards.

Responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking face-to-face and telephone consultations, responding to online and other patient enquiries, and providing appropriate clinical advice and treatment.
• Assessing, diagnosing and managing patients presenting with undifferentiated, undiagnosed and established medical conditions.
• Making independent, professional clinical decisions, recognising the limits of personal competence and seeking specialist advice or referring patients when appropriate.
• Providing home visits for patients who are clinically unable to attend the surgery.
• Identifying risk factors, recognising early signs of illness and undertaking appropriate screening, prevention and health promotion activities.
• Developing, implementing and reviewing individualised care plans in partnership with patients, taking account of their needs, preferences and circumstances.
• Managing patients with acute illness, long-term conditions and complex healthcare needs in accordance with current evidence-based guidance and practice protocols.
• Providing counselling, health education and advice on prevention, self-management and lifestyle modification.
• Arranging appropriate admissions, discharges, investigations, referrals and follow-up care.
• Reviewing clinical results and correspondence, taking appropriate action and ensuring timely communication with patients and relevant healthcare professionals.
• Reviewing, authorising and issuing acute and repeat prescriptions safely, in accordance with current prescribing guidance, the relevant Integrated Care Board (ICB) formulary and local policies.
• Maintaining accurate, contemporaneous and comprehensive clinical records using the practice’s electronic patient record system.
• Contributing to clinical audits, data collection, service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participating in the practice duty doctor rota, including the agreed on-call sessions.
• Completing routine clinical administration, including referrals, prescriptions, clinical correspondence and other patient-related documentation, within agreed timescales.
• Working collaboratively with the wider practice and PCN teams to ensure continuity of care and effective use of available services.

The post-holder will undertake the normal duties and responsibilities associated with a General Practitioner working in primary care.

3.2 Partnership and Leadership Responsibilities

Upon appointment as a GP Partner, the post-holder will share responsibility for the effective leadership, management and development of the practice.

This may include:

• Contributing to the strategic direction, business planning and long-term sustainability of the practice.
• Participating in partnership meetings and contributing to decisions regarding clinical services, operational priorities and practice development.
• Supporting the delivery of contractual obligations, clinical governance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contributing to financial planning, resource allocation and the effective use of practice resources.
• Promoting a positive, supportive and collaborative working environment for all staff.
• Supporting workforce planning, staff development and effective multidisciplinary working.
• Identifying opportunities to improve patient access, service delivery, clinical quality and operational efficiency.
• Contributing to risk management, significant event reviews, complaints management and learning from incidents.
• Supporting the development of services in collaboration with the PCN, ICB and other relevant healthcare organisations.
• Promoting innovation, research participation and evidence-based improvements in patient care.

The precise allocation of partnership responsibilities will be agreed between the partners in accordance with the practice’s operational requirements and partnership arrangements.

3.3 Practice Policies, Governance and Professional Standards

The post-holder will:

• Comply with all relevant practice policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to prescribing, confidentiality, information governance, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, and health and safety.
• Maintain professional registration and comply with the requirements of the General Medical Council (GMC), including Good Medical Practice.
• Participate in clinical governance activities, including clinical audit, significant event analysis, quality improvement and clinical standard setting.
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records and ensure that documentation meets professional, legal and organisational requirements.
• Identify and escalate clinical risks, safeguarding concerns, incidents and matters affecting patient safety.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of practice policies and clinical protocols.
• Attend practice meetings, training sessions and relevant external events as required.
• Participate in appropriate research activities and support the development of evidence-based clinical services.

3.4 Confidentiality and Information Governance

The post-holder must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and information security.

Patients entrust the practice with sensitive personal and medical information and have the right to expect that their privacy and dignity will be respected at all times.

The post-holder will:

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, healthcare professionals and the business of the practice.
• Access and use confidential information only where necessary for legitimate professional purposes.
• Disclose information only to authorised individuals and in accordance with relevant legislation, professional guidance and practice policies.
• Maintain compliance with data protection and information governance requirements.
• Ensure that patient records and other confidential information are stored, accessed, transferred and disposed of securely.
• Follow the appropriate procedures when responding to requests for information, subject access requests or disclosures required by law or professional duty.

These responsibilities apply to all information accessed or obtained during employment, regardless of its source or format.

3.5 Health, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

The post-holder is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for patients, colleagues, visitors and themselves, in accordance with practice policies, statutory requirements and professional guidance.

Responsibilities include:

• Complying with health and safety, infection prevention and control, and workplace security policies.
• Maintaining appropriate hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Following safe procedures for the collection, labelling, handling, storage and transportation of clinical specimens.
• Ensuring the safe handling, segregation and disposal of clinical waste, sharps and contaminated materials.
• Maintaining clean, hygienic and safe clinical working areas.
• Identifying, reporting and addressing health and safety hazards, infection risks and unsafe working practices.
• Following appropriate infection control procedures during routine clinical activity and exceptional circumstances, including outbreaks of infectious disease.
• Ensuring the safe use and disposal of clinical equipment and instruments, maintaining sterile conditions where required.
• Participating in mandatory and periodic infection prevention and control training.
• Applying learning from training to maintain and improve safe clinical practice.

3.6 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The post-holder will promote equality, diversity, inclusion and respect for the rights of patients, carers and colleagues.

Responsibilities include:

• Treating all individuals fairly, with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Recognising and respecting individual needs, beliefs, values, cultural differences and personal circumstances.
• Providing care without discrimination and in accordance with relevant equality legislation and professional standards.
• Maintaining a non-judgemental and compassionate approach to patients and colleagues.
• Recognising communication barriers and making reasonable adjustments or alternative communication arrangements where appropriate.
• Supporting an inclusive working environment in which patients and staff feel respected and valued.

3.7 Personal and Professional Development

The post-holder will maintain and develop their clinical knowledge, professional skills and leadership capabilities through ongoing learning and reflection.

This will include:

• Maintaining continuing professional development in accordance with GMC and revalidation requirements.
• Participating in regular appraisal, reflective practice and professional development activities.
• Attending mandatory training and role-specific training provided by the practice or relevant external organisations.
• Keeping up to date with changes in clinical guidance, legislation, prescribing requirements and primary care service delivery.
• Identifying learning needs and implementing appropriate development plans.
• Contributing to shared learning, clinical supervision and the professional development of colleagues where appropriate.

The practice will support continuing professional development through regular protected time, subject to agreed arrangements and service requirements.

3.8 Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

The post-holder will actively contribute to maintaining and improving the quality and safety of services provided by the practice.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying and escalating clinical concerns, quality issues and potential risks.
• Taking responsibility for personal clinical decisions and professional practice.
• Participating in clinical audits, significant event reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
• Reflecting on individual and team performance and recommending improvements where appropriate.
• Supporting effective clinical governance and compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual standards.
• Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and external agencies to meet patients’ needs.
• Using clinical time, administrative time and practice resources effectively.
• Supporting the delivery of safe, accessible, equitable and patient-centred services.

3.9 Communication and Teamwork

The post-holder will recognise the importance of clear, timely and effective communication in the delivery of safe and coordinated patient care.

Responsibilities include:

• Communicating professionally and effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external healthcare professionals.
• Providing clear explanations of diagnoses, treatment options, investigations and care plans.
• Communicating sensitive information appropriately and maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Adapting communication methods to meet individual needs.
• Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary practice and PCN teams.
• Supporting positive working relationships and contributing constructively to team discussions and decision-making.
• Ensuring appropriate handover of clinical information to support continuity and safety of care.

3.10 Implementation and Development of Services

The post-holder will:

• Apply relevant practice policies, clinical standards and professional guidance.
• Contribute to discussions regarding the implementation and impact of policies on clinical services.
• Participate in service development, clinical audit and quality improvement activities.
• Support the implementation of changes to clinical pathways and working practices.
• Work collaboratively with the practice and PCN teams to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.

4. Working Arrangements and Support

The successful candidate will join an established and supportive GP team, with access to experienced nursing, administrative and multidisciplinary colleagues.

The role offers:

• A commitment of 4–6 sessions per week, equivalent to approximately 2–3 days.
• Protected administration sessions.
• Agreed participation in the duty doctor rota, including half-day on-call sessions.
• Regular protected CPD time.
• Opportunities to participate in clinical research and pursue relevant professional interests.
• An initial six-month salaried period to allow mutual assessment of suitability for partnership.

The anticipated start date and detailed working arrangements will be agreed with the successful candidate.

5. Person Specification

Qualifications and Professional Registration

Essential

• MB ChB or an equivalent recognised medical qualification.
• Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and a licence to practise.
• Appropriate postgraduate qualification in general practice, such as MRCGP or an accepted equivalent.
• Inclusion on the NHS England Medical Performers List, with eligibility to undertake NHS primary care work.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and commitment to professional revalidation.

Desirable

• Additional qualifications or training relevant to general practice, clinical leadership, research or service development.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working as a General Practitioner within a general practice setting.
• Experience of assessing, diagnosing and managing a broad range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
• Experience of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, confidentiality and evidence-based practice.

Desirable

• Experience of clinical audit, quality improvement or research.
• Experience of practice management, leadership or partnership responsibilities.
• Experience of working within a Primary Care Network or other collaborative primary care arrangements.

Clinical and Professional Skills

Essential

• Ability to make sound, autonomous clinical decisions within the scope of professional competence.
• Strong consultation, diagnostic and clinical management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise clinical needs and manage workload effectively.
• Commitment to delivering safe, compassionate and patient-centred care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of prescribing safety, clinical risk management and professional accountability.

Desirable

• Experience of using clinical audit and quality improvement methods to enhance patient care.
• Interest in research, service innovation or the development of new models of care.

IT and Administrative Skills

Essential

• Ability to maintain accurate and timely electronic patient records.
• Competence in the use of clinical IT systems and electronic communication tools.
• Ability to complete clinical documentation, referrals, prescriptions and other administrative tasks accurately and efficiently.

Desirable

• Experience of the EMIS Web clinical system.
• Experience of clinical audit, data analysis and the use of clinical information systems to support service improvement.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• A collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing clinical and operational demands.
• Reliability, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Enthusiasm, initiative and self-motivation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• A supportive and constructive approach to colleagues.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive patient care.
• Willingness to contribute to the wider development and success of the practice.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to meet the professional, regulatory and occupational requirements of the role.
• A valid driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle for work-related travel, including home visits, where required.

6. General Statement

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. The post-holder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role, level of responsibility and professional competence, following discussion and agreement where appropriate.

The responsibilities and working arrangements may be reviewed periodically in response to changes in clinical practice, contractual requirements, legislation and the operational needs of Wellside Surgery.

For candidates appointed to the partnership, specific partnership duties, financial arrangements, decision-making responsibilities and other terms will be set out separately in the relevant partnership agreement.

Wellside Surgery is committed to maintaining high standards of patient care, professional integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Please submit your application to The Practice Manager Heidi Wiliams

heidi.williams9@nhs.net