Appointment of a
Practice Manager
Information for Applicants
  • An outline profile of the practice
  • An outline profile of the post
  • The principal contract terms
FEBRUARY 2013

An outline profile of the practice

Location

The practice operates from a modern, purpose built, premises in the centre of the market town of Chester-le-Street. The patient population is around 9100, mostly drawn from the town itself and a number of surrounding villages within a radius of approximately three miles.

There are 2 female partners and 3 male partners, plus two female salaried doctors. We also train medical students.

The practice and its philosophy

This GMS(GeneralMedical Services) practice has existed for over60 years and hasa current list size of 9,100. The practice is part of theDurhamPCT (Primary Care Trust) until April 2013 and part of the North DurhamCCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). The practice is actively involved with the CCG. QoF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) points have remained high and steady since the introduction in 2004. The practice continues to aspire to meet the challenges and targets of the NHS and National Standardsrequirements. The practice is committed to improving working lives and is an equal opportunities employer.

The practice is a very comfortable place to work, with a good team of friendly staff. There is a relaxed atmosphere and the environment is very pleasant to work in. The practice is a training practice andtrains GP registrars regularly, as well as medical students.

The Doctors

There are Fivepartners and twosalaried GPs as follows:-

  • Dr Richard Lilly (full time) CCG lead, executive partner and is the information governance lead for the practice.
  • Dr Tanya Johnston(part time)diabetic lead and is a GP trainer for the practice.
  • Dr Sian Morgan(parttime)is a GP trainer for the practice and Safeguarding Children Lead.
  • Dr Chris Brown (full time)QOF and prescribing lead.
  • Dr Matthew Crowston(full time)with an interest in diabetesand lead for COPD and asthma
  • Dr Sarah Chandler(part time salaried GP)
  • Dr Julie Oliver (part time salaried GP) with a special interest gynaecology, sexual health and family planning

Services Provided

The practice offers the following services in addition to surgeries and home visits:-

  • Antenatal clinics
  • Child development checks
  • Diabetic clinics
  • Family planning
  • Flu vaccinations
  • Minor surgery
  • Non NHS examinations
  • Go North East Medicals
  • Travel immunisations/vaccinations

The practice also has on site: physiotherapy, Talking Changes and counsellor services

Staff

The practice has a team of health care professionals and administration support

Practice staff

1 Reception Team Lead

1 Data Co-ordinator

4 Data Administrators

1 Accounts Clerk

1 Secretary

7 Receptionists

Clinical staff

1 nurse practitioner

1 Practice Nurse Team Lead

2 Practice Nurses

2 Health Care Assistants

Attached staff

District nurses

Midwives

Health visitors

Premises

Bridge End Surgery comprises 8GP consulting rooms, 6 nurse consulting/treatment rooms, clean and dirty utility facilities,a training/meeting room, kitchen, staff room, waiting room, reception and various offices set in a modern purpose built building.

Computing and Information Technology

The practice is paper-light and usesEMIS LV. The practice would consider itself developed in the IT environment, but is looking for management input and support to enable the practice to grow and progress further and develop improved systems and processes.

The current systems for both clinical and administrative areas are well established and stable, but the partners are happy to explore possibilities for further developments. The practice currently uses IRIS for the accounts and the payroll.

2. An outline profile of the post

The administration team provide support in a variety of areas depending on their areas of expertise.

The principal areas of responsibility and the qualities required of the manager are outlined in the attached Job Description and Person Specification. Whilst not expecting the person appointed to be an expert in all areas listed we do expect candidates to have good interpersonal qualities and be able to demonstrate experience and confidence in the areas of people management, with a particular emphasis on finance.

An understanding of current NHS initiatives will be helpful, however the NHS is changing substantially and rapidly and the introduction of new ideas and methods from outside the NHS presents an attractive proposition to the partnership. In addition to adapting the practice to meet the demands of providing high quality patient care, the manager will need to ensure that the practice is financially efficient and compliant with all aspects of health and safety, employment legislation and CQC (Care Quality Commission) registration.

The partners are looking to appoint a strategic thinking manager to take forward and contribute to the ideas of the practice team. The manager is seen as a key member of the team and will be expected to demonstrate leadership qualities from within the team, achieving goals and targets using a combination of personal involvement, motivation of other staff and delegation when appropriate. The successful candidate is likely to be a strong individual who is willing and able to take an active role alongside the partners. Strategic decisions are made democratically by the partners at regular partner meetings.

Whilst most of the role entails working at a senior management level within the practice, it is crucial that the successful candidate is prepared to interact with patients and other members of the public from time to time, for example in managing complaints and patient group meetings, as well as representing the practice at external professional meetings.

The opportunity for further personal development will be given in order to develop your skills in line with practice needs.

References will be requested and an enhanced CRB check. The successful candidate will take up the post as soon as possible.

3. The Principal Contract Terms

An annual salary of up to £40,000

The hours required will be commensurate with the salary, but will be based on 37.5 hours per week, worked over five days. There will be a requirement to attend evening meetings.

Annual Leave entitlement will be 30 days, plus all statutory Bank Holidays.

Access to the NHS Pension Scheme.

There will be a mutual assessment period of sixmonthswith quarterly reviews. During this probationary period notice will be two weeks.

Period of notice will be twelve weeks.

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