A Care Navigator is the expert "compass" of a GP practice. Far more than a receptionist, they use specialist training to assess patient needs and "signpost" them to the most appropriate professional whether that's a GP, pharmacist, or physiotherapist ensuring everyone gets the right care faster.
Job summary
A Care Navigator is the expert "compass" of a GP practice. Far more than a receptionist, they use specialist training to assess patient needs and "signpost" them to the most appropriate professional whether that's a GP, pharmacist, or physiotherapist ensuring everyone gets the right care faster.
Why join our team?
* Make a Real Difference: You aren't just booking appointments; you are actively improving patient outcomes by simplifying their journey through the healthcare system.
* Dynamic Teamwork: You'll work at the heart of a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors and nurses, in a supportive environment where your judgment is truly valued.
Main duties of the job
A Care Navigator acts as the first point of contact in a healthcare setting to ensure patients get the right care, at the right time, from the right professional.
About us
We are a practice based in leafy Buckinghamshire with approximately 11000 patients.
We have a great team which includes 2 GP Partners, 1 salaried and 3 locum GPs. They are supported by 3 Physicians Associates, 1 Advanced Nurse Practitioner, 1 First Contact Practitioner, 4 Practice Nurses and 2 Healthcare assistants.
We also have 3 in house pharmacists, 1 Social Prescriber and an admin team of 12 staff members.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Care Navigator
Job Title: Care Navigator Responsible to: Reception Manager / Practice Manager
A Care Navigator acts as the first point of contact in a healthcare setting to ensure patients get the right care, at the right time, from the right professional. This role involves much more than traditional reception duties; it requires special training to "signpost" patients to various services, such as social prescribing, pharmacy advice, or physiotherapy, rather than defaulting to a GP appointment.
Key Responsibilities
* Patient Signposting: Asking patients for a brief outline of their needs to identify and direct them to the most suitable clinician or service.
* Front-of-House Duties: Greeting patients in person and handling incoming telephone or online enquiries.
* Appointment Management: Allocating and rearranging appointments according to practice protocols.
* Administrative Support: Managing patient records, processing repeat prescriptions, and handling incoming clinical documentation or mail.
* Coordination of Care: Liaising with external agencies (like social services or secondary care) to support seamless care, especially for vulnerable or high-risk patients.
Core Requirements & Skills
Candidates for this role are typically expected to have:
* Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and telephone skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
* IT Literacy: Proficiency in using clinical computer systems EMIS Web and standard Office software.
* Confidentiality: A deep understanding of patient privacy and data protection laws like GDPR.
* Empathy: The ability to handle sensitive or distressing situations with compassion and discretion.
* Qualifications: Usually educated to GCSE level; experience in a healthcare or customer service environment is preferred.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* IT Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and the ability to learn clinical systems like EMIS Web
* Confidentiality: A solid understanding of data protection (GDPR) and the importance of maintaining patient privacy.
* Communication: Exceptional listening and questioning skills to identify patient needs without making a clinical diagnosis.
* Emotional Intelligence: The ability to handle distressing or difficult situations with empathy, patience, and professionalism.
* Organisation: Ability to manage a busy workload, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable
* Sector Awareness: Basic knowledge of the local health, social care, and voluntary sectors to effectively signpost patients
* Computer skills: Knowledge of EMIS Web
Qualifications
Essential
* Education: GCSEs (grades AC/49) in English and Maths.
Employer details
Employer name
Denham Medical Centre
Address
Queen Mothers Drive
Denham Garden Village
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB9 5GA
Employer's website
https://www.denhammedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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