• Job Description

  Req#: A2876-25-0010?language=en&page=397&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  We are recruiting a fully qualified advanced clinical practitioner to join our General Practice Older Persons (GPOP) Team, who has a passion for frailty and older peoples care.

  You will have completed an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or an equivalent and be registered through the Advancing Practice Academy e-portfolio route. Our wider team includes GPs, practice nurses, ACPs in urgent care, paramedic practitioners, nurse practitioners, radiographers and administrative staff.

  As a team we support the care of older people within the Whitstable area, in particular leading the care for all the local care home residents, conducting home visits for those with severe frailty and providing urgent home visits for those acutely unwell and at risk of hospital admission. We also provide teaching and support to our colleagues regarding older persons care and link in closely with other community services such as the community frailty team and home treatment service.

  Main duties of the job

  The candidate must have a special interest in frailty, have considerable post registration experience, be competent in assessing patients, arranging investigations, considering differential diagnoses and implementing management plans. It is essential to have professional registration.

  The post holder will work alongside experienced Frailty Practitioners in addition to a number of other Allied Health Professionals. They will have strong organisation skills, be flexible and show empathy and compassion. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with evidence of leadership qualities are also required.

  About us

  Whitstable Medical Practice is a forward thinking single practice Primary Care Network (PCN) GP Practice based across 3 sites in Whitstable. There are 24 equity GP Partners looking after over 44,500 patients. There is also 22 Allied Health Professionals directly employed - Clinical Pharmacy Team, Frailty Practitioners, Social Prescribers, First Contact Physiotherapists, Podiatrist and Mental Health Practitioners.

  We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to Primary Care. We are a training practice and run various in house contracts including Cataract surgery, Ultrasound, Dermatology, Physical Therapies and Audiology together with further community contracts, a Day Surgery Suite and an Urgent Treatment Centre with digital x-ray.

  As is typical across the country, we are experiencing an increasing elderly population which is placing additional pressures on the local health economy. There are 10 care and nursing homes in the area all of whom are registered with the practice.

  Details

  Date posted

  20 May 2025

  Pay scheme

  Other

  Salary

  Depending on experience

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time, Part-time

  Reference number

  A2876-25-0010

  Job locations

  Estuary View Medical Centre

  Boorman Way

  Whitstable

  Kent

  CT5 3SE

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in Frailty plays a pivotal role in the proactive management and care of older adults with frailty. The ACP will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to assess, diagnose, plan, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals living with frailty. This role focuses on preventing the deterioration of health, improving quality of life, and managing long-term conditions within the primary care setting.

  The ACP will conduct comprehensive assessments, including frailty screening, physical examinations, and reviews of medical histories, to develop personalised care plans. They will be responsible for managing complex cases, ensuring appropriate interventions, and coordinating with healthcare professionals to support individuals across their care journey. Additionally, the ACP will have a key role in educating patients and their families about frailty, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

  The successful candidate will have advanced clinical skills, experience in geriatric or frailty care, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for older adults in the primary care setting. They will demonstrate the ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

  Primary Duties and Responsibilities Patient Care:

  To work closely with the GPs, primary care and community staff in providing a service for patients ensuring the delivery of treatment, care planning and hospital admission prevention where appropriate.

  Undertakes first line comprehensive clinical assessment of patients, including those with complex presentations, employing an extended scope of practice beyond own profession including advanced clinical assessment skills, referral and interpretation of investigations and independent prescribing.

  To provide advanced assessment and care planning, including history taking and physical assessment of patients.

  To work closely with the consultant geriatricians, GPs and patients in identifying and devising effective care for each patient recognising them as an individual. The plan of care, which should be developed in conjunction with the patient, carer/family and relevant others, should be outcome based and ensure appropriate pathways of care and communication via liaison and referral to other agencies as required.

  To work in conjunction with a wide range of clinical colleagues facilitating a patient or client focused, co-ordinated case management approach across primary and secondary care for people who are most vulnerable to and at high risk of repeat admissions to hospital

  To participate in efforts to shape multi-disciplinary pathways designed to support patient choice, improve quality of life, promote self-management and assure early intervention through the proactive provision of care in or as close to the patients own home as possible

  Requests, reviews and interprets diagnostic investigations within the context of other available information utilising a systematic process of clinical reasoning to formulate a differential diagnosis.

  Involves patients, families and carers in the identification of patient-centred concerns and priorities about health and well-being and negotiates approaches available to prevent deterioration or promote comfort and well-being.

  Demonstrates empathy and compassion when communicating sensitive information and advice to patients, carers and relatives.

  Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and modifies the management plan accordingly.

  Adopts an integrated care approach to meeting an individual patients needs across services through collaboration with care teams who refer patients to the service and those who provide on-going care after discharge

  Assesses capacity, gains valid informed consent and works within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

  Provides guidance to the clinical team with regard to therapeutic interventions, advance care planning and best interest decision-making for patients who lack mental capacity

  Recognises deteriorating patients, implements early interventions as needed and escalates care where appropriate.

  Empowers patients to manage their long-term conditions as independently as possible.

  Applies expert knowledge in palliative care to symptom control, recognition of dying and advance care planning.

  Refers to other practitioners and agencies when necessary.

  Communication and Working Relationships:

  Ensure close liaison with GPs, clinicians, consultant geriatrician, and General Manager in communicating clinical issues

  Facilitates the communication of highly complex information regarding specialist issues on a range of service developments with the Practice and other health and social care professionals. This communication is directed to professional colleagues, across all areas of the health economy and primary care networks in the CCG area.

  Advanced communication skills are necessary to communicate with patients to gain consent for treatment within a care pathway. Highly sensitive and confidential information is regularly required to be communicated to patients after clinical and medical results are collated, formulating specific management plans which can be upsetting in nature.

  Responsible for developing and maintaining effective communication channels with patient, carers and other health and social care professionals.

  Promote empathy, enable sharing of complex multi-professional viewpoints and sensitive handling of confidential information

  Analytical and Judgement:

  The ACP will work across the caseload using their clinical skills to identify the needs of patients and the correct services to liaise with.

  Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness and provide information to individual and groups to prevent ill-health.

  To provide specialist assessment of patients, using analytical and judgement skills. To provide appropriate patient centred treatment using evidence based practice wherever possible.

  Analyses and interprets highly complex information gained during clinical examination and history taking to diagnose an individuals problems or illness and to decide on an appropriate course of action or treatment.

  Analyses and interprets results from tests and investigations to inform diagnosis and treatment

  Able to access and assimilate previous patient records where available

  Identifies evidence based interventions to meet an individuals complex health needs within the context of the overall management plan

  Supports the development of a learning organisation by identifying, challenging and reporting poor performance and alerting managers to resource issues which may affect patient safety.

  Training and Development: Continuous Professional Education: Engage in ongoing professional development through formal courses, workshops, conferences, and e-learning to maintain and enhance clinical expertise in frailty care.

  Clinical Supervision and Mentorship: Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and guidance to junior healthcare professionals, including nurses, trainees, and other allied health staff, fostering a culture of learning within the team.

  Knowledge Sharing: Lead and participate in training sessions, case discussions, and in-service education for the primary care team to raise awareness of frailty issues, management strategies, and best practice guidelines

  Role Development: Actively contribute to the development and expansion of the ACP role within the older persons team by identifying new learning needs and areas for service improvement.

  Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Stay up-to-date with the latest research, evidence, and best practices in frailty care, and incorporate these findings into both personal practice and team training initiatives.

  Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Build relationships with universities or training providers to facilitate learning opportunities for students or apprentices in frailty care.

  Audit and Quality Improvement: Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives to assess the effectiveness of frailty management approaches and use the findings to inform training and development activities.

  Personal Reflection and Development Plans: Regularly review personal performance and clinical outcomes, setting development goals and seeking feedback from peers and supervisors to ensure ongoing professional growth.

  Safeguarding:

  Whitstable Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment by understanding their role in effective safeguarding.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in Frailty plays a pivotal role in the proactive management and care of older adults with frailty. The ACP will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to assess, diagnose, plan, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals living with frailty. This role focuses on preventing the deterioration of health, improving quality of life, and managing long-term conditions within the primary care setting.

  The ACP will conduct comprehensive assessments, including frailty screening, physical examinations, and reviews of medical histories, to develop personalised care plans. They will be responsible for managing complex cases, ensuring appropriate interventions, and coordinating with healthcare professionals to support individuals across their care journey. Additionally, the ACP will have a key role in educating patients and their families about frailty, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

  The successful candidate will have advanced clinical skills, experience in geriatric or frailty care, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for older adults in the primary care setting. They will demonstrate the ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

  Primary Duties and Responsibilities Patient Care:

  To work closely with the GPs, primary care and community staff in providing a service for patients ensuring the delivery of treatment, care planning and hospital admission prevention where appropriate.

  Undertakes first line comprehensive clinical assessment of patients, including those with complex presentations, employing an extended scope of practice beyond own profession including advanced clinical assessment skills, referral and interpretation of investigations and independent prescribing.

  To provide advanced assessment and care planning, including history taking and physical assessment of patients.

  To work closely with the consultant geriatricians, GPs and patients in identifying and devising effective care for each patient recognising them as an individual. The plan of care, which should be developed in conjunction with the patient, carer/family and relevant others, should be outcome based and ensure appropriate pathways of care and communication via liaison and referral to other agencies as required.

  To work in conjunction with a wide range of clinical colleagues facilitating a patient or client focused, co-ordinated case management approach across primary and secondary care for people who are most vulnerable to and at high risk of repeat admissions to hospital

  To participate in efforts to shape multi-disciplinary pathways designed to support patient choice, improve quality of life, promote self-management and assure early intervention through the proactive provision of care in or as close to the patients own home as possible

  Requests, reviews and interprets diagnostic investigations within the context of other available information utilising a systematic process of clinical reasoning to formulate a differential diagnosis.

  Involves patients, families and carers in the identification of patient-centred concerns and priorities about health and well-being and negotiates approaches available to prevent deterioration or promote comfort and well-being.

  Demonstrates empathy and compassion when communicating sensitive information and advice to patients, carers and relatives.

  Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and modifies the management plan accordingly.

  Adopts an integrated care approach to meeting an individual patients needs across services through collaboration with care teams who refer patients to the service and those who provide on-going care after discharge

  Assesses capacity, gains valid informed consent and works within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

  Provides guidance to the clinical team with regard to therapeutic interventions, advance care planning and best interest decision-making for patients who lack mental capacity

  Recognises deteriorating patients, implements early interventions as needed and escalates care where appropriate.

  Empowers patients to manage their long-term conditions as independently as possible.

  Applies expert knowledge in palliative care to symptom control, recognition of dying and advance care planning.

  Refers to other practitioners and agencies when necessary.

  Communication and Working Relationships:

  Ensure close liaison with GPs, clinicians, consultant geriatrician, and General Manager in communicating clinical issues

  Facilitates the communication of highly complex information regarding specialist issues on a range of service developments with the Practice and other health and social care professionals. This communication is directed to professional colleagues, across all areas of the health economy and primary care networks in the CCG area.

  Advanced communication skills are necessary to communicate with patients to gain consent for treatment within a care pathway. Highly sensitive and confidential information is regularly required to be communicated to patients after clinical and medical results are collated, formulating specific management plans which can be upsetting in nature.

  Responsible for developing and maintaining effective communication channels with patient, carers and other health and social care professionals.

  Promote empathy, enable sharing of complex multi-professional viewpoints and sensitive handling of confidential information

  Analytical and Judgement:

  The ACP will work across the caseload using their clinical skills to identify the needs of patients and the correct services to liaise with.

  Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness and provide information to individual and groups to prevent ill-health.

  To provide specialist assessment of patients, using analytical and judgement skills. To provide appropriate patient centred treatment using evidence based practice wherever possible.

  Analyses and interprets highly complex information gained during clinical examination and history taking to diagnose an individuals problems or illness and to decide on an appropriate course of action or treatment.

  Analyses and interprets results from tests and investigations to inform diagnosis and treatment

  Able to access and assimilate previous patient records where available

  Identifies evidence based interventions to meet an individuals complex health needs within the context of the overall management plan

  Supports the development of a learning organisation by identifying, challenging and reporting poor performance and alerting managers to resource issues which may affect patient safety.

  Training and Development: Continuous Professional Education: Engage in ongoing professional development through formal courses, workshops, conferences, and e-learning to maintain and enhance clinical expertise in frailty care.

  Clinical Supervision and Mentorship: Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and guidance to junior healthcare professionals, including nurses, trainees, and other allied health staff, fostering a culture of learning within the team.

  Knowledge Sharing: Lead and participate in training sessions, case discussions, and in-service education for the primary care team to raise awareness of frailty issues, management strategies, and best practice guidelines

  Role Development: Actively contribute to the development and expansion of the ACP role within the older persons team by identifying new learning needs and areas for service improvement.

  Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Stay up-to-date with the latest research, evidence, and best practices in frailty care, and incorporate these findings into both personal practice and team training initiatives.

  Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Build relationships with universities or training providers to facilitate learning opportunities for students or apprentices in frailty care.

  Audit and Quality Improvement: Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives to assess the effectiveness of frailty management approaches and use the findings to inform training and development activities.

  Personal Reflection and Development Plans: Regularly review personal performance and clinical outcomes, setting development goals and seeking feedback from peers and supervisors to ensure ongoing professional growth.

  Safeguarding:

  Whitstable Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment by understanding their role in effective safeguarding.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Post registration experience gained by undertaking on-going personal development and training.
  • Experience of working with people with frailty.
  • Experience in assessing patients, arranging investigations, considering differential diagnoses and implementing management plans.
  • Experience underpinned by knowledge of working with and understanding the complex needs of patients in a primary care/community setting.
  • Experience of working with long-term conditions.
  • Involvement in the implementation and management of change.
  • Good understanding of current health care issues.

  Desirable

  • Training in interpretation of blood results. Experience in palliative care or working with people near the end of life.

  Skills and Abilities

  Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Broad range of enhanced clinical skills.
  • Ability to advocate patient issues.
  • Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.
  • Excellent organisation skills including the ability to make decisions and prioritise.
  • High degree of autonomy, analytical skills and multidisciplinary knowledge in caring for patients.
  • Decision making skills and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to understand and interpret information/evidence based care and apply to practice.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Good IT skills.
  • Assertive, adaptable and flexible.
  • Empathy and compassion.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent. Registered Practitioner holding current registration with NMC, HCPC. Independent Prescriber. experience working with frailty/older people

  Desirable

  • Mentoring/Leadership qualification. Experience working in the community. Experience working in care homes.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Post registration experience gained by undertaking on-going personal development and training.
  • Experience of working with people with frailty.
  • Experience in assessing patients, arranging investigations, considering differential diagnoses and implementing management plans.
  • Experience underpinned by knowledge of working with and understanding the complex needs of patients in a primary care/community setting.
  • Experience of working with long-term conditions.
  • Involvement in the implementation and management of change.
  • Good understanding of current health care issues.

  Desirable

  • Training in interpretation of blood results. Experience in palliative care or working with people near the end of life.

  Skills and Abilities

  Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Broad range of enhanced clinical skills.
  • Ability to advocate patient issues.
  • Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.
  • Excellent organisation skills including the ability to make decisions and prioritise.
  • High degree of autonomy, analytical skills and multidisciplinary knowledge in caring for patients.
  • Decision making skills and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to understand and interpret information/evidence based care and apply to practice.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Good IT skills.
  • Assertive, adaptable and flexible.
  • Empathy and compassion.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent. Registered Practitioner holding current registration with NMC, HCPC. Independent Prescriber. experience working with frailty/older people

  Desirable

  • Mentoring/Leadership qualification. Experience working in the community. Experience working in care homes.

  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.

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Additional information

  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.

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Whitstable Medical Practice

  Address

  Estuary View Medical Centre

  Boorman Way

  Whitstable

  Kent

  CT5 3SE

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.whitstablemedicalpractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Whitstable Medical Practice

  Address

  Estuary View Medical Centre

  Boorman Way

  Whitstable

  Kent

  CT5 3SE

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.whitstablemedicalpractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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