Job Description

General Practitioner (GP)

A General Practitioner (GP) is to provide primary care services to individuals, helping to manage a wide range of health needs in a correctional facility. The role involves diagnosing and treating various physical and mental health conditions, ensuring the delivery of healthcare services in line with NHS standards, and supporting the overall well-being of the individual.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care and Assessment:

Conduct health assessments upon admission and during routine checks to identify physical, mental, and emotional health needs.
Diagnose and treat common illnesses, chronic conditions, and injuries, ensuring timely and appropriate intervention.
Offer preventive care such as health screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle advice (e.g., smoking cessation, diet, and exercise).
Provide routine physical examinations and follow-up care as required

Chronic Disease Management:

Manage long-term health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases, through ongoing assessment and treatment.
Review and adjust medications, offer advice on lifestyle changes, and ensure continuity of care for prisoners with chronic conditions.

Mental Health and Psychological Support:

Assess and treat prisoners experiencing mental health challenges, providing initial consultations and referring to specialist mental health services when necessary.
Work closely with mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses) to support patients with serious conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
Provide ongoing support and counseling for those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma related to their incarceration.

Infection Control and Public Health:

Respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases within the institution, managing cases of respiratory infections, hepatitis, HIV, TB, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Provide education on the prevention and spread of infections, and ensure appropriate screening and treatment are in place for at-risk individuals.
Ensure adherence to strict hygiene and infection control protocols in accordance with healthcare standards.

Substance Misuse and Detoxification:

Identify individuals with substance abuse problems and provide medical support for detoxification and rehabilitation programs.
Prescribe medication and coordinate with rehabilitation teams for inmates undergoing drug or alcohol detoxification.
Work closely with the substance misuse team
Provide ongoing support and advice for prisoners dealing with substance misuse issues, including referrals to relevant services.

Emergency and Acute Care:

Provide immediate care for individuals requiring emergency medical attention, such as injuries, accidents, or sudden illness.
Stabilize patients and initiate first aid, calling for emergency services if hospitalization or specialist care is required.
Support with first-response services during incidents or riots within the prison.

Health Promotion and Education:

Offer health education programs tailored to the population, focusing on mental health, sexual health, substance misuse, and chronic disease management.
Educate individuals on topics such as healthy living, smoking cessation, dietary advice, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Encourage and educate prisoners about taking responsibility for their health during and after their sentence.

Prescribing and Medication Management:

Prescribe medications for a variety of conditions, ensuring careful management of medication, particularly with regards to the potential for misuse or diversion in the prison environment.
Work with pharmacy teams to ensure medications are administered in a timely and safe manner, providing advice to staff on the handling and administration of medications.
Ensure all prescriptions are fully documented and comply with healthcare and prison policies.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

Work closely with prison healthcare teams, including nurses, mental health professionals, substance misuse specialists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care.
Participate in case discussions and care planning for prisoners with complex health needs.
Coordinate with prison officers, chaplains, and other professionals to address health issues and social needs affecting prisoners’ well-being.

Record Keeping and Documentation:

Maintain accurate, up-to-date patient records in line with NHS guidelines and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring confidentiality.
Document consultations, treatments, and any referrals or follow-ups, ensuring proper handover between shifts and staff.
Ensure all records are managed according to the prison’s security protocols and healthcare standards.

Safeguarding and Advocacy:

Ensure that individuals receive the appropriate healthcare, advocating for their rights and well-being within the constraints of the prison system.
Identify and act on signs of abuse, self-harm, or vulnerability, ensuring that the appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed.
Act as a key point of contact for any health-related concerns regarding the safety and welfare of inmates.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Clinical Expertise: Broad medical knowledge in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental.
Crisis Management: Ability to work under pressure in emergency situations, such as injuries or medical incidents in a correctional setting.
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with inmates, healthcare teams, and prison staff, ensuring clear communication and understanding.
Sensitivity and Empathy: Ability to provide compassionate care in a challenging environment while maintaining professional boundaries.
Confidentiality and Ethical Practice: Adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements regarding patient confidentiality and healthcare delivery in prisons.
Problem Solving: Ability to quickly assess medical needs, make decisions in high-pressure environments, and provide appropriate care.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Medical Degree:

A Medical Degree (MBBS) from a recognised institution and full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice as a GP in the UK.
Additional Requirements

Enhanced DBS check
Right to work in the UK/UK Resident
On a Performers List
Security Clearance (We will assist you to obtain)
Adult & Child Safe Guarding
BLS
Continuous professional development in areas like infectious diseases, prison healthcare, and emergency care.
All applicants need to live in the United Kingdom ( With residency in the UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an indefinite leave to remain visa )