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:

1. 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.
2. 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 )