Initially practices were incentivised to establish Minor Injury Units and these were staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Paramedics that had minor injury training. It was then highlighted that some Paramedics could fulfil a wider brief.
As Specialist Paramedics were developed within the Ambulance service, they were educated and experienced in dealing with minor injuries and illnesses and could complete episodes of care autonomously and safely discharge or refer patients at scene. This led to practices expanding the minor injuries clinics into same day service clinics. Paramedics would staff the clinics and could adapt to reduced appointment times thus increasing the same day appointments available to practice patients.
Gloucestershire
Within Gloucestershire, we have several Paramedics in post in GP surgeries, delivering primary care to patients both for individual practices and networks. The models are varied, but mainly include carrying out home visits and seeing acutely unwell patients.
As part of the new GP contract, through a new Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) will be guaranteed funding to meet a recurrent 100% of the actual on going salary costs of additional and first contact community paramedics.
The eligible maximum pay against which the 100% reimbursement will apply is the sum of (a) the weighted average salary for the specified Agenda for Change band; plus (b) the associated employer on-costs.
The reimbursement for First contact community Paramedics will commence in 2021/22 and will be at band 5 level.
For a definition of the Specialist & Advanced Paramedics, including their scope of practice please Click here >
College of Paramedics
The College of Paramedics is the recognised professional body for Paramedics and the Ambulance professions. It has developed rapidly over the last few decade from a fledgling organisation, to become a robust and respected body. To visit their website Click here >
For the College of Paramedics interactive Career framework Click here >
Diploma in Primary & Urgent care
Paramedics are also able to complete a Diploma in Primary and Urgent Care, accredited by the College of Paramedics and developed in collaboration with the RCGP. This has been developed specifically for those Paramedics wishing to work in Primary Care. The examination comprises of triangulated assessment which includes;
- A period of Work-Place Based Assessment (WPBA). It is expected that applicants would have completed an appropriate period of WPBA prior to applying to undertake the examination;
- 15 x 10 minute Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
- A three hour Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) paper formed of 150 single best answer (SBA) questions.
For more info on the Diploma Click here >
Paramedic (Specialist in Primary and Urgent Care) core capabilities framework
Workforce Transformation and Education commissioned the development of this Paramedic (Specialist in Primary and Urgent Care) core capabilities framework to support those paramedics working in primary and urgent care and the transformation of services that employ these clinicians in new environments. You can read the full report by Clicking here > , published in March 2019
Fareham and Gosport & South Eastern Hampshire ICB have also developed a useful guide for the employment of Paramedics in Primary Care Click Here >
Making the best use of Paramedics in Primary care Blue Kite report July 2018
This discussion paper was written for Workforce Transformation and Education (HEE), Local Workforce Action Boards (LWABs), STPs, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and provider organisations (for example, ambulance trusts, primary care, acute trusts, community trusts, and NHS 111).
To read the full report Click here >
Paramedics as Advanced clinical practitioners
This website may be useful for more information:
Workforce Transformation and Education – Advanced Clinical Practice Click Here >
Non-Medical Prescribing
These websites may be useful for more information:
NM Prescribing Click here >
University of the West of England Click here >