The General Practice Assistant role was introduced under the 2023 GP Agreement.

For the avoidance of doubt, the General Practice Assistant role does not refer to a 'GP Assistant' (assistant GP or salaried GP).

The GPA role:

• is claimable under Practice Grant Support only

• is not eligible for Practice Support Subsidy

• is subject to a maximum refundable salary of €32,000, plus employer PRSI

If the total cost of employing the GPA is lower than the maximum refundable amount, the lower amount is payable.

According to the IMO, the purpose of the role is to carry out certain basic tasks which improve:

• patient experience

• patient flow through the practice

• practice efficiency

• nurse and GP time for more clinical work

A non-exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities that a General Practice Assistant may undertake is set out below. Each practice will determine its own requirements.

At all times, General Practice Assistants must have the necessary training and indemnity for the tasks they are required to carry out.

Duties and responsibilities (as set out by the IMO)

• observing, monitoring and recording patients’ conditions, including temperature, pulse, respirations and weight

• communication with patients, relatives and carers

• assisting with clinical duties

• personal care, including infection prevention and control

• patient communication, reassurance, comfort and safety

• promoting positive mental, physical and nutritional health

• checking and ordering supplies and restocking consultation rooms

• covering administrative duties

• taking urine samples

• sterilising equipment