Downing Drive Surgery

Health Care Assistant (HCA)

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) is an essential member of our multidisciplinary team, providing invaluable support to the practice nursing team and assisting in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. In this role, the HCA will work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive compassionate and effective care tailored to their needs. This position is ideal for someone dedicated to supporting patient health and wellbeing within a collaborative team environment.

Main duties of the job

The HCAs responsibilities include assisting with clinical procedures, conducting routine health checks, and supporting patients in managing their health through preventive care and education. Key duties involve direct patient interaction, health promotion activities, and ensuring efficient delivery of nursing services. The HCA will play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of our clinical services and enhancing the patient experience through attentive and proactive care.

About us

Downing Drive Surgery is a modern healthcare facility dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered medical services to our community. Located in Leicester, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our diverse patient population through a range of comprehensive services, including general practice consultations, chronic disease management, preventative care, and health education.

Our team consists of experienced healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, practice nurses, nurse associates, healthcare assistants, and a clinical pharmacist who work collaboratively to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. We prioritise a welcoming and supportive environment, where patients can access tailored healthcare solutions that meet their individual needs. With a strong emphasis on infection control and quality standards, Downing Drive Surgery aims to deliver safe and effective healthcare, promoting long-lasting relationships with our patients and their families.

Details

Date posted

04 November 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A2818-24-0005

Job locations

155 Downing Drive

Evington

Leicester

LE5 6LP


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction

i. Deliver high standards of holistic care, ensuring patient equality and dignity are maintained.

ii. Conduct clinical observations, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure (including 24-hour BP), and measure patient height and weight.

iii. Perform NHS health checks.

iv. Observe and promptly report any changes in patient conditions to the Practice Nurse or GP on call.

v. Provide chaperone support during examinations and treatments.

vi. Assist with Chronic Disease Management following practice protocols and within training and competency levels.

vii. Provide support during minor operations in line with practice protocol.

viii. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate.

ix. To perform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation, under the supervision of the ANP, Practice Nurse or Nurse Associate if appropriately trained.

2. Specimen Collecting and Testing

i. Obtain venous blood samples from patients as directed.

ii. Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens; perform urinalysis; and ensure proper labelling, bagging, and online form completion.

iii. Perform INR tests within Anticoagulation clinics.

iv. Conduct additional tests such as ECGs, H Pylori testing, and Spirometry if fully trained.

v. Administer Influenza, Pneumonia, Vitamin B12, Shingles and RSV vaccines following practice protocols if appropriately trained.

3. Health Promotion and Patient Education

i. Provide lifestyle support, including stop-smoking advice if trained.

ii. Conduct health education sessions to encourage patients to manage their health conditions effectively.

4. Equipment and Stock Management

i. Regularly check and maintain resuscitation, oxygen, and fridges.

ii. Ensure calibration and maintenance of medical equipment (e.g., ear syringe kits, scales, BP monitors, ECGs).

iii. Maintain stock levels, order supplies, and organize doctors rooms and clinical areas as needed.

iv. Keep the waiting room notice boards organized and current.

5. Infection Control and Safety

i. Handle hazardous samples and waste in accordance with practice policy.

ii. Ensure all samples and specimens are stored and transported to the laboratory per protocols.

iii. Maintain room cleanliness and adhere to infection control standards.

iv. Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines.

v. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidelines.

vi. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy.

6. Documentation and Administration

i. Verify and accurately complete documentation for all specimens and samples taken.

ii. Support Enhanced Service work, including audits and administrative tasks required for claims processing if/when required.

iii. Adhere to all practice policies, procedures, and guidelines, maintaining high standards of care within role limitations.

iv. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with practice protocols and GDPR regulations.

vi. Input patient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronic health record system (SystmOne).

vii. Manage own correspondence from within the practice, including emails.

viii. Keep up to date with latest technologies used within the practice i.e., AccuRx, website, emails, NHS App and use as per practice protocols.

ix. Always maintain patient confidentiality, adhering to GDPR and Caldicott principles.

7. Communication and Collaboration

i. Work collaboratively with all our receptionists, administrative staff, and healthcare professionals to ensure the effective delivery of services.

ii. Handle patient feedback, complaints, and concerns with empathy and efficiency, escalating issues to the Practice Manager when necessary.

iii. Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to stay informed about practice developments, updates in policies, and ongoing professional development.

8. Premises

i. To open and lock the premises and know the correct procedures for securing the building.

ii. Know how to contact the alarm companies.

iii. Ensure your consulting rooms is clean, cleared and restocked after every use.

iv. To report any necessary Health and Safety issues.

v. Ensure any health promotion around the practice or in waiting area is up to date.

9. Training

i. Undertake training as directed by your supervisors or managers.

ii. Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role model.

iii. Participate in annual appraisal with line manager and practice manager.

iv. Ensure that all statutory and mandatory training is completed according to the timescales provided by the practice.

v. Attending primary care health meetings, reception team meetings, and Protected Learning Time (PLT) meetings when required.

The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception team may include any or all the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction

i. Deliver high standards of holistic care, ensuring patient equality and dignity are maintained.

ii. Conduct clinical observations, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure (including 24-hour BP), and measure patient height and weight.

iii. Perform NHS health checks.

iv. Observe and promptly report any changes in patient conditions to the Practice Nurse or GP on call.

v. Provide chaperone support during examinations and treatments.

vi. Assist with Chronic Disease Management following practice protocols and within training and competency levels.

vii. Provide support during minor operations in line with practice protocol.

viii. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate.

ix. To perform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation, under the supervision of the ANP, Practice Nurse or Nurse Associate if appropriately trained.

2. Specimen Collecting and Testing

i. Obtain venous blood samples from patients as directed.

ii. Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens; perform urinalysis; and ensure proper labelling, bagging, and online form completion.

iii. Perform INR tests within Anticoagulation clinics.

iv. Conduct additional tests such as ECGs, H Pylori testing, and Spirometry if fully trained.

v. Administer Influenza, Pneumonia, Vitamin B12, Shingles and RSV vaccines following practice protocols if appropriately trained.

3. Health Promotion and Patient Education

i. Provide lifestyle support, including stop-smoking advice if trained.

ii. Conduct health education sessions to encourage patients to manage their health conditions effectively.

4. Equipment and Stock Management

i. Regularly check and maintain resuscitation, oxygen, and fridges.

ii. Ensure calibration and maintenance of medical equipment (e.g., ear syringe kits, scales, BP monitors, ECGs).

iii. Maintain stock levels, order supplies, and organize doctors rooms and clinical areas as needed.

iv. Keep the waiting room notice boards organized and current.

5. Infection Control and Safety

i. Handle hazardous samples and waste in accordance with practice policy.

ii. Ensure all samples and specimens are stored and transported to the laboratory per protocols.

iii. Maintain room cleanliness and adhere to infection control standards.

iv. Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines.

v. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidelines.

vi. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy.

6. Documentation and Administration

i. Verify and accurately complete documentation for all specimens and samples taken.

ii. Support Enhanced Service work, including audits and administrative tasks required for claims processing if/when required.

iii. Adhere to all practice policies, procedures, and guidelines, maintaining high standards of care within role limitations.

iv. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with practice protocols and GDPR regulations.

vi. Input patient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronic health record system (SystmOne).

vii. Manage own correspondence from within the practice, including emails.

viii. Keep up to date with latest technologies used within the practice i.e., AccuRx, website, emails, NHS App and use as per practice protocols.

ix. Always maintain patient confidentiality, adhering to GDPR and Caldicott principles.

7. Communication and Collaboration

i. Work collaboratively with all our receptionists, administrative staff, and healthcare professionals to ensure the effective delivery of services.

ii. Handle patient feedback, complaints, and concerns with empathy and efficiency, escalating issues to the Practice Manager when necessary.

iii. Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to stay informed about practice developments, updates in policies, and ongoing professional development.

8. Premises

i. To open and lock the premises and know the correct procedures for securing the building.

ii. Know how to contact the alarm companies.

iii. Ensure your consulting rooms is clean, cleared and restocked after every use.

iv. To report any necessary Health and Safety issues.

v. Ensure any health promotion around the practice or in waiting area is up to date.

9. Training

i. Undertake training as directed by your supervisors or managers.

ii. Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role model.

iii. Participate in annual appraisal with line manager and practice manager.

iv. Ensure that all statutory and mandatory training is completed according to the timescales provided by the practice.

v. Attending primary care health meetings, reception team meetings, and Protected Learning Time (PLT) meetings when required.

The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception team may include any or all the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • -Minimum of 6 months experience working in a primary care environment in the last 2 years.
  • -Experience of working with the public.
  • -Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
  • -Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • -Chaperone procedure
  • -Ability to record accurate clinical notes
  • -Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

Other

Essential

  • -Strong IT skills
  • -Competent in the use of patient record management systems: SystmOne
  • -Self-Motivated
  • -Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
  • -Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
  • -Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
  • -In date CRB/DBS check
  • -Immunisation status

Qualifications

Essential

  • -Healthcare qualification or equivalent level
  • -Phlebotomy certification
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • -Minimum of 6 months experience working in a primary care environment in the last 2 years.
  • -Experience of working with the public.
  • -Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
  • -Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • -Chaperone procedure
  • -Ability to record accurate clinical notes
  • -Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

Other

Essential

  • -Strong IT skills
  • -Competent in the use of patient record management systems: SystmOne
  • -Self-Motivated
  • -Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
  • -Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
  • -Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
  • -In date CRB/DBS check
  • -Immunisation status

Qualifications

Essential

  • -Healthcare qualification or equivalent level
  • -Phlebotomy certification

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Downing Drive Surgery

Address

155 Downing Drive

Evington

Leicester

LE5 6LP


Employer's website

https://www.downingdrivesurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Downing Drive Surgery

Address

155 Downing Drive

Evington

Leicester

LE5 6LP


Employer's website

https://www.downingdrivesurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Manager

Katie Billson

01162413801

Details

Date posted

04 November 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A2818-24-0005

Job locations

155 Downing Drive

Evington

Leicester

LE5 6LP


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Downing Drive Surgery's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)