Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The post holder works as part of the general practice team under the supervision of the practice nurse, and supports them by participating in the delivery of patient care.
The post holder undertakes roles and duties delegated by the practice nurse or a General Practitioner.
They will work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of practice population by providing quality evidence based care. The post holder will strive to improve standards of care and contribute to the identification of practice population needs.
The post holder will follow practice policy and procedures.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The post holder will be responsible for the following clinical activities:
- Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which they have received appropriate training
- Assisting the surgeon in the minor surgery clinic
- Daily phlebotomy clinic
- Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations
- Using patient specific directions, administer to adults B12, influenza and pneumococcal vaccine under indirect supervision of a regulated professional
- To gain the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to administer basic life support or adrenaline if necessary
- Undertake wound management as delegated by the regulated professional, referring back any patient that does not fit within established protocols
- Assist in raising awareness of health and well-being, and how it can be promoted
- Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence
- Where appropriate, provide support and encouragement to self-manage their conditions
- According to practice need and having undertaken appropriate training provide clinical care including monitoring and review of non-complex long term conditions
- Assess patients readiness to change and provide motivational support as appropriate in cases for example smoking, obesity and healthy living for older people
- Plan, develop and implement health promotion activities either in one to one or small groups as appropriate e.g. smoking, exercise and diet
Communication
- Patients are treated with dignity, respect and discretion whilst maintaining their confidentiality
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising their needs for alternative methods of communication
- Undertake effective communication with patients in specific clinical situations
- Communicate effectively with the primary health care team
- Acts in a manner that acknowledges patients right to make decisions and recognises their responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality during communication consistent with legislation and employers policies
Personal and people development
- Take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal development
- Work with the practice to access appropriate training based on identified need
- To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team
- Be familiar with the changing structures of health care provision relevant to general practice
Health, safety and security
- Use and encourage others to be familiar with the personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines
- Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks
- Use and encourage others to adopt appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including: hand washing
- universal hygiene procedures
- collection and handling of laboratory specimens
- segregation and disposal of waste materials
- decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
- reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
- dealing with blood and body fluid spillages
- Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures
- Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain
- Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility
- Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate
- Be aware of statutory child health procedures, and statutory local guidance.
- Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility
- Use the computer monitor safely
- Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the Control o
Service improvement
- Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives
- Deal with requests from patients and clinical staff for health information leaflets
- Quality
- Ensure own actions are consistent with clinical governance systems
- Practice in accordance with agreed standards of care
- Ensure stock items under your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms
- Know the practice's policies in this respect, especially the whistle-blowing policy - available in the practice staff handbook
- Be able to manage your own time effectively
Equality and diversity
- Act in ways that recognise the importance of people's rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with procedures
- Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers
- Understand basic legal and communication issues regarding child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour
- Act as a chaperone
Information processes
- Familiar with general practice computerised clinical system so as post holder can record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion
- Inputs accurate Read codes about patients to ensure accurate retrieval of information for monitoring and auditing processes
- Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice
- Take the necessary precautions when transmitting information
Learning and development
- Disseminate learning and information gained from courses.
Confidentiality
The post holder should be aware of the confidential nature of this job. Any matter of a confidential nature relating to patients, carers, relatives, staff, volunteers or practice business must not be divulged to any unauthorised person.
Health and Safety
The post holder is required to take reasonable care for his/her own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.
To liaise with the Practice Manager to maintain the safety and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff in accordance with the national and local policy.
Ensure correct procedures are followed and documentation is completed for all accidents and incidents.
Data Protection Act
The post holder must be aware of the Data Protection Act and follow local codes of practice to ensure appropriate action is taken to safeguard confidential information.
It will be necessary for the post holder to work alongside other staff from time to time. These duties will include supervision, training and support to help them achieve their full potential whilst working within their role description.
Other responsibilities
This job description covers the major responsibilities to be carried out and may be amended in the light of changing needs of the practice. Consultation will occur before any such changes take place