Job summary
The post holder works under indirect
supervision of the practice nursing team lead and undertakes task and duties
delegated by the practice nursing team lead or a suitably qualified regulated
professional. They will work collaboratively with the general practice team to
meet the needs of patients, following policy and procedures while providing
supervision to more junior staff.
Main duties of the job
The
following are the core responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant. There may
be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent
upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
Undertake new patient health checks
Support the practice nurse with health
promotion programmes
Carry out baseline observations such as
pulse oximitery, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings
accurately
Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP
monitoring, advising patients accordingly
Undertake wound care, dressings and
other clinical tasks as required
Support the practice nurse with the
management of chronic disease clinics
Carry out BMI checks as directed
Act as a chaperone as required
When trained, undertake venepuncture
When trained, administer flu
vaccinations
When trained, carry out ear irrigation
under the supervision of the practice nurse
Carry out ECGs as requested
Ensure specimens are recorded and ready
for onward transportation
Provide support during minor operations
as required
Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in
accordance with extant guidance
Ensure clinical waste is removed from
clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations
IPC policy
Deliver opportunistic health promotion
where appropriate
About us
We are a friendly team who work hard to deliver care to our practice population. The team meet together outside of work for social events such as theatre trips, summer BBQ's and christmas parties etc. Work/life balance is important for health and wellbeing, so we encourage everyone to take regular breaks to recharge.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The
following are the core responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant. There
may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be
dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
Undertake new patient health checks
Support the practice nurse with health
promotion programmes
Carry out baseline observations such
as pulse oximitery, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording
findings accurately
Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP
monitoring, advising patients accordingly
Undertake wound care, dressings and
other clinical tasks as required
Support the practice nurse with the
management of chronic disease clinics
Carry out BMI checks as directed
Act as a chaperone as required
When trained, undertake venepuncture
When trained, administer flu
vaccinations
When trained, carry out ear irrigation
under the supervision of the practice nurse
Carry out ECGs as requested
Ensure specimens are recorded and
ready for onward transportation
Provide support during minor
operations as required
Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely
in accordance with extant guidance
Ensure clinical waste is removed from
clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations
IPC policy
Deliver opportunistic health promotion
where appropriate
Secondary
responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities,
the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:
Participate in practice audit as
directed by the audit lead
Participate in local initiatives to
enhance service delivery and patient care
Support and participate in shared
learning within the organisation
Complete opening and closing
procedures in accordance with the duty rota
Job description
Job responsibilities
The
following are the core responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant. There
may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be
dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
Undertake new patient health checks
Support the practice nurse with health
promotion programmes
Carry out baseline observations such
as pulse oximitery, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording
findings accurately
Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP
monitoring, advising patients accordingly
Undertake wound care, dressings and
other clinical tasks as required
Support the practice nurse with the
management of chronic disease clinics
Carry out BMI checks as directed
Act as a chaperone as required
When trained, undertake venepuncture
When trained, administer flu
vaccinations
When trained, carry out ear irrigation
under the supervision of the practice nurse
Carry out ECGs as requested
Ensure specimens are recorded and
ready for onward transportation
Provide support during minor
operations as required
Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely
in accordance with extant guidance
Ensure clinical waste is removed from
clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations
IPC policy
Deliver opportunistic health promotion
where appropriate
Secondary
responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities,
the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:
Participate in practice audit as
directed by the audit lead
Participate in local initiatives to
enhance service delivery and patient care
Support and participate in shared
learning within the organisation
Complete opening and closing
procedures in accordance with the duty rota
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level
- Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate - as detailed within GP Mythbuster No 57 - HCAs in General Practice
Desirable
- Phlebotomy certification
- Vaccination certification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the general public
- Experience of working as a HCA in a healthcare setting
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
Clinical knowledge and skills
Essential
- ECGs
- Venepuncture
- New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse
- Chaperone procedure
- Ability to record accurate clinical notes
- Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations
- Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Effectively utilise resources
- Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
Other requirements
Essential
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
- Occupational Health clearance
Desirable
- Flexibility to work outside core office hours
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Strong IT skills
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Effective time management (planning and organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
Desirable
- Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
- EMIS/SystemOne/Vision user skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level
- Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate - as detailed within GP Mythbuster No 57 - HCAs in General Practice
Desirable
- Phlebotomy certification
- Vaccination certification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the general public
- Experience of working as a HCA in a healthcare setting
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
Clinical knowledge and skills
Essential
- ECGs
- Venepuncture
- New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse
- Chaperone procedure
- Ability to record accurate clinical notes
- Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations
- Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Effectively utilise resources
- Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
Other requirements
Essential
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
- Occupational Health clearance
Desirable
- Flexibility to work outside core office hours
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Strong IT skills
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Effective time management (planning and organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
Desirable
- Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
- EMIS/SystemOne/Vision user skills
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.
