Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Clinical care delivery

Working within guidelines and protocols undertake and record:

Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for laboratory analysis

Temperature, pulse rate and rhythm and respiratory rate

Weight, height, waist circumference and Body Mass Index

ECGs

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

NHS health checks

New patient health reviews

Measurement of legs for compression hosiery

Obtain venous blood samples in surgery and also domiciliary visits.

Administer selected vaccines in accordance with the national schedule and legal authorisation.

Administer medication by injection with appropriate legal authorisation.

Carry out wound care and apply dressings after initial assessment by registered nurse.

Remove wound closure materials including sutures, clips / staples / steristrips.

Assist clinicians carrying out minor surgical procedures.

Support with the management of chronic disease reviews.

Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes.

Act as chaperone when required.

Administrative / service support

Assist with the management of clinical supplies e.g., monitoring stock levels, ordering, restocking of clinical areas and maintenance of equipment.

Ensure GPs rooms and clinical treatment rooms are cleaned as per Infection Prevention and Control policy.

Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session.

Ensure sharps bins are replaced in accordance to the Infection Prevention and Control policy.

Participate in quality improvement e.g., audits, development of protocols and new services.

Attend practice/clinical/nurse meetings and contribute to the agenda in the development of the nursing service and where appropriate the wider practice systems.

Assist with general clinical administrative duties, e.g. recalls, as required.

Personal/professional development

Complete statutory training/updating and mandatory training as specified by the practice policy.

Achieve competence in the 15 standards of the Care Certificate Framework within three months of appointment.

Complete skills specific training and regular updating.

Participate in an annual individual performance review including maintaining a record of own personal professional development.

Take responsibility for own development, learning and performance and identify gaps in knowledge and skills.

Inform registered nurse or practice manager if unable to perform any aspect of the role competently.

Confidentiality

In the performance of the duties outlined in the Job Description, the post holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients, carers, Practice staff and other health workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All information from any source must be regarded as strictly confidential.

Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may be only divulged to authorised persons, in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and protection of personal and sensitive data.

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have a right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.

Health and safety and security

Assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines.

Identify risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manage those risks and report to registered nurse or practice manager any potential risks identified.

Follow appropriate infection control procedures ensuring work are is tidy and safe and free from hazards.

Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain.

Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccinations and drugs within area of responsibility.

Make effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.

Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the work environment according to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

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, statutory local guidelines nad referral criteria.

Communication

Recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members.

Communicate effectively with patients and carers.

Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.

Be competent in completing electronic records.

Quality

To strive to maintain quality within the Practice

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.

Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and teams activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance.

Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs.

Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.

Equality and Diversity

Support the equality, diversity and rights of patients and carers, and colleagues.

Act in a way that recognises peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with the Practice procedures and policies and current legislation.

Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to the individual, that is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings and rights.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Healthcare qualification or equivalent level 3
• Phlebotomy certification / venepuncture
• 6 months relevant experience working in a primary care environment in the last 2 years
• Car driver
• Wound care
• Removal of sutures / clips
• Ability to record accurate clinical records
• IT skills -SystmOne
• Experience of working with the general public
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work as a team member or autonomously

Desirable

• Immunisations (flu, pneumonia, covid, B12)
• ECGs
• IT Skills SystmOne experience

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

Ilkley & Wharfedale Medical Practice

Address

Springs Lane

Ilkley

West Yorkshire

LS29 8TQ

Employer's website

https://www.iwmp.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)