Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Phlebotomy Perform venepunture to obtain blood samples for laboratory tests. Establish reason and type of blood tests required either denoted by GPs, ANPs, PNs, pts Chronic Disease needs or Health check metrics. They need to be able to document samples and order tests using appropriate software and form(s) in accordance with requests and requirements of laboratory for labelling etc. Document action taken on medical records.

Anticoagulation / INRs Undertake near patient testing of blood to obtain coagulation measure and record this in SystmOne integrated INRstar and act in accordance with protocol including recording action on patient medical record.

Urine specimens Understand principles and reasons for urine testing. Test samples with Uristix/Multistix and, if necessary, forward to the Path lab for analysis in accordance with protocol. Record action taken and communicated to patient. Safely transfer urine to appropriate containers for required tests.

Wound assessment and renewal of dressings Understand the basics of wound management and be able to identify when a simple renewal of dressing is appropriate and when a wound needs to be examined by a doctor/nurse. Apply dressings to wounds on different parts of the body. Print off prescriptions for dressings as appropriate.

Health data and records check Depending on the Health check required. Use the SystmOne templates to gather and record basic health metrics. Signpost patients to appropriate healthcare professionals as needed.

ECG recordings (routine & urgent) Prepare patient for ECG test explain purpose and method of procedure attach the ECG recorder upload reading to patient record. Notify GP and ensure result is communicated to patient. Clean and safely store ECG equipment.

Specimens for Pathology laboratory - Ensure that specimens brought in by patients or taken by doctors or nurses are properly labelled and documented ready for collection by the pathology service courier.

Chaperoning Assist GPs, ANPs and Nurses who need a chaperone (Level 3 Safeguarding trained) in the room during consultations / examination procedures.

Blood Pressure measurement Take BP measurements and appropriate action in line with the practice Hypertension Protocol.

Body Mass Index Take and record height and weight and other appropriate measurements e.g., waist. Calculate BMI and communicate to patient. Provide weight management guidance as appropriate. Record action taken and communicated to patient. Signpost patients to appropriate healthcare professionals as needed for full assessment and possible weight loss plan and medication.

B12 Injections Administer B12 injections under the guidance/referral of the GP. You must have a Patient Specific Directive (PSD) before you proceed.

NHS Health Checks for 40 to 74yr olds Undertake Health Checks as commissioned by NHS England. This may include measurement of cholesterol and glucose using near patient testing equipment. Record results and help to gather the metrics for assessment and further signposting as required. Refer to doctor/nurse as appropriate.

Ear irrigation undertake ear irrigation procedures in accordance with the agreed protocol and best practice.

Diet and weight advice provide patients with diet and weight management advice and support in accordance with the agreed protocol and best practice.

Treatment Room Equipment Identify types of equipment used in the medical practice consulting and treatment rooms. Ensure each has a unique log and has purchase/guarantee and operating instructions are safely kept and accessible. Identify how each device should be cleaned and sterilised. Undertake cleaning and sterilising procedures as appropriate. Ensure each piece of equipment is stored correctly and working.

Quality Controls on NPT devices: Undertake Quality Control checks on Near Patient Testing Devices such as CoaguChek and CardioChek to ensure they are performing accurately. Maintain records for CQC inspection.

Doctors Rooms Undertake weekly checks to ensure doctors consulting rooms are adequately stocked with in date consumables. Managed through the stock Management Procedure.

Stock Control and Ordering Keep stocks of nursing consumables in neat and tidy storage, clearly labelled, in line with the Stock Management Procedure.

Assist GP with Minor Surgery & Contraception implants/coils Prepare room, sterile environment equipment in place and working, specimen forms completed, and samples are labelled. Advise patients on aftercare.

Cold chain - To ensure that drug/vaccine refrigerator/s are running at the correct temperature daily to maintain the Vaccine Cold Chain. Document readings according to policy and protocols if directed by the practice nurse on duty. In the event of out of range readings act in accordance with policy.

Chronic Disease Management - Initial appointment for blood test and record agreed measurements and health status information prior to annual review with Practice Nurse.

Appointments - book patient appointments as needed and in line with appointments protocol.

Extended Access participate in supporting Extended Access appointments as required.

Vaccinations / Injections: - If trained and competent HCAs can administer seasonal flu vaccines, Pneumococcal, and Shingles vaccinations to patients who have been individually vetted and approved by a GP or Registered Nurse to receive these vaccinations using a PSD (Patient specific Directive).

Clinical research: Complete Good Clinical Practice training so that you can run through questionnaires and documentation to capture patient data and where needed perform tasks and blood tests etc to transmit to various research bodies. Training provided by lead GP Dr Sanford and NP Becky George.

Other duties - as assigned

Person Specification

Essential Skills

Essential

• Good communication skills
• Polite, professional manner
• Awareness and sensitivity to patients needs
• Level 3 qualification in health/social care studies, higher or a programme of training to achieve internal HCA standards
• Good computer / keyboard skills especially SystmOne and the use of data entry templates
• Full knowledge of patient consent and patient confidentiality principles
• Infection control procedures
• Attention to detail

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

Kingskerswell & Ipplepen Medical Practice

Address

School Road

Kingskerswell

Devon

TQ12 5DJ

Employer's website

https://kkipp.gpsurgery.net (Opens in a new tab)