CVD Prevention Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

CLINICAL

To assist in the care and management of patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, under the management of the clinical team

To design and deliver a bespoke element of the CVD Prevention service, independently.

To design and implement logistical processes that relate to this job role and maintain accurate and up to date records to show these processes.

To triage patients against the eligibility criteria. The post holder will need to review and understand relevant medical history and act on the necessary information according to the services policies. There is frequent need for prolonged concentration, patients are back to back all day with little chance to leave the clinical area.

To make appropriate observations of the patients physical presentation, such as blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, point of care testing, psychological and emotional state during any reviews and report back to the clinical team.

There is frequent need for sitting whilst assessing patients, and some physical effort when carrying out clinical observations. There is occasional need to transporting equipment to and from clinic.

To independently decide when to escalate relevant new clinical findings in order to keep the patient safe. The post holder will need to accurately take, record, transcribe clinical information and be responsible for reporting the results back to the team in a timely manner. To collect current lifestyle status, including smoking, healthy eating, exercise habits, diet and mental health. There is frequent concentration required to complete patient referral forms and ordering tests. It has to be fast and accurate, to ensure patient safety.

To provide up to date, evidence-based information about clinical conditions, and be able to explain the patients in an understandable format. Some of the information will be difficult to hear, so an empathetic and individualised delivery method will be necessary.

There is occasional requirement for the post holder to use emotional effort when patients communicate their distressing circumstances. There is a need for the post holder to use empathy when assessing patients and use appropriate communication in these situations to support patients to feel comfortable in the clinic.

To undertake telephone consultations with patients to help access, support their journey through the clinic, and follow up reviews before discharge.

To support the discharge of patients at the appropriate time as decided by the Multidisciplinary Team To be an active and contributory member of the clinical MDT. To provide updates and rationale regarding recommended patient outcomes within the lifestyle element of the clinic. To support patients during any part of the service and assist the multi-disciplinary team as necessary.

To contribute to the assessment of patient needs and assist in the planning, provision and review of care plans. There is occasional requirement for the post holder to complete spreadsheets and tables whilst managing patient lists.

To inform patients of the outcome of the clinical decisions made by the team either by telephone or by written communication.

To communicate with external partners regarding nonclinical matters, ie, primary care, blood clinics, estates matters at clinical venues etc, in order to ensure the smooth running of the service

To contribute to the care and support of the distressed patients/carers

To assist in providing a friendly, helpful environment for patients

To be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies, and particularly those regarding Confidentiality, Health and Safety, Governance etc

To undertake clerical duties to maintain the smooth running of the service.

Working conditions there is occasional exposure to blood when taking samples on health checks days there is a need to be aware of the disposal of clinical waste, and to keep both patient and staff safe. There is a chance that patients could be aggressive or inappropriate, as they are discussing lifestyle - often there are difficult to hear messages. This should be infrequent, but there is a need for the post holder to be ready for the scenario.

CLEANING

To assist in the monitoring and maintaining of cleaning standards/schedules within the clinic

To carry out spot cleaning and ensure spillages are dealt with swiftly and efficiently

To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the appropriate person

To maintain adequate levels of stock and/or equipment in the office and Primary Care facilities for the day to day running of the service.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

• NVQ 3 (or above) in relevant subject
• IT training / skills, database input and experience of using online systems
• Evidence of formal education, with core numeracy and literacy skills.
• Experience of providing lifestyle or behaviour change interventions

Desirable

• Previous experience of working within a clinical setting

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Evidence of independently managing own caseload.
• Be highly organised and implement systems to assist with the smooth running of Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic
• Worked as part of an MDT.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a HCA
• Understanding of cardiovascular system
• Experience of NHS clinical systems such as EMIS

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• To undertake clinical observations such as blood pressure, point of care testing and accurate past medical history
• To be able to deliver the individualised lifestyle element of a patient assessment.
• To complete spreadsheets
• Prioritisation skills to manage own workload independently
• The ability to understand and respect patients and carers differing points of views.

Values & Behaviours

Essential

• Be a team player and be instrumental in achieving team goals.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication with the ability to motivate people
• This post requires travelling across Merseyside on a daily basis; therefore the post holder must have a full driving licence valid in the UK and access to a car, due to having to transport equipment
• Willingness to work flexibly including working outside of traditional working hours in accordance with service need

Other

Essential

• Access to an effective method of transport and willing to use vehicle in course of duties and be insured appropriately

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

Address

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital

Liverpool

L143PE

Employer's website

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