Job summary
To support the PCN practices via the Respiratory Team in
delivering high-quality care to patients with respiratory conditions such as
asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory diseases. The postholder will play
a vital role in ensuring holistic, patient-centred care, promoting
self-management, and reducing hospital admissions.
Main duties of the job
The role involves assisting in the assessment, monitoring, and management of patients with respiratory conditions under clinical supervision. Responsibilities include conducting spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, and other respiratory assessments, as well as supporting inhaler technique training and nebuliser education. The post-holder will also monitor medication adherence, conduct basic observations, and provide patient education on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle changes, and recognising early deterioration signs. Additionally, they will engage in community-based care, including home visits and supporting group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, while collaborating with health and social care professionals to ensure seamless patient support.
Administrative duties include maintaining accurate patient records, preparing reports and audits, and liaising with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the Primary Care Network (PCN). Professional development is encouraged through training, team meetings, and staying updated on best practices in respiratory care. The role requires respect for patient confidentiality and the ability to travel independently between PCN sites, patient homes, and external meetings. The job description may be reviewed periodically to reflect changes within the PCN, and staff should be prepared to adapt their responsibilities to support the efficient running of services.
About us
Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of GP practices based in rural West Dorset, working together to provide high-quality, personalised healthcare to the local community. The PCN includes a mix of healthcare professionals like social prescribers, clinical pharmacists, digital care coordinators, and admin staff. These teams work across several hubs in the area to make sure everyone can access the care they need.
The PCN prides itself on being supportive and inclusive, with a real focus on staff well-being as a key part of delivering great patient care. Its built on values like respect, attention to detail, active listening, openness, empowering patients, and always learning and improving.
People who work there often describe it as fast-paced, lively, and caring. Theres a real sense of teamwork and making a difference to the lives of local patients, with the beautiful surroundings of the Jurassic Coast providing an added bonus.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key
Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Assist in the
assessment and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions under the
guidance of a registered nurse or clinician.
Perform
spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, FeNo and other
respiratory-related assessments as required.
Support in the administration
of respiratory care plans, including inhaler technique training and nebuliser
education.
Monitor patients'
adherence to medication and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician.
Conduct basic observations e.g., blood pressure,
pulse, temperature and record findings accurately.
Patient Education and Support
Provide education
to patients and carers on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle
modifications, and smoking cessation.
Offer guidance on
recognising early signs of deterioration and when to seek medical attention.
Promote
self-management tools and techniques to empower patients.
Community Engagement
Conduct home
visits to patients unable to attend clinics.
Support group
activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or respiratory education
sessions.
Work collaboratively with other health and social
care professionals to ensure seamless care.
Administration and Record Keeping
Maintain
accurate, timely, and detailed patient records in line with PCN policies and procedures.
Assist in
the preparation of reports, audits, and data entry related to respiratory
services.
Liaise
with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the PCN to support
patient care pathways.
Professional
Development
Participate
in training and development activities to maintain competence in respiratory
care.
Attend
regular team meetings and supervision sessions.
Keep
updated with best practices and advancements in respiratory healthcare.
Respect for
Patient Confidentiality
The
post-holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge
patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
Special
Working Conditions
The
post-holder is required to travel independently between PCN sites, to patient
homes and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies.
Job
Description Agreement
This
job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and
responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder
commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review
and may be amended to take into account development within the PCN and member
practices.
All
members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish
existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the PCN.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key
Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Assist in the
assessment and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions under the
guidance of a registered nurse or clinician.
Perform
spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, FeNo and other
respiratory-related assessments as required.
Support in the administration
of respiratory care plans, including inhaler technique training and nebuliser
education.
Monitor patients'
adherence to medication and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician.
Conduct basic observations e.g., blood pressure,
pulse, temperature and record findings accurately.
Patient Education and Support
Provide education
to patients and carers on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle
modifications, and smoking cessation.
Offer guidance on
recognising early signs of deterioration and when to seek medical attention.
Promote
self-management tools and techniques to empower patients.
Community Engagement
Conduct home
visits to patients unable to attend clinics.
Support group
activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or respiratory education
sessions.
Work collaboratively with other health and social
care professionals to ensure seamless care.
Administration and Record Keeping
Maintain
accurate, timely, and detailed patient records in line with PCN policies and procedures.
Assist in
the preparation of reports, audits, and data entry related to respiratory
services.
Liaise
with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the PCN to support
patient care pathways.
Professional
Development
Participate
in training and development activities to maintain competence in respiratory
care.
Attend
regular team meetings and supervision sessions.
Keep
updated with best practices and advancements in respiratory healthcare.
Respect for
Patient Confidentiality
The
post-holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge
patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
Special
Working Conditions
The
post-holder is required to travel independently between PCN sites, to patient
homes and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies.
Job
Description Agreement
This
job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and
responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder
commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review
and may be amended to take into account development within the PCN and member
practices.
All
members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish
existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the PCN.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in primary care, community, or acute setting
- Experience working in primary care, community healthcare or a similar setting
- Previous experience in supporting older adults, particularly those with frailty or long-term conditions.
- Experience in delivering health promotion activities
Qualifications
Essential
- Education, Qualifications & TrainingNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification/experience)
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of common respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD)
- Additional training in smoking cessation or inhaler technique
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse patient populations
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
- Competent in using Microsoft Office applications
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and infection control principles
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
Desirable
- Ability to perform basic clinical observations and tests (e.g., spirometry, oxygen saturation checks)
- Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. SystmOne)
- Awareness of the importance of patient education in managing long-term conditions
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate, empathetic, and person-centred approach to care
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Willingness to undertake further training and adapt to new roles as required
Other
Essential
- A full, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle (for community visits)
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in primary care, community, or acute setting
- Experience working in primary care, community healthcare or a similar setting
- Previous experience in supporting older adults, particularly those with frailty or long-term conditions.
- Experience in delivering health promotion activities
Qualifications
Essential
- Education, Qualifications & TrainingNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification/experience)
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of common respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD)
- Additional training in smoking cessation or inhaler technique
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse patient populations
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
- Competent in using Microsoft Office applications
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and infection control principles
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
Desirable
- Ability to perform basic clinical observations and tests (e.g., spirometry, oxygen saturation checks)
- Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. SystmOne)
- Awareness of the importance of patient education in managing long-term conditions
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate, empathetic, and person-centred approach to care
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Willingness to undertake further training and adapt to new roles as required
Other
Essential
- A full, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle (for community visits)
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check
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.
