Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be approachable and have good communication skills, have a flexible approach to work and work well within a team environment and be able to work unsupervised.

About us

As a small, close-knit practice team we work hard to deliver a high quality service to our patients and the successful candidate will benefit from joining a supportive team of colleagues.

Job summary:

Working under the direct supervision of the senior practice nurse and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, the healthcare assistant will assist the practice clinical team in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care.

Duties and responsibilities:

New patient health checks

ECG recording

Phlebotomy

Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory

Measuring and recording; blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm, temperature, height and weight, body mass index, peak flow and its calculation

Inhaler techniques

Chaperoning duties

Undertake dressing procedures following local recommendations, complying with infection control principles and practice following appropriate training

Administer influenza, pneumococcal and Vitamin B12 vaccinations

To be involved in the monitoring of patents on Warfarin following appropriate training

Remove sutures and clips

Give smoking cessation advice

Pre diabetic reviews

Undertake foot checks for people with diabetes

Support clinicians in providing minor surgery, IUCD fitting and contraceptive implants

Processing and management of laboratory samples requested by GPs/nurses

Cleansing and maintenance of surgical equipment

Vaccine/cold chain storage, monitoring and recording

Surgical equipment and vaccine re-stocking and stock rotation

Clearing and re-stocking consulting rooms

Preparing and maintaining environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions, including assisting GPs during the performance of minor operations

Assisting in the assessment and surveillance of patients health and well-being

Undertaking specific clinical activities for named patients that have been delegated and taught specifically in relation to that individual

Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems and read codes

Helping to raise awareness of health and well-being and how it can be promoted

Assisting with the collection and collation of data on needs related to health and well-being

Maintain the notice board in the waiting room and promote good health with educational material

Confidentiality

• 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 the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately
• In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential
• Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Effective communication skills, verbally and written
• Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
• IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills, data collection
• Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner/attitude
• Ability to work well in a team
• Committed to providing high quality patient care
• Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures

Desirable

• ECDL computer skills
• Knowledge of EMIS Web computer system

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of experience as a Healthcare Assistant in a Health or Social care setting, either public, private or voluntary sector

Desirable

• Previous experience working in Primary Care

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 3/QCF Level 3 in Health or Social Care or equivalent
• Good standard of literacy & numeracy

Desirable

• Good general education
• GCSE standard of English and Mathematics or equivalent