Health Care Assistant (HCA)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

As an integral part of our Primary Health Care team, you'll contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care, working alongside our GP Partners and Practice Nurses.

Under the guidance of the Practice Nurse Team or another suitably qualified professional, you will carry out a range of clinical and administrative tasks, both patient-facing and behind the scenes.

You will collaborate closely with the wider practice team to support patient needs, ensuring all care is delivered in line with established policies and procedures.

Patient-facing responsibilities

Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have received appropriate training, which will include (but may not be limited to):

• Phlebotomy.
• Blood pressure, including 24-hour monitoring.
• Pulse rate and rhythm.
• Temperature.
• Height and weight - body mass index.
• Alcohol, smoking and lifestyle data recording.
• Spirometry.
• ECG.
• NHS health checks.
• Dressings and suture removal.
• Ear Care.
• Vaccinations (flu, pneumococcal, shingles, B12).
• INR home visits.
• New patient checks.
• Data collection for chronic disease annual reviews.
• Assist in raising awareness of health and well-being, and how it can be promoted.
• Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence.
• Provide support for other clinical activities, including minor operations and the fitting of long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Non-Patient facing responsibilities (administrative)

• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory.
• Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions.
• Stock rotation and ordering.
• Daily cold chain temperature checks.
• Equipment cleaning.
• Routine equipment checks.

Training and Development

We are a proud training practice and are committed to professional development at all levels.

• Attend relevant training events and network-led sessions.
• Engage positively in clinical and team meetings.
• Maintain an up-to-date personal development plan and participate fully in annual appraisals.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and contribute to audits.

Use of Information and IT

• Ensure accurate, timely data entry using SystmOne following templates and protocols within the clinical system as directed.
• Add appropriate coding to clinical records.
• Comply with Caldicott principles and data protection regulations.
• Input data and access information using the practice's information management system (currently TeamNet).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Promote inclusivity, dignity, and respect in all patient and staff interactions.
• Uphold equality of opportunity in practice and support a culture where everyone feels valued.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Identify and mitigate risks in your area of responsibility.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others.
• Support a culture of wellbeing and resilience within the team.
• Report concerns or identified improvement opportunities at the earliest opportunity.

Teamwork and Collaborative Working

• Work proactively and collaboratively as a member of the HCA team.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide integrated patient care.
• Use effective communication to share information.
• Embrace opportunities to innovate and improve team-based care.
• Work effectively as part of the cross-site team.
• Undertake all aspects of work in line with the Partnership's mission, vision and values.

Person Specification

Other

Essential

• Commitment to delivering a high standard of patient centred care.
• UK driving licence with access to a car.
• UK work permit (if required).
• Commitment to working within our Core Values.

Qualities and Abilities

Essential

• Willingness to share and collaborate across the HCA and wider practice team.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work flexibly.
• Ability to recognise own limitations and act upon them appropriately.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
• Honest, good humoured and able to always display integrity.
• Willingness to work across both sites within the partnership as required.
• Willingness to contribute to the Enhanced Services rota.

Desirable

• Adaptability to change.

Qualifications

Essential

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or similar qualifications) achieved at a good standard include English and Maths.
• Evidence of further training in the key tasks within the role.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Desirable

• Care Certificate.
• Level 3 qualification in health & social care.

Experience

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Good time management.
• Organised and efficient in record keeping and completion of paperwork.
• One-years' experience in a phlebotomy role.

Desirable

• Experience of working in General Practice.
• Experience of undertaking tasks in addition to phlebotomy, as specified in the job description.
• Experience of SystmOne Clinical System.
• Experience of Accurx.
• Adaptability to change.

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

The Valleys Medical Partnership

Address

Gosber Road

Eckington

Sheffield

S21 4BZ

Employer's website

https://www.thevalleysmedicalpartnership.nhs.uk/index.aspx (Opens in a new tab)