Healthcare Assistant

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

a. Undertake new patient health checks

b. Support the Practice Nurse Team with health promotion programmes

c. Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximitery, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately

d. Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly

e. Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required

f. Support the Practice Nurse Team with the management of chronic disease clinics

g. Carry out BMI checks as directed

h. Act as a chaperone as required

i. When trained, undertake venepuncture

j. When trained, administer flu vaccinations under Patient Specific Direction.

k. When trained, carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the Practice Nurse Team

l. When trained carry out Smoking Cessation appointments

m. Carry out ECGs as requested

n. Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation

o. Provide support during minor operations as required

p. Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session

q. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance

r. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations IPC policy

s. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Secondary key responsibilities

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:

a. Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead

b. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

c. Support and participate in shared learning within the organisation

d. Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota

General Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Clinical IT system user skills
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilise resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

Desirable

• ECGs
• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Strong IT skills

Qualifications

Essential

• QualificationsEssentialDesirable
• Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level

Desirable

• Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate - as detailed within GP Mythbuster No 57 - HCAs in General Practice
• Phlebotomy certification
• Vaccination certification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Experience of working in a primary care environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in a primary care environment

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).