Primary Care Healthcare Assistant

Job description

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:

· Undertake new patient health checks

· Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes

· Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, recording findings accurately

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

· Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required

· Support the practice nurse with the management of chronic disease clinics

· Carry out BMI checks as directed

· Act as a chaperone as required

· When trained, undertake venepuncture

· When trained, administer flu vaccinations

· When trained, carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the practice nurse

· Carry out ECGs as requested

· Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation

· Provide support during minor operations as required

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

· Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance

· Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy

· Ensure clinical checks are completed to a satisfactory standard as delegated by the Lead Nurse

· Manage stock levels of drugs and consumables and re-order when necessary, in line with local ordering protocol

· Ensure stock is unpacked and stored, ensuring it matches the delivery note and is stored in line with stock rotation protocol

Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

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

· Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead

· Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

· Support and participate in shared learning within the practice

Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

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

Desirable

• Phlebotomy certification
• Ear syringing certification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a Primary Care environment

Desirable

• Experience of working with the public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Desirable

• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
• ECGs
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP and pulse
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes

Other Requirements

Essential

• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health Clearance

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated, forward thinker
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilises resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

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

East Parade Surgery

Address

MOWBRAY SQUARE MEDICAL CENTRE

HARROGATE

NORTH YORKSHIRE

HG1 5AR

Employer's website

https://www.eastparadesurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)