Health Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Doctors, the role of the Health Care Assistant is to provide clinical support to the Doctors and Nurses in the practice. This will include providing advice to patients within a consultation and by telephone about lifestyle, taking blood and other specimens for testing, arranging investigations eg. checking blood pressures, ECG, BMI, urinalysis, new patient health checks, following up patients who have been recalled for routine chronic disease management and all the necessary administrative support required within this role.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To carry out health assessments with patients on a face-to-face basis, which includes finding out details of medical history, current health problems, diseases etc. and completing any necessary paperwork and recording information onto the computer.

To provide a blood pressure monitoring service offering a range of appointments for patients who may be referred into the clinic by a Doctor.

To undertake urinalysis, which involves taking samples and carrying out the analysis.

To provide a phlebotomy service by taking blood samples.

To ensure specimens are labelled and bagged ready for collection and transport to the laboratory with the necessary paperwork completed.

To provide lifestyle advice to patients making any necessary referrals within the practice.

To provide a weight monitoring service.

To provide a chaperone service to Doctors if required.

To ensure that drug fridges are checked and maintained at the correct temperature on a regular basis and that drugs are within their expiry dates and used in correct sequence.

To carry out ECGs.

To carry out vaccinations and injections (flu, shingles, pneumonia, B12)

To mentor and support the junior Health Care Assistant

OTHER DUTIES

To ensure that accurate and legible notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the computerised patient record.

To ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice.

To contact patients by telephone when necessary to discuss aspects of their health care.

To adhere to the practice policy for health and safety and to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

COMMUNICATION

To discuss aspects of health care with patients through face-to-face contact or by telephone.

To discuss patient care with doctors through face-to-face contact or by electronic means.

To work closely with reception and other staff and to liaise with other members of the practice team.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To work with the Doctors/Practice Manager to plan and organise personal workload and discuss priorities.

To adhere to the clinical protocols and procedures adopted by the practice at all times.

To utilise computer templates and coding systems to ensure the accuracy of patient specific data recorded on the computer.

To have knowledge of and adhere to all policies and procedures incorporating health and safety, COSHH, the reporting of accidents or incidents (including significant events).

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To maintain a high standard of care and encourage patients/carers to participate in that care.

To participate in the promotion of health and prevention of ill health.

To be responsible for the care, maintenance and correct use of clinical equipment.

To work at all times to reduce risk, maximise quality of life and promote independence, under the direction of qualified staff.

To report any changes in a patients condition or circumstances seeking advice and guidance from a Doctor.

To maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

To ensure that working practices meet with the standards of infection control, including the use of equipment and the transfer of specimens to the laboratory.

This job description may be subject to change from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the practice but it is a correct reflection of the type of duties that need to be undertaken.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Healthcare Qualification
• Phlebotomy certification

Experience

Essential

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

Desirable

• Experience of working in a primary care environment

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong IT skills
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure

Desirable

• ECGs
• Vaccinations & Injections
• New patient medicals inc. Height, weight, BP, Pulse
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• EMIS user skills

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

Great Harwood Medical Group

Address

Water St

Gt Harwood

Lancs

BB6 7QR

Employer's website

http://www.ghmg.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)