Health Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE:

Provides defined and delegated aspects of patient care under the supervision

of a qualified nurse and supports the Practice clinical team by undertaking

a range of clinical support functions.

SCOPE:

Undertakes clearly defined and controlled clinical tasks for named patients

referred by a health care professional. You will work in accordance with specified local and national protocols and guidelines.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertakes specified clinical activities and tests for named patients, within the scope of established clinical protocols, policies and procedures, including venepuncture, urine testing, blood pressure readings, ECG's, weight monitoring, NHS Health checks and medicals.
• Acts as a chaperone for patients as required, preserving the patient's dignity.
• Undertakes a range of clinical support functions including preparing and stocking clinical areas in line with Practice protocols.
• Provides relevant health information to patients and carers within defined protocols.
• Orders and maintains stock of Health Information Leaflets / literature
• At all times observes infection control procedures to protect self, patients and colleagues.
• Assists in maintaining a safe working environment for self, patients, carers and the multi-disciplinary team, alerting other members of the Practice team to issues of quality and risk identified in work with patients.
• Works within established systems of clinical governance, contributing as appropriate to Practice audit activity.
• Dealing with clinical waste
• Conveys relevant information and receives feedback from Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GPs
• Orders and maintains stock or equipment as directed

ORGANISATIONAL

• Practices and promotes confidentiality at all times
• Maintains accurate records of patient contacts, providing clear written and verbal information as required by the Practice.
• Refers back to other members of the clinical team any patient that doesn't fit within established protocols.
• Actively participates in the smooth running of the service

SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Recording drugs fridge temperatures and cleaning as required.
• Ensuring that all patient information is properly recorded within the patient record using the clinical software provided.
• Actively participates in the care and maintenance of equipment, demonstrating economy in the use of supplies

DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS:

• Works at all times within the established policies, standards and guidelines of the Practice.
• Undertakes clearly defined clinical duties that have been agreed and taught.
• Refers back to a health care professional any patient where an informed clinical judgement is required before proceeding with treatment.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS:

• Actively communicates with all colleagues, patients, relatives, carers, visitors and other agencies in a professional manner at all times
• Offers Excellent Customer Service
• Communicates effectively with patients and carers, recognising patients' rights and responsibilities.
• Works as member of the Practice nursing team, seeking advice, guidance and support from other members of the team
• Communicates concerns identified in patient contacts to other health care professionals in the team.
• Works under the supervision of a named health care professional, who ensures that skills are maintained and developed to meet the needs of the post.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Actively participates in the In-Service training opportunities available
• Maintains responsibility for own personal development under supervision and guidance from qualified staff
• Demonstrates a positive attitude to suggested changes and development in practice through the introduction of evidence-based practice
• Required to undertake annual Mandatory training, e.g. Basic Life Support

MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PART OF THE JOB:

The demands of this post require a person who works well under pressure and

who is enthusiastic, self-motivated and who can remain calm in sometimes

stressful situations.

Due to the nature of the post, the post-holder will be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids and therefore will be meticulous in adhering to universal precautions

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous GP Practice, Hospital or Community experience. Skilled in phlebotomy

Qualifications

Desirable

• Phlebotomy certificate Phlebotomy NVQ NVQ Health Care Assistant

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

Bolton Community Practice C.I.C

Address

Waters Meeting Health Centre

Waters Meeting Road

Bolton

BL1 8TT

Employer's website

http://www.boltoncommunitypractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)