The post holder is a healthcare assistant , who acts within their professional boundaries, supporting and working alongside a team of healthcare professionals in general practice and PCN assisting the GPs and practice nurse team to meet the needs of patients and delivery of care management of the practice population including the PCN, following policy and procedures while providing supervision to more junior staff. The role will be supported by and work under indirect supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager and undertake tasks and duties delegated by the Clinical Nurse Manager or a suitably qualified regulated professional.
To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary healthcare team
Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to the role of a basic HCA
Use personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines
Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks
Use appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including:
Handwashing
Universal hygiene procedures
Collection and handling of laboratory specimens
Segregation and disposal of waste materials
Decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
Reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
Dealing with blood and body fluid spillages
Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures
Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain
Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility
Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate
Be aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance and referral criteria
Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility
Use the computer monitor safely
Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
Be aware of and, if appropriate, assist in current clinical audits
Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives
Deal with requests from patients and clinical staff for health information leaflets
Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk in the care of patients
Ensure own actions are consistent with clinical governance systems
Practice in accordance with agreed standards of care
Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the team
Ensure stock items under your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms
Know the practices policies, especially the whistle-blowing policy, available in the practice staff handbook
Be able to manage your own time effectively
Act in ways that recognise the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with procedures
Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers
Understand basic legal and communication issues regarding child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addicitive behaviour
Act as a chaperone
Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have received appropriate training
Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratories
Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations, and for pre medical checks
Blood Pressure
Pulse Rate and Rhythm
Temperature
Height and weight - Body Mass Index
ECG
New patient checks
Spirometry following accredited training
Ear irrigation after suitable training and following practice protocols
Immunisations and B12 injections after receiving adequate training and a period of supervision
Home visits as required
Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions
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
Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems as appropriate
Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice
Take the necessary precautions when transmitting information
Demonstrate appropriate communication to gain the cooperation of relevant colleagues, professionals and other organisations
Actively work toward developing and maintaining effective working relationships both within and outside the practice locality and across the PCN
Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the practice team
Ensure that patients are referred to the appropriate healthcare professional for the appropriate level of care within an appropriate period of time e.g. pathology results, common/minor ailments, acute conditions, long terms conditions reviews etc.
To support public health campaigns, providing specialist knowledge on all public health programmes available to the general public
