Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of this post is to actively support the work of the service and its staff in delivering quality healthcare and expert dermatology advice and treatment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Preparing/setting up clinics, including tidying of the clinical area prior to clinic sessions. On completion of clinic sessions ensure that the clinical area is left clean and tidy and all used equipment is disposed of appropriately

Preparing equipment to be used for clinic sessions, including checks to ensure equipment is in working order and if not, taking appropriate steps to rectify situation

Assisting patients in preparing them to be seen by the doctor in clinic, at all times being aware of the need to maintain the dignity and privacy of the patient

Assisting the Registered Nurse with dressing changes and perform simple dressing changes as delegated

Chaperoning patients and doctors during consultation, examination and clinical procedures

To carry out a range of delegated clinical care duties, including assisting with procedures, needing a clear understanding in carrying out sterile techniques

Measure and record weight and height and vital signs including temperature, radial pulse, peripheral pulses, blood pressure and respiration

Test urine as requested, recording and reporting findings appropriately

Liaise closely with medical staff, nursing staff and medical secretaries

Ensuring clinics are conducted effectively and efficiently, identifying and attempting to solve any problems before they occur in order to assist in the smooth running of the clinic

Be familiar with and carry out all activities according to policies and procedures

Checking patient notes prior to consultations on the electronic database and assist in data entry as required

Recognising and reporting patients condition, changes and needs to the Registered Nurse

Collecting specimens including routine blood samples, urine and stool specimens, mid-stream urine and sputum specimens, and observing safe practice procedures when dealing with body fluids in line with Infection Control Policy

Completing the prescribed plan of care for a patient as delegated by the Registered Nurse.

Assisting patients to make arrangements for further clinic appointments on request from medical staff on completion of consultation

Offering advice and information to patients, and knowing when to use diplomacy and tact when patients become anxious or angry in any given situation

Transferring patients from wheelchairs to weighing scales/chairs/couches, using hoists, moving trolleys and manoeuvring patients into the correct position for clinical procedures

To be aware of the procedure to follow in case of Cardiac Arrest and any other emergency situation

To assist with the checking and maintenance of stock levels and ordering stock and equipment items as required and as instructed

To assist with clerical duties, such as making follow up appointments on the Patient Record Systems, record data on clinics lists for medical records information and retrieve results as and when necessary

To carry out any other duties that are relevant to the grade as and when requested

KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Have a broad knowledge of dermatology and skin surgery

Have the knowledge to initiate emergency treatment where necessary, with due regard to risk management policies and procedures, to participate in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives and staff which includes assessing patients within their environment

Caring and approachable nature

Excellent communication and listening skills

Ability to work proactively within a team, with a respectful approach to colleagues

Experience of working in a care environment (preferably clinical)

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (desirable)

Working hours:8am - 6pm (with 30 minute unpaid break), 3 days per week. Working days will be on a rota between Monday - Saturday

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable

• Qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Experience

Essential

• Have a broad knowledge of dermatology and skin surgery
• Have the knowledge to initiate emergency treatment where necessary, with due regard to risk management policies and procedures, to participate in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives and staff which includes assessing patients within their environment
• Experience of working in a care environment (preferably clinical)

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

Sussex Community Dermatology Service

Address

Rainham Healthy Living Centre

Rainham

ME8 8AA

Employer's website

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