Healthcare Assistant (Primary Care)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities, but not limited to:

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 oximitery, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately

Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring

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 organisations IPC policy

Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Sterilising, cleansing and maintenance of surgical equipment

Surgical equipment and vaccine re-stocking and stock rotation

Clearing and re-stocking consulting rooms

Preparing and maintaining environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions, including assisting GPs during the performance of minor operations

Report any changes in a patients condition to a Registered Nurse or Doctor

Secondary Responsibilities

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 organisation

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 equivalent level

Desirable

• Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate (as per GP Mythbuster No 57 - HCAs in General Practice)
• Phlebotomy certification - Venepuncture
• Vaccination 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

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• ECGs
• New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• 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
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilise resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

Desirable

• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• EMIS user skills

Other

Essential

• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health clearance

Desirable

• Flexibility to work outside core office hours

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

DMC Healthcare

Address

DMC Healthcare

60 Chadwick Road

London

SE15 4PU

Employer's website

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