Health Care Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated, compassionate and forward thinking Health Care Assistant, preferably with primary care experience, to join the nursing team at The Bridge Group Practice.

The purpose of the role is to assist the clinical team in the service and delivery of the care management of the practice population. The post holder will work under indirect supervision of the clinical team and undertake tasks and duties delegated by the clinical team or a suitably qualified regulated professional. They will work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, following policies and procedures.

The post holder will be required to work across both sites: Elliott Chappell Health Centre and The Orchard Centre. The hours are 20 hours per week working over 3 days: Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary based on experience
• NHS Pension Scheme enrolment
• 5 weeks (pro rata) annual leave plus bank holidays
• Dedicated funding and time for continuous professional development (CPD)
• Free car parking

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which they have received appropriate training

Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory

Perform new patient health checks

Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations:

• 1. blood pressure
• 2. pulse rate and rhythm
• 3. temperature
• 4. height and weight - body mass index
• 5. venepuncture
• 6. smoking cessation
• 7. ECG
• 8. Spirometry
• 9. Administer vaccinations where appropriately trained and delegated
• 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.

About us

About Us

The Bridge Group Practice is a forward-thinking, friendly GP practice serving a diverse patient list of 9,000 patients. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Our clinical team currently comprise of 4 GP Partners, 1 Salaried GP, 2 Advanced Nurse Practitioners, 3 part time Practice Nurses, 1 Nurse Associate, and 2 Health Care Assistants

We welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who belong to LGBTQIA+ Community and are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and Asexual, people with a disability, neurodivergent applicants and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Job responsibilities

Communication

• Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, carers and staff, empathising and being understanding where there may be barriers to understanding
• Provide appropriate levels of advice to patients and carers
• To participate in team meetings, multi-disciplinary working relationships liaising with all agencies internal and external relevant to the patients care
• May be required to receive and provide straightforward information both on the telephone and in person.

Clinical skills health and well-being

• 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 laboratory
• Perform new patient health checks

Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations:

• 1. blood pressure
• 2. pulse rate and rhythm
• 3. temperature
• 4. height and weight - body mass index
• 5. venepuncture
• 6. smoking cessation
• 7. ECG
• 8. Spirometry
• 9. Administer vaccinations where appropriately trained and delegated
• 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
• Perform basic dressing changes according to a nursing care plan

Analytical Tasks

Assessing requirements and requesting support when appropriate

Make straightforward decisions within own remit based on patient conditions and determine the best course of action within own remit

Planning and organisational skills

• To contribute to the processes involved in improving quality of care and the service by participation in team meetings, supervision and personal development reviews
• With the support of the registered healthcare professional; plan, organise and implement tasks, activities and care programmes for identified patients
• Ensure rooms and clinical equipment are prepared for use in a timely manner
• Assists with maintaining stock levels of equipment within the clinical rooms and storage areas
• Able to manage own time effectively
• Plan and organise own designated tasks

Physical Skills

• Practices safe moving and handling procedures
• Inputting patient data electronically
• Use of tools and equipment for basic patient metrics e.g. height, weight and blood pressure monitoring
• Manipulation of fine tools e.g. phlebotomy

Responsibility for Patient Care

Undertake clinical tasks in care packages/care plans, document observations and actions as directed by a registered healthcare professional to ensure individual patient needs are met

Provide advice and support to patients and families with agreed competency framework

Procedures may include, testing urine samples, chaperoning, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing, pulse-oximetry phlebotomy and gathering baseline observations according to competencies

To ensure all samples/specimens are recorded/labelled correctly and transported in a timely and appropriate manner according to service policies and report discrepancies to senior members of staff

Policy and Service Development Implementation

To follow organisational policies, ensuring own knowledge is kept up to date in regards to organisational policy

Work with supervisor/line manager to identify improvements to the service and how these can be implemented as and when requested

Responsibilities for Financial and Physical Resources

Maintain stock control of supplies as and when requested

Ensure adequate and relevant equipment is available prior to clinic sessions Booking of interpreters where appropriate in line with policy

Responsibilities for Human Resources

Demonstrate own role to new starters and students.

Recognises and understands the roles of others and supports new and less experienced staff and students under the direction of a registered health professional

Responsibilities for Information Resources

• Responsible for own data entry on patient electronic record
• Accurate recording and processing of patient information and patient care
• Assist with administration including filing, photocopying and telephone answering
• Responsible for recording own information on employee online and e-expenses system
• Ensures information regarding procedures is recorded in a timely and understandable manner

Responsibilities for Research and Development

Undertakes surveys or audits as necessary to own work

Service improvement

• Be aware of and, if appropriate, assist in current clinical audit
• Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives
• Maintain the notice board in the waiting room and promote good health with educational material
• Deal with requests from patients and clinical staff for health information leaflets

Personal and people development

• Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision
• Take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal development
• Work with management on any new training requirements
• To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team
• Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to the role of a basic HCA

Information processes

• 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
• Complete information governance on-line tool kit

Health, safety and security

Use the 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:

• 1. hand washing
• 2. universal hygiene procedures
• 3. collection and handling of laboratory specimens
• 4. segregation and disposal of waste materials
• 5. decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
• 6. reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
• 7. dealing with blood and body fluid spillages
• 8. 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

Quality

• 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 how clinical governance affects the HCA role and bring to the attention of more senior staff any specific risk situation
• Know the practice's policies, especially the whistle-blowing policy, available in the practice staff handbook
• Be able to manage your own time effectively

Equality and diversity

• Act in ways that recognise the importance of people's 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 addictive behaviour
• Act as a chaperone

Freedom to Act

Is guided by policies and procedures and is able to escalate enquiries

Have a clear responsibility to seek guidance from senior colleagues and other appropriate persons as required

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 or equivalent level of experience in Health and Social Care
• Hold Care Certificate or willingness to complete within induction period

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a health care environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Good knowledge and understanding of basic IT skills
• Effective interpersonal skills to work one-to-one with patients
• Ability to communicate with healthcare professionals and patients
• Ability to deal with potentially challenging and distressed people
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in dealing with face to face contact
• Good telephone manner and communication skills
• Ability to work within a team and independently
• Able to work weekends
• Approachable, tactful and caring
• Full UK Driving Licence, with access to own vehicle