Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced compassionate, motivated and enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our experienced clinical team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with patients, is organised and proactive, and wants to make a real difference in primary care. You will be supported by a highly experienced team of GP's, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Practice Nurses along with Admin staff who are committed to supporting and helping colleagues develop and succeed.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Duties

• Blood pressure checks.
• Height, weight and BMI measurements.
• Venepuncture.
• NHS Health Checks.
• New patient health checks.
• Diabetic foot checks.
• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens.
• Recording smoking status and lifestyle information.

Health Promotion

• Support health promotion initiatives.
• Deliver lifestyle advice relating to:
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Physical activity
• Alcohol awareness, Support health screening programmes.

Vaccinations

• Support vaccination clinics.
• Administer vaccinations and B12 injections following training and competency assessment.
• Maintain vaccine cold chain procedures.
• Assist with seasonal vaccination campaigns.

Patient Care Support

• Chaperone clinicians as required.
• Assist with minor surgery and clinical procedures.
• Support recall programmes and patient appointments.
• Assist with chronic disease management clinics.
• Maintain accurate patient records and coding.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Maintain clean and safe clinical environments.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Safely handle specimens and clinical waste.
• Support infection control audits and initiatives.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain clinical room stock and equipment.
• Participate in training and practice meetings.
• Support quality improvement and audit activity.
• Safeguard patient confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider practice team.

About us

Bewicke Medical Centre is a friendly, forward-thinking GP practice providing high-quality care to our local community. We are proud of our welcoming atmosphere and supportive team culture, where everyone works together to deliver excellent patient care.At Bewicke Medical Centre, we value our staff and recognise the important role Healthcare Assistants play in delivering outstanding patient care.

Job responsibilities

To support the nursing and clinical team in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care to patients. The post holder will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties, working within their competency and agreed practice protocols

Clinical Duties

• Blood pressure checks.
• Height, weight and BMI measurements.
• Venepuncture.
• NHS Health Checks.
• Diabetic foot checks.
• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens.
• Recording smoking status and lifestyle information.

Health Promotion

• Support health promotion initiatives.
• Deliver lifestyle advice relating to:
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Physical activity
• Alcohol awareness
• Support health screening programmes.

Vaccinations and Injections

• Support vaccination clinics.
• Administer vaccinations and B12 injections following training and competency assessment.
• Maintain vaccine cold chain procedures.
• Assist with seasonal vaccination campaigns.

Patient Care Support

• Chaperone clinicians as required.
• Assist with minor surgery and clinical procedures.
• Support recall programmes and patient appointments.
• Assist with chronic disease management clinics.
• Maintain accurate patient records and coding.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Maintain clean and safe clinical environments.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Safely handle specimens and clinical waste.
• Support infection control audits and initiatives.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain clinical room stock and equipment.
• Participate in training and practice meetings.
• Support quality improvement and audit activity.
• Safeguard patient confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider practice team.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment.
• Experience undertaking venepuncture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy and professionalism.
• Understanding of confidentiality and information governance.
• Flexible and reliable approach to work.
• Phlebotomy qualification.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within General Practice.
• Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks.
• Experience with chronic disease monitoring.
• Immunisation and vaccination experience.
• Phlebotomy qualification.
• Awareness of QOF and Enhanced Services.
• Basic life support training.