Health Assistant required to support the practice nursing and administrative teams in the delivery of clinical and administrative services, working as part of the practice multi-disciplinary team, delivering care within their scope of practice to the entitled patient population.
Job responsibilities
Primary responsibilities
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:
a. Undertake new patient health checks.
b. Provide clinical support to registered nurses and other professionals.
c. Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately.
d. Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required.
e. Support patients and the practice nurse with long term conditions and address health inequalities.
f. Carry out BMI checks as directed.
g. Act as a chaperone as required.
h. When trained, undertake venepuncture.
i. Play a key role in vaccination and immunisation programs.
j. When trained, administer flu vaccinations.
k. When trained, carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the Practice Nurse.
l. Carry out ECGs as requested.
m. Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation
n. Provide support during minor operations if required
o. Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session
p. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance
q. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations IPC policy
r. Support health promotion and prevention activities.
s. Deliver basic clinical care interventions under supervision.
Secondary responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:
a. Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead
b. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care
c. Support and participate in shared learning within the organisation
d. Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota
Person Specification
Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Able to carry out:
- ECGs
- venepuncture
- new patient medicals
- chaperone procedures
- ability to record accurate clinical notes
- SKILLS:
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- strong IT skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- problem solving and analytical skills
- Effective time management
- PERSONAL QUALITIES:
- Polite and confident
- flexible
- high levels of integrity and loyalty
- punctual and committed
- motivated
- ability to work under pressure
Qualifications
Essential
- Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level
- Completed Care Certificate or equivalent qualification
Desirable
- Phlebotomy certification
- Vaccination certification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the general public
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting
- Relevant experience in health promotion and long- term condition management
Desirable
- Experience of working in a primary care environment