Health Care Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT REPORTS TO: Nurse Team Lead HOURS: Minimum 16 hours per week (up to 36) Job Summary Provide appropriate care to patients of all ages, in conjunction with other members of the practice nurse team and medical staff Carry out investigations and treatments as part of evidence based care plans and in accordance with practice policy and protocols Maintain a safe and effective practice at all times and bring any deficits in care to the attention of the Nursing Lead so that they can be addressed Participate in team meetings in order to enhance communication and improve patient care Working under the supervision of the trained nurses and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, the HCA will assist the practice clinical team in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care. Mentorship role for junior HCAs. Clinical responsibilities: Liaise with other health professional in the practice to ensure integrated care Ensure comprehensive records of patient contacts are kept and that written and computerised notes are kept up to date Participate in delivery of enhanced services as required ensuring that all information is adequately captured according to agreed procedures Ensure that current evidence-based approaches to patient care are standard practice Adhere to high standards of infection control measures when collecting and handling laboratory specimens, disposing of waste materials, dealing with blood and body fluids spillages and report and treat sharps injuries Undertake diagnostic, health screening, health surveillance investigations as requested directed by the medical team or as part of an evidence-based protocol Undertake annual training and demonstrate competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques Assisting in the assessment; surveillance and promotion of patients health and well being Ability to self-motivate, organise and prioritise workload Clinical duties: Phlebotomy Capillary blood samples ECG recording Chaperoning duties NHS health checks HCA QOF reviews Blood pressure reviews Taking of and recording vital signs Ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring includes organising appointments, recording and saving the results Assisting coil fits; preparation of equipment /completion of records Glucose tolerance tests Helicobacter breath tests Urinalysis Ordering supplies including drugs Assisting with the collection and collation of data on needs related to health and well being Fitting event monitor Administration of influenza vaccine, pneumovax and vitamin B12 injections Dementia screening/ memory clinic Simple dressings Learning Disability health checks Suture/ clip removal Education and Training To develop their scope of professional practice in order to develop this role to meet the service requirements in accordance with professional guidelines Completion of Care Certificate or NVQ in care; this knowledge needs to be regularly updated Update training for influenza vaccination administration Completion of mandatory training Support the development of the nursing team and the wider practice through participation in regular audits Acknowledge own limitations Participate in an annual appraisal Professional responsibilities Delegate to others, with appropriate skills, knowledge and competence To assist in skill development and sharing best practice as part of initiatives to develop the nursing team and enhance wider service provision in the practice To ensure resources are utilized cost effectively. Contribute to identifying alternative, more cost effective resources Act as a resource to the general public, patients within the healthcare system and their families, as well as carers.

Attendance of practice nurse team and other practice meetings To comply with all Practice and OCCG protocols, procedures, guidelines and policies To wear a uniform and name badge at all times supplied by the Practice Participate in the writing of protocols relevant to their role Confidentiality: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.

Health & Safety: The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified. Equality and Diversity: The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights. Personal/Professional Development: The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.

Maintain concise accurate records both in written and IT formats Communication The HCA should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise the need for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Liaison As well as the nursing and GP teams, there is a need to work closely with reception and administrative staff to ensure the smooth running of the practice, reporting any problems encountered to the relevant person and ensuring that everyone is aware of the different roles within the nursing team There is also a need to establish and maintain good liaison with other surgeries and healthcare agencies, as well as other organisations that contribute to the care of patients. Meetings It will be necessary to attend and contribute to various practice meetings as requested and to cascade information to appropriate team members as necessary, ensuring adequate lines of communication. It is expected that the only reason for not attending will be annual, study or sick leave. Research Co-operate and participate as required in any research projects within the Practice Changes to Jobs All staff are expected to undertake reasonable additional duties and responsibilities in order to meet the evolving service needs of the Practice.

Changes should be made in consultation with staff. Variations to job descriptions can be a common occurrence and do not in themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of a post. Provide cover for absent colleagues if possible.