Healthcare Assistant

The HCA works under the clinical supervision of the practice nurse team and undertakes tasks and duties delegated by the practice nurse team. The HCA works collaboratively with the wider practice team to meet the needs of patients, following policies and procedures. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 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. Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations: blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm, temperature, height and weight - body mass index, visual acuity, waist circumference Venepuncture ECG Atrial fibrillation screening Diabetic foot screening checks NHS Health Checks Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions Assist GPs with minor surgery, including the preparation of equipment for decontamination and sterilisation 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 Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems as appropriate Other tasks deemed appropriate for the role you perform, taking into consideration training requirements and competency.

Undertake annual training and demonstrates competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques Research, Audit and Quality Contribute to the provision of equitable, high quality services for all patients Contribute to research and development projects Education and Training Following identified training needs, participate in training and seek to develop new and improved skills. Actively participate in multidisciplinary education and training. Participate in an annual appraisal. Communication Contribute to and work effectively within the primary care team Assist in clinical audit and the setting and monitoring of standards of care.

Maintain accurate patient records Advise and support other members of the team aiming towards common objectives. COMPETENCE You are responsible for limiting your actions to those which you feel competent to undertake. If you have any doubts about your competence during the course of your duties you should immediately seek advice from a Practice Nurse or Partner. SUPERVISION Actively participate in supervision.

RISK MANAGEMENT Be proactive towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards. RECORDS MANAGEMENT You are legally responsible for all records that you gather, create or use as part of your work within the Organisation (including patient health, financial, personal and administrative), whether paper based or on computer. All such records are considered public records, and you have a legal duty of confidence to service users.

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.

Wilful or negligent handling of personal or sensitive information is a disciplinary offence. The Practice takes these matters extremely seriously. EQUALITY 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.