Health Care Assistant Spirometry

Job Purpose Working under the direct supervision of the Specialist Nurse, and strictly in accordance with specific guidelines and protocols, the postholder will assist in the delivery of respiratory assessments in the prescribed programmes of patient care. The post holder will work independently to perform all tests in accordance with National Guidelines in order to deliver a full range of respiratory function tests for South Tyneside practices. This is a new position to the Collaboration and we will work with the postholder to develop the role. Main Duties & Responsibilities To carry out a range of quality assured respiratory function tests for the patients of South Tyneside Practices.

To plan and perform diagnostic assessments in accordance with national guidelines for spirometry. To obtain brief medical history prior to testing to ensure safe practice. To accurately input test results and preparing electronic reports using the clinical system. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical notes.

Have a basic understanding of lung function tests. To carry out simple repair and maintenance of spirometry equipment and supply of replacements when required. To carry out daily and routine cleaning according to infection control policies and protocols. To be responsible for ensuring equipment is calibrated.

To perform a range of routine tasks including patient preparation, equipment preparation, maintenance and the use of automated recording equipment. To be competent and current in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques. To carry out necessary duties reasonably requested by your line manager Amending the job description: It is expected that as the organisation develops and changes it may be necessary to vary the tasks and/or the responsibilities of the post holder. This will be done in consultation with the post holder and it is hoped that agreement can be reached to any reasonable changes.

**Confidentiality**: The post holder must at all times maintain complete confidentiality of the material and information that they handle. Any matters of a confidential nature, or in particular, information relating to diagnoses and treatment of patients and individual staff records must not, under any circumstances, be divulged or passed on to any unauthorised person or persons. The post holder must respect patient named confidentiality in keeping with Caldicott principles. Data Protection: The post holder must at all times respect the confidentiality of information in line with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.

This includes, if required to do so, obtaining, processing and/or using information held on a computer in a fair and lawful way, holding data only for the specified registered purposes and using or disclosing data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed. Policies & Procedures: The post holder will be expected to comply with all statutory legislation, the organisations governance framework and approved national and local policy. All employees are expected to comply with all of the organisations Policies and Procedures. General: The post holder will be expected to be responsible for his/her continuing professional development and to take a proactive approach to maintaining personal and professional effectiveness in an evolving role.

The duties and responsibilities described in this Job Description are intended to be indicative but not exhaustive of the responsibilities of the post holder. As the organisation develops, the requirements of the job may change and the post holder is expected to adapt to these changes. Health & Safety: Employees must share responsibility for abiding by health and safety policies and regulations, infection prevention and control policies and act in accordance with the Risk Management Policy. This includes compliance with The Health Act 2006 Code of Practice for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infection.

In addition, be aware of the responsibilities placed on them by the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) to ensure that the agreed safety procedure is carried out to maintain a safe environment for themselves, other employees and visitors. Equal Opportunities Policy and Ani-Harassment: The post holder will immediately report to their line manager any breach or suspected breach of both equal opportunity and anti-harassment guidelines. Safeguarding Children: Everyone employed by the organisation regardless of the work they do has a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. When children and/or their carers use our services it is essential that all child protection concerns are both recognised and acted on appropriately.

You have a responsibility to ensure you are familiar with and follow STHC's child protection procedures and the organisations safeguarding policy to ensure you are equipped to carry out your duties effectively, you must also attend mandatory child protection training and updates at