Healthcare Assistant

The purpose of the post is to assist the GPs and nurse team in the delivery of safe, high quality primary care services to the practice population. The post holder will undertake delegated tasks and duties under indirect supervision of members of the nurse team. The post holder will work within clear parameters and lines of accountability after appropriate training and assessment of competence. The requirements of the post are linked to the Health Education England: District and General Practice Nursing Service Education and Career Framework.

**Job Responsibilities/Principal Duties to include**: Under indirect supervision, assist in the delivery of primary health care interventions and care effectively and efficiently. Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions. Monitors and orders stock levels and equipment. Responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained.

Act as chaperone as required/instructed. Maintenance of accurate and legible patient records in line with organisational requirements this includes contemporary paper records and electronic patient record system. Ensure that confidentiality, privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients are maintained and in line with organisational policy. Working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary general practice team and other healthcare professionals to promote integrated pathways of care to meet patient needs.

Effective communication with patients, carers and all members of the MDT. Effective prioritisation and completion of daily work. Ensure that any complaints or incidents are identified and reported to the Lead Nurse or Practice Manager in accordance with the organisational policy and expected professional practice. Ensure clinical practice is safe and effective and remains within boundaries of competence and to acknowledge limitations.

Clinical care delivery Working within guidelines and protocols undertake and record: Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for laboratory analysis. Temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. Weight, height, waist circumference and Body Mass Index. Measurement of legs for compression hosiery.

ECGs, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Near patient testing e.g. blood glucose, lipids and INR. Doppler ultrasound measurement working with registered nurse.

Measurement of airway function (peak expiratory flow rate and spirometry). Perform chaperoning duties as requested. Obtain venous blood samples from individuals for investigation if required. Processing and management of laboratory samples requested by Doctors/Nurses.

Remove wound closure materials including sutures, clips and staples. Assist clinicians carrying out minor surgical procedures including sterilising, cleansing and maintenance of surgical equipment. Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions. Assisting in the assessment and surveillance of patients health and well-being.

Undertaking specific clinical activities for named patients that have been delegated and taught specifically in relation to that individual. Helping to raise awareness of health and well-being and how it can be promoted. Assisting with the collection and collation of data on needs related to health and well-being. Other Tasks Duties may vary from time to time under the direction of the Hub NED and/or Senior nurse Manager, dependent on current and evolving clinical practice developments.

Administrative/service support Assist with management of clinical supplies e.g. monitoring stock levels, ordering, re-stocking of clinical areas and maintenance of equipment. Participate in quality improvement e.g. audit, development of protocols and new services.

Attend practice/clinical/nurse meetings and contribute to the agenda in the development of the nursing service and where appropriate wider practice systems. For experienced senior HCAs: supervise, teach, mentor and assess HCAs, students and new members of staff including acting as an assessor for HCAs undertaking the Care Certificate Framework and/or other elements of training/competency attainment. Personal/professional development Complete statutory training/updating and mandatory training as specified by the practice policy. Achieve competence in the 15 standards of the Care Certificate Framework within three months of appointment.

Complete skills specific training and regular updating. Inform practice manager or registered nurse if unable to perform any aspect of role competently. Actively participates and contributes to nurse team meetings.