Health Care Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, engaging and hardworking individual to join our friendly team at Hanham Health.

Working under the indirect supervision of the Lead Practice Nurse and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, the post-holder undertakes tasks and duties delegated by the nurse team leader or other suitably qualified clinical professional.

The surgery operates at two locations and this post is required to work at both, and on occasion to move between the two sites during the working day. In addition to this the practice has a number of patients who are housebound or live in care homes and the HCA may be required to visit these patients in the community to obtain blood samples or to take physiological measurements.

We are able to train applicants who are interested in a career in health care.

Main duties of the job

Check patient identification against GP request and confirm details with the patient Provide Phlebotomy in accordance to training and procedures Take physiological measurements from patients including blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm, temperature, height and weight (body mass index), visual acuity, urinalysis and ECG Administer B12 injections flu and pneumonia vaccinations under Patient Specific Directions Undertake new patient health checks, peak-flow measurement, spirometry, suture and clip removal, change dressings (including 4-layer bandages) and carry out other tasks for which you have received appropriate training Assist GPs undertaking minor surgery Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient interventions Clearing and restocking of consulting/treatment rooms, including timely order of stock items under your control Assist in raising awareness of health and well-being by participating in patient health promotion and screening initiatives Give accurate and appropriate information to patients within own competence Ensure that anomalies are reported to a senior member of the clinical team Notify the GP of any significant patient issues Ensure full and accurate recording in the patients computerised records Carry out administrative tasks for example, but not limited to, call and recall activities and stock takes as directed by senior members of the practice team

About us

Hanham Health is a large, forward-thinking GP practice in South Gloucestershire operating over two sites (Hanham Surgery and Oldland Surgery) with a third branch surgery in Almondsbury. We offer a high standard of service to our patients and embrace different ways of working and new initiatives.

We invest heavily in our team members and training opportunities are encouraged.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Working under the indirect supervision of the Lead Practice Nurse and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, the post-holder undertakes tasks and duties delegated by the nurse team leader or other suitably qualified clinical professional.

The surgery operates at two locations and this post is required to work at both, and on occasion to move between the two sites during the working day. In addition to this the practice has a number of patients who are housebound or live in care homes and the HCA may be required to visit these patients in the community to obtain blood samples or to take physhiological measurements.

Responsibilities:

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: Responsible for the correct and safe management of the specimens process including collection, labelling, handling, use of correct and clean containers, storage and transport arrangements 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 Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate Be aware of statutory child health procedures

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognises 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 demonstration skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team.

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.

COMMUNICATION

The post-holder 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 peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SERVICES

The post-holder will: Apply practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work Participate in audit where appropriate Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Has customer care experience Experience working under indirect supervision Experience of working in general practice or a care environment

Personal Qualities

Essential

Good interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships with patients and colleagues Be able to work calmly under pressure in a busy working environment Able to communicate clearly and precisely (oral and written), and where there may be barriers to understanding organised and methodical Tact, diplomacy and empathy, especially when dealing with anxious patients Flexible, reliable and responsive to change Able to work in a team or alone as required Willingness to undergo education/training for both practice and service needs Willingness to work towards professional and performance objectives

Other Requirements

Essential

Full driving licence and own transport essential for travelling between sites and for routine occasional home visits Must either be Hepatitis B immune or be willing to undergo

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Understands the role of the HCA and patient interactions Knowledge of confidentiality and its application Knowledge of EMIS or other clinical systems

Physical Skills

Essential

Manual dexterity and manipulation skills Ability to handle simple medical equipment ( ECG machine) Ability to assist others with the delivery of care ( minor surgery)

Qualifications

Essential

Basic literacy and numeracy skills NVQ level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent qualification or experience preferred; Certificate of competence in phlebotomy or equivalent, proficient computer and keyboard skills, Up to date Basic Life Support

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