Following our recent merge, we are looking to expand our team and an exciting opportunity has become available for a Health care Assistant (HCA) to join our friendly, supportive, and progressive practice and work as a key part of the clinical team.
The successful Health Care Assistant applicant must be able to organise and manage their own workload and have experience of working in a customer care environment.
– venepuncture (patients of 16 years and over). HCAs who have undertaken specific training in paediatric venepuncture and been deemed competent may carry out venepuncture in patients aged 10 years and over.
– measurement of height and weight and BMI – urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory – measurement of blood pressure and temperature
Extended HCA tasks only to be undertaken with (or working towards) NVQ 3 or other similar and relevant training and validated training and assessment of competence:
Please see attached full job description.
The newly merged Weymouth Bay Medical Practice is a large friendly GP practice in Weymouth, Dorset (previously known as Royal Crescent and Preston Road Practice and Dorchester Road Practice) and both practices were inspected previously and were rated as Outstanding and Good by the Care Quality Commission.
The Practice cares for 26,000 patients with 3 purpose-built surgeries, one in the town centre of Weymouth (Royal Crescent Surgery), one in Lodmoor (Dorchester Road Surgery) and one on the outskirts, in the area of Preston (Preston Road Surgery). We are a training practice with a dedicated team of 21 GP Partners and 70 nursing and administrative staff, and we value the contribution of each staff member.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST
1. Clinical care working under direct or indirect supervision/delegation of clinician(s), working to practice protocols and guidelines. Those new to care should complete the Care Certificate Training will be given on each of the tasks below before being carried out under indirect supervision. HCAs are responsible for ensuring that there is documented evidence of competence in each of the skill areas. Specific or mixed clinics may be organised by the surgery and protocols must always be adhered to.
1.1. Undertake and accurately record the following tasks: – venepuncture (patients of 16 years and over). HCAs who have undertaken specific training in paediatric venepuncture and been deemed competent may carry out venepuncture in patients aged 10 years and over.
– raise ICE forms (according to protocol) – measurement of height and weight and BMI
– urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory
– measurement of blood pressure and temperature – pulse rate and rhythm
– peak flow measurements – recording of ECGs
– smoke stop advice and referral
– smoking cessation
– spirometry – inhaler technique – pulse oximetry – near patient testing
– new patient checks
– NHS Health checks
– referrals to healthy living
– health promotion
– assist with clinical procedures such as implants, coils and minor surgery
– chaperone
Extended HCA tasks only to be undertaken with (or working towards) NVQ 3 or other similar and relevant training and validated training and assessment of competence:
– dressings
– removal of stitches
– Influenza vaccinations
– Pneumonia vaccinations
– B12 injections – diabetes foot checks
– Shingles vaccinations
1.2. Check and act on QOF alerts for any of the above tasks when dealing with each patient in accordance with the protocol.
1.3. Recognise changes in the patients observations which must be reported and acted on
1.4. Assist clinicians in emergency management of patients
1.5. Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the practice team
1.6. Act as a chaperone
1.7. Appreciate the principles of Healthy Living
1.8. Provide relevant health promotion literature for patients care and programme management
1.9. Clearly presents patients point of view to others
1.10. Ensure stock items are ordered and provided in treatment rooms
1.11. Maintain clinical equipment efficiently and report any incidents where servicing has not been undertaken
1.12. Contribute new ideas to improve patient care
1.13. Support and monitor patients during nebulisation therapy.
1.14. Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions.
1.15. Assist regulated professional while patients undergoing minor surgery.
1.16. Assist in raising awareness of health and well-being, and how it can be promoted.
1.17. Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence.
1.18. Where appropriate, provide support and encouragement to self manage their conditions.
1.19. Have a basic understanding of long-term conditions including diagnostic interventions, treatments, and the principles of care and self management.
1.20. Plan, develop and implement health promotion activities as appropriate e.g. smoking, exercise and diet.
1.21. Assess patients readiness to change and provide motivational support as appropriate in cases of smoking, obesity and healthy living for older people.
1.22. To gain the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to administer basic life support or adrenaline if necessary.
2. Infection Control Use and encourage others to adopt appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified including;
2.1. Hand washing
2.2. Universal hygiene precautions
2.3. Collection and handling of laboratory specimens
2.4. Segregation and disposal of waste materials
2.5. Decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
2.6. Reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
2.7. Dealing with blood and body fluid spillages
2.8. Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions
2.9. Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures
2.10. Wear uniforms within the surgery building only in accordance with the infection control policy
2.11. Do not store or consume food in a clinical room
3. Clinical Practice
3.1. Work effectively in a team, communication is essential
3.2. Interact with patients and colleagues in a professional manner
3.3. Patients requesting clinical information about their diagnosis, investigations or results should be directed to their GP.
3.4. Maintain set standards of organisation in treatment rooms
3.5. Take appropriate action if standards are not being met
3.6. Recognise potential areas of conflict, preventing where possible and reporting to senior members of staff if unable to resolve
4. Information Technology
4.1. Have a working knowledge of SystmOne computer system.
4.2. Maintain computerised medical records, data input should be complete and accurate
4.3. Use of templates, to record consultation where directed including Ardens
4.4. Computer records should be made at the same time as the consultation
4.5. Operator I.D and security of records to be monitored by changing login I.D
4.6. Follow practice information governance policies and procedures
4.7. Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice.
4.8. Take the necessary precautions when transmitting information.
5. Professional Conduct
5.1. Conduct oneself in a professional manner, maintaining courtesy, discretion and patience at all times
5.2. Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patient privacy.
5.3. Details of patients must only be discussed privately with appropriate personnel, and for a valid purpose. Special care must be taken to ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.
6. Responsibility to maintain awareness and adherence to practice policies and procedures
6.1. Be aware of Health and Safety and ensure legislation is followed in relation to staff and patients
6.2. Undertake training where relevant to the tasks and responsibilities associated with the job including basic life support training.
6.3. Attend staff meetings, and carry out other delegated duties considered appropriate to the post as agreed with the Nurse Manager/ GP
7. Health, safety and security
7.1. Use and encourage others to be familiar with the personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines.
7.2. Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks.
7.3. Use and encourage others to adopt appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including:
7.4. Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain.
7.5. Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility.
7.6. Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate.
7.7. Be aware of statutory child health procedures, and statutory local guidance and referral criteria.
7.8. Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility.
7.9. Use the computer monitor safely.
7.10. Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
8. Other duties
8.1. To maintain effective liaison with the Nurse Manager on all areas of responsibility and to immediately report any difficulties or shortcomings in agreed standards and criteria.
8.2. Undertake training where relevant to the tasks and responsibilities associated with the job and under the direction of the Nurse Manager.
