Health Care Assistant (General Practice) inDerby inDerby PUBLISHED 10 JUN 2024

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Health CareAssistant to join our welcoming and supportive Practice Nurse team,

To assist in providing optimal care for our patients,following Practice approved protocols.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work collaboratively with ourNursing team in delivering a high standard of care to patients.

Continuously developing their own skills and knowledgeand where appropriate provide information for others, to help theirdevelopment.

To contribute to effective working in a changingenvironment as services change and develop.

Training can be provided for the suitable candidate.

About us

We are a well-established, inner city, training practice coveringvirtually the whole of Derby. We are adiverse team, who encourage continued professional development andequality. This is also reflected in ourpractice population.

The main surgery is situated at 11 Wilson Street, Derbyand we have two branch surgeries: Taddington Road Surgery, Chaddesden, Derbyand St Thomas Road Surgery, 2St Thomas Road, Derby.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE
To support the Practice Nursing team in the delivery of clinical and administrative services, working as part of the practice multi-disciplinary team, delivering care within their scope of practice.

To deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion and patient education.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE


Essential -Experience of working with the general public,Experience of working in a healthcare setting,Evidence of continued professional development,Excellent communication/Interpersonal sills,Leadership, time management and organisational skills,Computer skills

Desirable -Healthcare qualification (NVQ Level 3 or 4) or equivalent,Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate,Vaccination certification,Experience of working in general practice,Previous Health Care Assistant experience,Experience of using system one clinical system
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are the primary responsibilities of the Health Care Assistant. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

1. Undertake patient health checks.
2. Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes.
3. Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately.
4. Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly.
5. To perform wound care dressings, urine specimen testing, nebulise patients and other clinical tasks as required.
6. Support the practice nurses with the management of chronic disease clinics.
7. Carry out BMI checks as directed.
8. Act as chaperone as required.
9. Administer Flu, B12, Shingles, Pneumonia vaccinations.
10. Carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the practice nurse.
11. Carry out ECGs as requested.
12. Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation.
13. Provide support during minor operations and coil fittings as required.
14. Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session.
15. Ensure vaccination fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidance.
16. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations IPC policy.
17. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate.
18. Identify hazards and act accordingly to promote the health and safety of patients and staff.
19. Responsible for entering clinical consultations accurately on computer records, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
20. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS


External -PCSE,ICB/JUCD/Hospital Departments/Clinics,Patient Groups,Ambulance Service

Internal -Doctors,Practice Nurses,Receptionists,Administrative colleagues,Advanced Clinical Practitioners,Dieticians,Pharmacists,Paramedics,Attached nursing teams - district nurses, health visitors, midwives, community matrons


MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB


To work collaboratively with the practice team to ensure provision of clinically effective healthcare to the practice population within the resources available.


PHYSICAL EFFORT


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of the physical effort (sustained effort at a similar level or sudden explosive effort) required for the job. It takes account of any circumstances that may affect the degree of effort required, such as working in an awkward position or confined space.

Stooping and kneeling whilst undertaking assessment and delivering treatment

Driving

Standing for long periods


MENTAL EFFORT


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of the mental effort required for the job. (For example, concentration; responding to unpredictable work patterns, interruptions, and the need to meet deadlines).

Responding to high levels of anxiety amongst patients

Continuous updating of knowledge

Intense concentration required when teaching others.

Handling and diffusing challenging interactions.

Frequent interruptions by staff, public and colleagues

Episodes of dealing with child and adult protection issues


WORKING CONDITIONS


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of demands arising from inevitably adverse environmental conditions (such as extreme heat/cold, smells, noise, and fumes) and hazards, which are unavoidable
(even with the strictest health and safety controls)
, such as road traffic accidents, spills of harmful chemicals, aggressive behaviour of patients, clients, relatives, carers.

Frequent exposure to bodily fluidsClients poor personal and home hygiene

Job description
Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE
To support the Practice Nursing team in the delivery of clinical and administrative services, working as part of the practice multi-disciplinary team, delivering care within their scope of practice.

To deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion and patient education.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE


Essential -Experience of working with the general public,Experience of working in a healthcare setting,Evidence of continued professional development,Excellent communication/Interpersonal sills,Leadership, time management and organisational skills,Computer skills

Desirable -Healthcare qualification (NVQ Level 3 or 4) or equivalent,Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate,Vaccination certification,Experience of working in general practice,Previous Health Care Assistant experience,Experience of using system one clinical system
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are the primary responsibilities of the Health Care Assistant. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

1. Undertake patient health checks.
2. Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes.
3. Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately.
4. Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly.
5. To perform wound care dressings, urine specimen testing, nebulise patients and other clinical tasks as required.
6. Support the practice nurses with the management of chronic disease clinics.
7. Carry out BMI checks as directed.
8. Act as chaperone as required.
9. Administer Flu, B12, Shingles, Pneumonia vaccinations.
10. Carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the practice nurse.
11. Carry out ECGs as requested.
12. Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation.
13. Provide support during minor operations and coil fittings as required.
14. Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session.
15. Ensure vaccination fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidance.
16. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisations IPC policy.
17. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate.
18. Identify hazards and act accordingly to promote the health and safety of patients and staff.
19. Responsible for entering clinical consultations accurately on computer records, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
20. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS


External -PCSE,ICB/JUCD/Hospital Departments/Clinics,Patient Groups,Ambulance Service

Internal -Doctors,Practice Nurses,Receptionists,Administrative colleagues,Advanced Clinical Practitioners,Dieticians,Pharmacists,Paramedics,Attached nursing teams - district nurses, health visitors, midwives, community matrons


MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB


To work collaboratively with the practice team to ensure provision of clinically effective healthcare to the practice population within the resources available.


PHYSICAL EFFORT


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of the physical effort (sustained effort at a similar level or sudden explosive effort) required for the job. It takes account of any circumstances that may affect the degree of effort required, such as working in an awkward position or confined space.

Stooping and kneeling whilst undertaking assessment and delivering treatment

Driving

Standing for long periods


MENTAL EFFORT


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of the mental effort required for the job. (For example, concentration; responding to unpredictable work patterns, interruptions, and the need to meet deadlines).

Responding to high levels of anxiety amongst patients

Continuous updating of knowledge

Intense concentration required when teaching others.

Handling and diffusing challenging interactions.

Frequent interruptions by staff, public and colleagues

Episodes of dealing with child and adult protection issues


WORKING CONDITIONS


This factor measures the nature, level, frequency, and duration of demands arising from inevitably adverse environmental conditions (such as extreme heat/cold, smells, noise, and fumes) and hazards, which are unavoidable
(even with the strictest health and safety controls)
, such as road traffic accidents, spills of harmful chemicals, aggressive behaviour of patients, clients, relatives, carers.

Frequent exposure to bodily fluidsClients poor personal and home hygiene

Person Specification

Skills and disposition

Essential

• Basic observations, incl. height, weight, BP, pulse
• Strong IT skills ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Time management and organisational skills
• Ability to follow clinical policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Polite, confident, cooperative and motivated
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
• Punctual, flexible with working hours and committed to supporting the team effort

Desirable

• ECGs
• Chaperone procedure
• Wound care / removal of sutures and staples
• System One user skills

Qualifications

Essential

• 5 GCSE passes at Grade 9-4 / A*-C or equivalent including English & Maths

Desirable

• Healthcare qualification (NVQ Level 3 or 4) or equivalent.
• Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate.
• Vaccination certification.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Evidence of professional development

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care.

Person Specification
Skills and disposition

Essential

• Basic observations, incl. height, weight, BP, pulse
• Strong IT skills ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Time management and organisational skills
• Ability to follow clinical policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Polite, confident, cooperative and motivated
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient
• Punctual, flexible with working hours and committed to supporting the team effort

Desirable

• ECGs
• Chaperone procedure
• Wound care / removal of sutures and staples
• System One user skills

Qualifications

Essential

• 5 GCSE passes at Grade 9-4 / A*-C or equivalent including English & Maths

Desirable

• Healthcare qualification (NVQ Level 3 or 4) or equivalent.
• Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate.
• Vaccination certification.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Evidence of professional development

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Wilson Street Surgery
Address

11 Wilson Street

Derby

Derbyshire

DE1 1PG

Employer's website