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Candidates should possess previous healthcare experience and relevant qualifications, such as an NVQ in Health and Social Care. The role offers opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the practice, including potential pathways into specialized healthcare roles. Whitchurch Road Surgery values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact in patient care.
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) plays a vital role within the GP surgery, supporting the clinical team in delivering high-quality patient care. The role includes assisting doctors and nurses with clinical duties, administrative tasks, and patient care activities. HCAs contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the surgery and enhance the patient experience by providing compassionate and professional care
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Support:
Phlebotomy: Drawing blood from patients and ensuring samples are correctly labelled and stored for analysis.
Basic Observations: Taking and recording patient observations such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration rates, and oxygen saturation.
Health Screening: Conducting routine health checks such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and urinalysis.
Wound Care & Dressings: Assisting with basic wound care, dressing changes, and removal of sutures as instructed by clinical staff.
Electrocardiograms (ECGs): Performing ECGs and ensuring correct placement of electrodes and accurate recordings.
Vaccinations & Injections: administering flu vaccines or B12 injections (if trained and qualified).
Health Promotion: Providing basic lifestyle advice, such as smoking cessation, dietary information, and exercise guidance.
Infection Control: Ensuring high standards of cleanliness in clinical areas and following infection control protocols.
About us
Whitchurch Road Surgery is a three-partner GP practice in Cardiff, dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to a diverse patient population, including a significant number of students from nearby universities. As a Health Care Assistant (HCA), you will play a critical role in supporting our clinical team and ensuring that our patients receive compassionate, efficient, and effective care. Your responsibilities will range from clinical support tasks to administrative duties, all aimed at enhancing the patient experience and ensuring the smooth running of the surgery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Clinical Support
- Phlebotomy: Perform venepuncture to draw blood samples from patients, ensuring correct labeling and handling of specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: Take and record basic clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation. Ensure accurate documentation in patient records.
- Health Screening: Assist in conducting health checks including height, weight, and BMI measurements, and perform urinalysis as directed by clinical staff.
- Wound Care: Assist with the dressing of minor wounds, removal of sutures, and basic first aid as needed. Maintain a clean and sterile environment to prevent infection.
-Electrocardiograms (ECGs): Conduct ECG tests by applying electrodes and ensuring patient comfort during the procedure.
- Vaccination Administration:Administer routine vaccinations (e.g., flu vaccines, childhood immunisations) following appropriate training and guidelines.
- Chronic Disease Management: Support the management of patients with long-term conditions by assisting in routine check-ups and health monitoring, including diabetes and asthma management.
2. Patient Care and Assistance
- Patient Preparation: Prepare patients for consultations by ensuring they are comfortable and aware of what to expect during their visit.
- Mobility Assistance: Provide support to patients with mobility issues, helping them move safely within the surgery and assisting them during examinations.
- Chaperoning: Act as a chaperone during examinations and procedures, ensuring the comfort and dignity of patients at all times.
- Emotional Support: Provide empathetic support to patients who may be anxious or distressed, fostering a positive environment within the surgery.
3. Administrative Duties
- Patient Records Management: Update and maintain accurate patient records using the practices clinical software (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne), ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
- Appointment Scheduling: Assist with scheduling patient appointments, managing the appointment book efficiently to minimize waiting times and maximize patient flow.
- Stock Management: Monitor medical supplies, ensuring that stocks of consumables are adequately maintained. Order and restock supplies as necessary.
- Audits and Compliance: Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives, adhering to all policies and procedures related to health and safety, infection control, and confidentiality.
4. Health Promotion and Education
- Patient Education: Provide information and education to patients regarding healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Community Health Initiatives: Engage in community health promotion activities, collaborating with local organisations to promote awareness of health issues and available services.
5. Team Collaboration
- Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Work collaboratively with GPs, practice nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
- Communication: Maintain clear and open communication with colleagues and patients, effectively conveying information regarding patient care and procedures.
- Continuous Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge, staying current with best practices in healthcare.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare role, preferably as a Health Care Assistant or in a similar capacity is essential.
- Qualifications: A Health Care Assistant Certificate (NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care) or equivalent qualification is essential.
- Clinical Skills: Basic clinical skills such as phlebotomy, taking vital signs, and wound care are advantageous. Training may be provided for the right candidate.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a caring attitude toward patients.
- Organisational Skills Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a busy clinical environment.
- IT Proficiency: Competency in using clinical software and basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Specialized Training: Additional training in areas such as mental health support, infection control, or first aid is a plus.
- Cultural Competence: Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural sensitivities in healthcare.
First Aid Certification: Current first aid and CPR certification is desirable.
Working Conditions
- Physical Demands: The role may involve physical activities such as lifting, moving, and assisting patients, as well as standing for extended periods.
- Confidentiality: Strict adherence to patient confidentiality and information governance policies is required at all times.
- Infection Control: Compliance with the surgerys infection control policies and protocols is essential to ensure patient safety and wellbeing.
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Opportunities for Growth
Whitchurch Road Surgery values the development of its staff and offers opportunities for career progression within the practice. As a Health Care Assistant, you will have access to ongoing training and professional development, allowing you to enhance your skills and advance your career in healthcare. Potential pathways for growth include:
- Further Education: Opportunities to pursue further qualifications in healthcare or specialized areas of interest.
- Career Advancement: Possibility to progress to roles such as Practice Nurse or Clinical Support Roles with appropriate training and experience.
- Specialisation: Opportunities to develop expertise in specific areas of healthcare, such as mental health, chronic disease management, or health promotion.
Whitchurch Road Surgery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in healthcare.
If you are passionate about healthcare and committed to making a difference in the lives of patients, we encourage you to apply for the Health Care Assistant position at Whitchurch Road Surgery. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.
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