HCA inSolihull inSolihull PUBLISHED 19 DEC 2023

The HCA is responsible for:

Performing tasks prescribed and delegated by the clinical team, working to agreed protocols and within defined competencies.

New patient health checks and NHS health checks

Urinalysis

Blood pressure measurement/monitoring including ambulatory BP monitoring

ECG

Height, weight measurement

Lifestyle advice

Smoking cessation

Spirometry monitoring

Chaperoning

Diabetic checks

Simple wound care

INR monitoring

Peak flow readings

Suture and clip removal

Wound swabs/care

Ear irrigation

Phlebotomy

Emergency Trolleys

O2 / AEDs

Long-term condition monitoring

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With nurse support, assist with setting up for:

Minor surgery procedures including joint injections

Dressings

IUD insertion and removal

Implant insertion and removal

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On the basis of a Patient Specific Direction and with signed authorisation and correct training:

Shingles immunisation

Flu immunisation

Pneumococcal immunisation

Vitamin B12 injections

Administer Adrenaline in emergency

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The HCA will refer to a supervising member of the clinical team if deviation from the protocol is required, if unsure in any way, or where clinical judgement is required before proceeding.

The HCA will be responsible to the Partners on clinical matters and to the Practice Manager on non-clinical matters.

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In addition to the primary responsibilities, the HCA will be responsible for:

Record keeping and administration:

Make accurate and contemporaneous records of all patient encounters in accordance with practice records guidelines.

Contribute to nursing team record keeping (clinical, administrative, health and safety related records).

Maintain skills in using the patient appointment system.

Maintaining a safe clinical environment

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The HCA will be aware of and comply with the practice's health and safety Policy. This will include:

Minimising risk to self and others in the workplace.

Identifying and reporting hazards/risks and contributing to control measures.

Adhering to all relevant policies including infection control and managing the cold chain

Contributing to keeping the working area and patient areas tidy and free from hazards.

Using protective equipment and clothing provided and in accordance with the practices policy.

Handling specimens and clinical waste/sharps in accordance with practice policy.

Applying correctly spill control and decontamination policies

Ensuring sufficient supplies of all cleansing and infection control materials.

Attending regular health and safety training.

Record fridge temperatures, clean fridges, promptly report temperature variations from standard.

Prepare clinical areas between patients in accordance with infection control procedures including cleaning surfaces and equipment

Dispose of all clinical waste/sharps in accordance with practices infection control protocol.

Clean/maintain all equipment in accordance with infection control and equipment maintenance policies.

Take action to manage spills or decontaminate affected areas.

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Supplies management:

Check stock in all clinical rooms.

Order replacement stock and restock clinical rooms.

Maintain accurate stock records, including liaison with Practice Manager by providing order confirmations for invoice checking.

Order most economic supplies available and use with economy.

Order and maintain stock of health information leaflets and keep displays up to date.

Equipment maintenance and calibration:

Contribute to care and maintenance of equipment.

Organise repair and regular maintenance and calibration of equipment, including equipment maintenance/checking/calibration log.

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Communication:

Advise patients of the HCA role, its extent and limits.

Advise patients appropriately and refer on if they require the services of a nurse, GP or other clinical team member.

Communicate patient registration and clinical details to trained staff for further care and when concerns, questions or uncertainty of any kind arise.

Communicate effectively, promptly and appropriately with patients and team members.

Modify method of communication with patients to suit the situation, recognise problems/barriers and seek help at an early stage when they arise

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Personal development

The HCA will:

Undertake training needed to ensure competencies for delivering all responsibilities.

Attend and contribute to in-house training events.

Take responsibility for own development including staff appraisals, giving and receiving feedback, performance management with the support and supervision of qualified staff.

Undertake regular mandatory training (child protection, vulnerable adults, basic life support, moving and handling etc.)

The HCA will support the nurse and doctor teams by undertaking patient care tasks, clinical support tasks, infection control tasks, restocking and stock rotation

The HCA will be supporting the nursing team to provide a high level of patient care.

The role will include patient care such as wound care, vaccines, ECG's and some phlebotomy.

General Healthcare Assistant experience is essential. This can be within a hospital or GP Practice setting.