HCA - Respiratory

To support the PCN practices via the Respiratory Team in delivering high-quality care to patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory diseases. The postholder will play a vital role in ensuring holistic, patient-centred care, promoting self-management, and reducing hospital admissions.

Main duties of the job

The role involves assisting in the assessment, monitoring, and management of patients with respiratory conditions under clinical supervision. Responsibilities include conducting spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, and other respiratory assessments, as well as supporting inhaler technique training and nebuliser education. The post-holder will also monitor medication adherence, conduct basic observations, and provide patient education on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle changes, and recognising early deterioration signs. Additionally, they will engage in community-based care, including home visits and supporting group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, while collaborating with health and social care professionals to ensure seamless patient support.

Administrative duties include maintaining accurate patient records, preparing reports and audits, and liaising with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the Primary Care Network (PCN). Professional development is encouraged through training, team meetings, and staying updated on best practices in respiratory care. The role requires respect for patient confidentiality and the ability to travel independently between PCN sites, patient homes, and external meetings. The job description may be reviewed periodically to reflect changes within the PCN, and staff should be prepared to adapt their responsibilities to support the efficient running of services.

About us

Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of GP practices based in rural West Dorset, working together to provide high-quality, personalised healthcare to the local community. The PCN includes a mix of healthcare professionals like social prescribers, clinical pharmacists, digital care coordinators, and admin staff. These teams work across several hubs in the area to make sure everyone can access the care they need.

The PCN prides itself on being supportive and inclusive, with a real focus on staff well-being as a key part of delivering great patient care. It’s built on values like respect, attention to detail, active listening, openness, empowering patients, and always learning and improving.

People who work there often describe it as fast-paced, lively, and caring. There’s a real sense of teamwork and making a difference to the lives of local patients, with the beautiful surroundings of the Jurassic Coast providing an added bonus.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties

1. Assist in the assessment and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions under the guidance of a registered nurse or clinician.
2. Perform spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, FeNo and other respiratory-related assessments as required.
3. Support in the administration of respiratory care plans, including inhaler technique training and nebuliser education.
4. Monitor patients' adherence to medication and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician.
5. Conduct basic observations e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature and record findings accurately.

Patient Education and Support

1. Provide education to patients and carers on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle modifications, and smoking cessation.
2. Offer guidance on recognising early signs of deterioration and when to seek medical attention.
3. Promote self-management tools and techniques to empower patients.

Community Engagement

1. Conduct home visits to patients unable to attend clinics.
2. Support group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or respiratory education sessions.
3. Work collaboratively with other health and social care professionals to ensure seamless care.

Administration and Record Keeping

1. Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed patient records in line with PCN policies and procedures.
2. Assist in the preparation of reports, audits, and data entry related to respiratory services.
3. Liaise with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the PCN to support patient care pathways.

Professional Development

1. Participate in training and development activities to maintain competence in respiratory care.
2. Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions.
3. Keep updated with best practices and advancements in respiratory healthcare.

The post-holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

Special Working Conditions

The post-holder is required to travel independently between PCN sites, to patient homes and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies.

Job Description Agreement

This job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review and may be amended to take into account development within the PCN and member practices.

All members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the PCN.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in primary care, community, or acute setting
• Experience working in primary care, community healthcare or a similar setting
• Previous experience in supporting older adults, particularly those with frailty or long-term conditions.

Qualifications

• Education, Qualifications & Training NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification/experience)
• Basic knowledge of common respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD)
• Additional training in smoking cessation or inhaler technique

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse patient populations
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
• Competent in using Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and infection control principles
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• Ability to perform basic clinical observations and tests (e.g., spirometry, oxygen saturation checks)
• Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. SystmOne)
• Awareness of the importance of patient education in managing long-term conditions

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Compassionate, empathetic, and person-centred approach to care
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to undertake further training and adapt to new roles as required

Other

• A full, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle (for community visits)
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check

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.

£12 to £13 an hour depending on specialised training