Healthcare Assistant

NHS; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the team at Thomas Walker Westgate Healthcare. We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our existing team, in supporting the efficient operation of the Practice in delivering health care support to patients. The post holder will be compassionate and caring, able to work well within a team environment, with the ability to develop some skills of supervising and supporting their team members. They will be able to demonstrate safe and evidence based skills in line with their competency framework.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by the Lead Nurse and GPs
• Adhere to practice policy for audits and reviews of clinical practice
• Routine health measurements e.g. height, weight, BMI
• ECGs
• Wound care / ulcer care
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Venepuncture
• Urinalysis
• Chaperoning and assisting patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician
• Maintain accurate records
• Administering Flu vaccinations and B12 injections
• Commitment to maintain a high professional standard of care
• Cooperate with annual appraisal meetings
• Work only in accordance with the UKCC Code of Conduct and within the scope of professional practice.
• Any other delegated duties appropriate to the post.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the people we care for, creating a setting in which everyone feels welcome and safe. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes the disclosure of criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks.

Qualifications

• Core skills in patient care and anatomy knowledge are essential for this role.
• Previous experience as a Healthcare assistant
• Additional certifications or training related to general practice healthcare are a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this position.

About us

Thomas Walker Westgate Healthcare are a 25,000+ patient Practice and therefore one of Peterborough's largest practices and an active member of Peterborough and East PCN. We are looking for candidates, who will enjoy working in a supportive team looking after a very diverse population of patients. If you are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering high quality care to patients, we want to hear from you!

We are a dynamic, forward thinking practice based within the city of Peterborough, and an experienced and welcoming team of staff. Recognised as a training practice, we currently have 3 Registrars and additionally host Cambridge Medical Students. We have an excellent approach to working in partnership with our teams and have a flexible approach to all that we do. We are keen to ensure the continued long term delivery of excellent primary care to our local community.

Date posted: 15 April 2025

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: Depending on experience

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Reference number: A5113-25-0004

Job locations: Princes Street, Peterborough, PE1 2QP

Job responsibilities

Communication

• Undertake effective communication with patients in specific clinical situations
• Respond appropriately and communicate effectively (seeking support where necessary) with patients who have specific needs
• Have an understanding of the ethical issues that impinge on health care assistants working in General Practice
• Undertake effective communication with all levels of the multi-disciplinary team
• Work effectively in your team and support structures that are in place for the smooth running of the practice.
• Understand the principles and implications of delegation and accountability
• Recognise and understand the roles of individuals working within the Primary Health Care team and appreciate how the roles of other practitioners and agencies interface with yours.
• Be aware that current evidence based guidelines and other national and local policies underpin clinical protocols.
• Know and adhere to key practice policies that affect your work, ensuring all delegated activities are supported by written and agreed procedures.
• Have the insight and confidence to recognise and work at all times within the boundaries of safe practice based on your own competence and the limitations of the HCA role
• Develop own knowledge and skills through work based learning ensuring all mandatory training is kept up to date.

People and Personal Development

• Understand the benefits of clinical supervision for the individual, the organisation and the service
• Work at all times within the boundaries of delegated authority and personal level of competence and training. If unsure consult and refer to a registered health professional.
• Have a clear knowledge and understanding of the principles of personal accountability in healthcare

Health, Safety and Security

• Have a working knowledge of and abide by the following:
• Health & Safety procedures and documentation within the workplace
• Fire procedures
• The monitoring and reporting of the state of equipment and furniture
• Current recommendations for the safe use of VDU screens
• The importance of identifying and reporting any concerns.
• Security of patient sensitive information and data
• National regulations for the control of substances hazardous to health
• Infection control
• Apply infection control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines
• Emergency situations
• Know the general principles of first aid and be able to undertake initial actions when appropriate.

Vaccine and Drugs Stock control and storage

• Ensure cold chain, safe storage, vaccine stability, rotation and disposal of drugs
• Where appropriate oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation according to legal requirements
• Reporting any concerns to the senior nurse
• Recognise and manage situations where specific training is a requirement in order to work within scope of practice
• Mandatory Training: Be aware of and undertake mandatory training and updates as outlined in Thomas Walker Westgate's Mandatory and Statutory Training Policy and in line with any specific areas of your role.
• Act as a chaperone in accordance with your local policy

Quality and Service Improvements

• Work with others as appropriate on the development of current and new services and initiatives

Equality and Diversity

• Be aware of legislation relating to these issues and know where to access relevant information and resources
• Be aware of how discrimination might occur within General Practice and adhere to practice principles and approaches to promote equality
• Ensure your own behaviours are inclusive and respect the beliefs, culture, values and preferences of individuals
• Be prepared to act as an advocate for your patients and appropriately challenge discrimination if necessary
• Understand the basic legal issues concerning child abuse including being aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance.

Health and Wellbeing

• When undertaking clinical procedures ensure compliance with core competencies
• Be aware of possible adverse reactions and complications and be able to effectively manage these including those that require immediate referral. (red flags)
• Recognise the patient may have questions about the reasons for the procedure and be able to signpost accordingly
• Gain appropriate consent and ensure that patients feel they have been given sufficient information to make an informed choice.
• Recognise relevant anatomy and physiology relating to venepuncture.
• Know and adhere to guidelines for the management of samples
• Follow evidence based guidelines to safely and successfully perform the procedure in particular the prevention and management of needlestick injury and in line with operational policies and local guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with the patient regarding the practice procedures for obtaining results and possible follow up

Investigations and observations

• Working within guidelines for, undertake and record the following tasks
• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for Path lab investigation
• The measurement of:
• Blood pressure
• Pulse rate and rhythm
• Respiratory rate
• Temperature
• Height and Weight
• Waist Circumference and Body Mass Index
• Visual acuity
• Legs prior to prescribing of support hosiery by registered practitioner
• ECGs / ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
• Blood glucose monitoring and near patient lipid screening
• Patients inhaler techniques and undertaking peak flow readings
• Spirometry

Vaccinations

• Know and understand how these vaccines work to promote immunity
• Be able to give accurate information regarding contra-indications and side effects and to address patients concerns appropriately or refer to the registered practitioner.
• Be aware of up to date UK guidance on influenza, pneumococcal and shingles immunisation and know who to consult if there is any uncertainty about which vaccines are needed or timing of vaccines
• Understanding of importance of maintaining the cold chain and what to do if a breach is suspected
• Recognition of anaphylaxis and first response procedures
• Vitamin B12 injections
• On completion of suitable standardised education and training which meets the standards

Woundcare

• Demonstrate knowledge of wound classification
• Demonstrate knowledge of your local formulary
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the healing process and factors that inhibit
• Recognise when wounds are not responding and refer appropriately
• Educate the patient in wound self care and monitor as appropriate

Emergency situations

• Following practice protocols and evidence based treatment be competent to recognise the degree of urgency.

Health Screening and Promotion

• Able to demonstrate
• An awareness of both local and national health policies
• Awareness of public health issues in the local area including health inequalities
• Awareness of screening, its effectiveness and potential limitations
• An insight into issues which have a bearing on the wider health economy
• Ability to promote appropriately primary and secondary prevention interventions and public health initiatives including awareness of risk in specific situations e.g. occupational, care provision, travel and sexual activity
• Assessment skills with regard to patients readiness to change
• Undertake new patient checks recognising health promotion opportunities
• Be aware of the factors that may contribute to health inequalities particularly in relation to screening uptake
• Be aware of the National Health Screening programmes relating to your country
• Demonstrate awareness of the importance of promoting mental well-being

Dementia

• Be able to respond appropriately and refer adhering to practice guidelines and protocols
• Acknowledge and reflect on potential barriers that may impact on care provision in this area
• Demonstrate how to optimise a suitable communication style with patients with dementia.
• Recognise the need to take a proactive approach to meeting the physical health needs of patients with mental health issues and be able to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours

Mens and womens health

• Be aware of the gender specific morbidity and mortality issues and statistics. Provide suitable support and advice to adult patients
• Recognise and be able to take advantage of opportunistic health promotion for this group of patients.
• After training, perform well man health checks using local protocols
• Encourage patients of both genders to be breast aware.

Long term conditions

• Be able to access appropriate formal training on specific long term conditions before becoming involved in care.
• Demonstrate the knowledge skills and attitudes to support patients living with long conditions.
• Appreciate the implications of chronic health conditions in an aging society.

Diabetes

• Support the patient in the identification of personal health risk and sign post appropriately for further advice regarding
• Reduction of CVD risk factors
• Diet and Nutrition
• Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia
• Retinal screening and foot care
• Able to demonstrate
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Essential foot care

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma

• Aware of and know where to access appropriate information on
• Primary Prevention and Lung Health
• Signs and symptoms
• Asthma triggers
• Recognition of acute exacerbations
• Inhaler devices and inhaler technique
• Peak flow monitoring

Hypertension

• Has a working knowledge of blood pressure monitoring equipment including 24 hour ambulatory monitors.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Able to
• Identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors
• Access and use tools for risk assessment and work within policies for referring to registered practitioner when appropriate
• Recognise irregular pulse and its possible implications and act according to practice guidelines
• Perform near patient Lipid screening where used
• Recognise and act upon early warning signs of potential cardiovascular emergencies e.g. chest pain or stroke

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• Relevant SVQ/NVQ in Healthcare Support Work

Desirable

• Training in practical skills

Experience Essential

• Previous experience within General Practice, Hospital or care/nursing home in a patient facing clinical role.

Desirable

• Previous experience as HCA in General Practice, Hospital or care/nursing home.
• Experience administering Flu vaccinations and B12 injections.
• Competent with:
• Venepuncture
• ECG recording
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Urinalysis testing
• Routine health measurements e.g. height, weight, BMI
• Experience with:
• Diabetic Foot Screening
• Taking Spirometry readings

Knowledge Essential

• Understanding principles of clinical governance
• Understanding of Confidentiality
• Knowledge of Anaphylaxis
• Knowledge of Basic First Aid/Life Support.
• Understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues

Desirable

• Experience of working with new technologies in health care practice
• Understanding of clinical coding in general and Read coding in particular
• Understanding of the health needs assessment process
• Experience of TPP System One clinical system

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: Thomas Walker Westgate Healthcare

Address: Princes Street, Peterborough, PE1 2QP

Employer's website: https://www.twwhealthcare.co.uk