Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

NHS; Ottery St Mary; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job description

We are looking to recruit a HCA, on a part time basis. We are open to applications from both trainee and experienced HCAs.

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) is crucial in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care under the supervision of the Practice Lead Nurse. This role involves assisting with clinical tasks, patient management, and general administrative duties within the practice. The HCA contributes to the efficiency of the practice by performing a range of procedural and supportive tasks that facilitate improved patient experiences and health outcomes.

The HCA will engage directly with patients, providing care that includes taking vital signs, conducting health checks, and supporting the nursing and medical staff with procedures. This role requires a compassionate approach to patient interactions and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and confidentiality.

Please note that if we receive a sufficient number of applications before the closing date, we may close the advert early.

Main duties of the job

1. Clinical Support:

• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Sample Collection
• Health Checks
• Chronic Disease Management
• General: administer vaccines under PSDs and provide wound care

Administrative Tasks:

• Record Keeping
• Appointment Scheduling
• Stock Management
• Cold chain
• Supportive Care
• Infection Control

Health Promotion:

• Educational Support
• Community Engagement

Quality Improvement:

• Feedback Collection
• Audit Support

About us

Coleridge Medical Centre is part of The Fuller and Forbes Partnership, a primary care provider with practices currently in Devon, Leeds, Burnley and Gateshead. The practice has approximately 16,000 patients and a multidisciplinary team comprising GPs, ANPs, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, and a GPA. We strive to fulfil our practice values of approachability, teamwork, communication and respect.

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Clinical Support:

• Patient Preparation: Assist in preparing patients for examinations and treatments, always ensuring their comfort and privacy.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: Perform basic clinical tasks such as measuring patients' blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.
• Sample Collection: Assist with the collection of specimens like blood, urine, and swabs for laboratory testing.
• Health Checks: Conduct basic health checks and screenings under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors.
• Chronic Disease Management: consult with patients and carry out diagnostics.
• General: administer vaccines under PSDs and provide wound care.
• Other clinical tasks as may be required.

Administrative Tasks:

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using practice software systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Appointment Scheduling: Manage appointment bookings and patient recalls, coordinating with the front desk and nursing staff to optimise clinic workflow.
• Stock Management: Keep track of clinical supplies and ensure that stock levels are maintained, reordering supplies as necessary.
• Cold chain: ensure all fridges are monitored and temperature recorded.
• Patient Interaction: Provide assistance and support to patients during their visit, helping to explain procedures and answering non-medical questions.
• Supportive Care: Aid in the delivery of care plans set out by nurses and doctors, including assisting with wound care, medication administration, and other direct patient care tasks.
• Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene practices.

Health Promotion:

• Educational Support: Assist in the delivery of health education materials and presentations under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
• Community Engagement: Participate in community health initiatives to promote public health and preventive care measures.

Quality Improvement:

• Feedback Collection: Help gather patient feedback to identify areas for improvement in service delivery.
• Audit Support: Participate in clinical audits, providing data and support to registered nurses and healthcare managers.

The Practice recognises that the role of a Healthcare Assistant is wide and varied and is evolving in nature. Therefore, this job description is not intended to be exhaustive and there will be other tasks and duties that the post holder will be expected to perform within what is ordinarily expected of this role.

Person Specification

Experience

• Clinical Skills:
• Competence in basic clinical procedures including taking vital signs
• Ability to follow clinical procedures and instructions precisely under the supervision of nursing and medical staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Empathy and the ability to provide patient-centred care in a respectful and ethical manner
• Strong organisational skills
• Experience in managing patient appointments and maintaining accurate health records
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team
• Commitment to collaborative practice and continuous professional development
• Familiarity with SystmOne for recording and accessing patient information
• Specialist Skills:
• Training in infection control
• Experience in supporting chronic disease management programs and health promotion initiatives
• Experience:
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting
• Understanding of public health principles and practices
• Personal Qualities
• High level of integrity and reliability
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills and undertake further training to meet the practices needs.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and to maintain confidentiality in accordance with GDPR.

Qualifications

• Educational Background:
• Completion of a Healthcare Assistant course certified by a recognised body.
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualifications.

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.