Health Care Assistant (General Practice)

• Undertake clinical observations and measurements, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, height, weight and BMI.
• Carry out venepuncture and obtain blood samples in accordance with practice protocols and competency requirements.
• Perform routine ECGs and other investigations within scope of competence.
• Undertake urinalysis and other point-of-care testing as required.
• Support patients attending for NHS Health Checks and routine reviews.
• Assist with the monitoring of patients with long-term conditions, as directed by the clinical team.
• Carry out new patient health checks and relevant assessments.
• Assist with wound care and removal of sutures/clips where trained and within agreed competencies.
• Undertake health promotion and provide patients with appropriate lifestyle advice within the limits of the role.
• Recognise and report any abnormal clinical findings or concerns promptly to the appropriate registered healthcare professional.
• Ensure specimens are correctly labelled, documented and handled in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential patient records.

• Provide patients with a professional, respectful and compassionate service at all times.
• Maintain patients' dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and carers, adapting communication to meet individual needs.
• Recognise patients who may require additional support and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of patient care.
• Ensure patients understand any instructions or information provided and refer clinical queries to an appropriate member of the clinical team.

• Follow practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain high standards of hand hygiene and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Clean and maintain clinical equipment in accordance with manufacturer and practice guidance.
• Dispose of clinical waste and sharps safely and appropriately.
• Report any infection control concerns to the appropriate member of staff.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records using the practice's electronic patient record system.
• Ensure clinical information is recorded promptly and accurately.
• Complete relevant documentation, referrals and requests as directed by the clinical team.
• Ensure test results and investigations are appropriately processed and escalated in accordance with practice protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.

• Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary primary care team.
• Liaise with GPs, practice nurses, healthcare professionals, administrative staff and external services as appropriate.
• Attend practice and team meetings and training sessions as required.
• Contribute to service improvement and the development of practice procedures.
• Support colleagues during periods of increased workload and contribute to the smooth running of the practice.

• Work within agreed competencies, practice policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and recognise the limitations of the HCA role.
• Seek advice or escalate concerns whenever a task or clinical situation falls outside their competence.
• Maintain mandatory training and undertake continuing professional development relevant to the role.
• Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal and performance review.
• Comply with relevant NHS, practice and statutory requirements.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with information governance and data protection requirements.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk and report concerns appropriately.

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses in accordance with practice procedures.
• Use clinical equipment safely and report defects promptly.
• Follow practice policies relating to fire safety, manual handling, COSHH and other relevant health and safety requirements.

Essential

• Healthcare Assistant qualification such as the Care Certificate
• Evidence of relevant clinical training and competency
• Willingness to undertake mandatory and role-specific training

Essential

• Experience of working in a healthcare environment.
• Experience of dealing directly with patients.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Experience with ECG recording and other primary care investigations.
• Wound care and removal of sutures, clips, where trained and competent.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to recognise and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Good IT and electronic record-keeping skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality, infection prevention and safeguarding.
• Ability to work within defined competencies and professional boundaries.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in general practice or primary care.
• Experience using EMIS Web clinical system.
• Experience supporting long-term condition reviews.
• Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks and trained according to new contractual requirements.
• Venepuncture and clinical observations, where trained and competent.