Health Care Assistant

The postholder

will work collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent to support and

provide physical health checks for their patients. The successful candidate

will be able to use their own initiative to work both independently and as part

of the PCMHS team to provide holistic treatment and care. The postholder will

support patients on an individual basis and as part of a clinic.

To work alongside

members of the GP practices and

PCMHS team to provide patient care (including

health and social support)

To undertake and record physical

health checks including

The following

Measurement of height

and weight

Measurement of blood

pressure, temperature and pulse, pulse oximeter

Blood glucose

testing

To recognise and observe changes

in patients physical,

mental health and behaviour which must be reported, recorded and acted on.

To provide

necessary support to people who use primary

care services to help them maintain their physical and mental health and

wellbeing.

Work effectively and flexibly as part of a wider PCMHS team across East Kent.

To be aware of and work to the principles of the Mental Health Act (MHA).

Able to interact

with patients and colleagues in a professional manner as well as create and

maintain professional relationships

with external organisations.

To act in a manner to respect the customs, individuality, values, sexuality and spiritual beliefs

of the patient.

Support patients

to access appropriate professional support, and act as an advocate when

required to clearly present the

patients point of view to others.

To provide

support for patients

to ensure effective

engagement whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

To undertake

prescribed physical observations as follows: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood sugars, weight and height and report

results to the nurse in charge.

Maintain clinical

equipment efficiently and ensure servicing

is undertaken. Ensure stock items are ordered and provided in the clinical

areas.

Follow Infection control standards.

standards.

Appreciate the

principles of Healthy Living and provide relevant health promotion

literature/advice for patients.

Keep up to date with mandatory training and updates

to remain competent.

Recognise potential areas of conflict, preventing where possible

and reporting to senior members

of staff if unable to

resolve.

Aware of safeguarding policies.

Attends clinical supervision sessions and any appropriate meetings.

Contribute new ideas to improve patient

care.

Able to drive with access

to own transport and has a valid

drivers licence. Able to travel in a timely

manner and undertake work as a lone worker, where necessary.

Screening

Undertake screening including BP checks, height,

weight, BMI, pulse oximeter, glucose

monitoring

Carry out holistic screening and checks using national

assessment tools.

Undertake venepuncture.

Makes basic assessment of needs of patients

Provide nutritional advice on overweight, CHD, diabetes

Measures and records BMI

Understands patients motivation to adapt

their lifestyle

Offers lifestyle advice on smoking

and exercise and refers

as appropriate

Able to provide

advice on managing side effects

of psychotropic medication eg; metabolic syndrome

Apply infection

control measures within the practice

according to oval and national

guidelines. This includes:-

Universal hygiene precautions

The collection and handling of laboratory specimens

Segregation and disposal

of waste materials

Decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment

Reporting and treatment

of sharps injuries

Dealing with blood and body

fluid spillages

Assist patients

and colleagues in adopting sound infection control

measures and health and safety measures

To work

collaboratively and professionally with colleagues across Invicta Health,

building and maintaining relationships.

To contribute to

the development of services, including processes, templates and principles.

To ensure that strict confidentiality is observed at all times,

especially when dealing with personal information.

To take part in any statutory and mandatory training or other training

and development programmes as requested.

Any other reasonable duties as directed by your line manager.

Due to the changing nature of Invicta Health, job descriptions will

evolve and are therefore subject to periodic review.

Invicta Health is a non-profit company, with a passion for primary care. We have a wide range of services such as hub-based GPs services, GP surgeries, services in Urgent Care Centres and A&E, a Community Primary Care mental health service, GP staff training service and the list is growing all the time.

We are formed by a federation of General Practitioners working in Canterbury and South Kent Coast areas of East Kent. Our aim is to provide local, high quality services for local people by collaborating with other established organisations in the health and social care community.

What perks can we offer you?

Qualifications

Essential: - NVQ Level 3 or Kaspac; - Valid drivers licence with business car insurance

Key Skills

Desirable: - Experience of clinical systems such as Vision and Emis; - Observes good health & safety practices

Personal Attributes

Essential: - Good team player; - Calm under pressure; - Good levels of concentration; - Confidence to escalate issues as required.

Experience

Essential: - Previous experience in a mental healthcare setting

Desirable: - Previous knowledge of infection control procedures; - Experience in the community