Health Care Assistant

It is anticipated HCAs will develop skills in respecting patients/client rights, preferences, choices, culture, identity, communication, Healthand Safety and promoting health.

To be aware of maintaining patient/client confidentiality at all times.

To act in such a manner as to support the patient/client at all times and being mindful of the need to reduce anxiety for the patient/client.

To act as a chaperone as required to GPs and other clinicians

To maintain standards of organisation in the treatment, practice and GP rooms.

To assist in general nursing duties on completion of a training programme and the successful assessment of a set standard competency level and under the supervision of the Practice Nursing team

To be responsible for the re-stocking of all clinical areas and maintaining a stock rotation system.

To maintain an adequate amount of clinical supplies as agreed with GPs /Nursing Team

Instruct patient in appropriate techniques and tasks

To carry out NHS Health Checks on eligible patients

To assist with Minor Surgery procedures

To provide phlebotomy services to the patients

To carry out simple wound dressings

Care Assistant or HCA will offer nursing, administrative and general assistance

to the Primary Health Care Team based in General Practice. The HCA will liaise

closely with and report directly to the Nurse Lead/ Nurse Practitioner and

other Health Care Professionals.

The HCA will work under the direct

supervision of a first level registered nurse or GP and with guidelines and protocols

at all times.

To behave in a professional manner at

all times, being aware of how attitudes and personal behaviour can impact on

patient/client care and the team as a whole.

To work within a multi-professional

team and with patient/client valuing and respecting diversity, rights and

beliefs when different from ones own.

Interacting with a professional

manner and effectively with the team.

Reports immediately to a member of

clinical staff or the Practice Manager any acts of omission or error to

safeguard the interests of the patient/ client.

To present her/himself at all times

in a manner that is open and honest and to work in partnership with patients,

clients, colleagues and the general public to enhance confidence, competence and

best practice.

To deal at all times, politely and

respectfully using civilised language and behaviour, with all patients, clients

and colleagues. Aggressive, abuse, threatening or violent behaviour is not

acceptable.

To present a caring and efficient image

and to present themselves in a reasonable way, with due regard to social

acceptability, tidiness and personal hygiene.

To wear the agreed uniform in a clean

and presentable condition with safe and suitable footwear. The uniform will

comply with Health and Safety and Infection control guidelines. Jewellery will

be kept to a minimum.

It is anticipated HCAs will develop

skills in respecting patients/client rights, preferences, choices, culture,

identity, communication, Healthand Safety and promoting health.

To be aware of maintaining

patient/client confidentiality at all times, unless the HCA has concerns with

regard to the personal safety/well-being of the patient/client or that of

others. In these circumstances it is expected that the HCA will share the

information with the registered nurse mentor or other appropriate health team

member.

To be aware of his/her boundaries of

work to prevent harm in the patient, understand the term Duty of Care and to

always act in the best interests of the patient/client. Will not undertake any

task or element of care unless he/she has been assessed as competent by an

appropriately trained registered nurse.

To act in such a manner as to support

the patient/client at all times and being mindful of the need to reduce anxiety

for the patient/client.

To act as a chaperone as required to

GPs, Nurse Practitioners and Practice Nurses.

To maintain standards of organisation

in the treatment, practice and GP rooms.

To assist in general nursing duties

on completion of a training programme and the successful assessment of a set

standard competency level and under the supervision of the Practice Nursing

team i.e. urine testing, weight/height, blood pressure measurements,

phlebotomy.

To be responsible for the re-stocking of all

clinical areas and maintaining a stock rotation system.

To maintain an adequate amount of

clinical supplies as agreed with GPs /Nursing Team and to restock rooms as

appropriate.

To ensure that drug/vaccine

refrigerators are running at correct temperature on a daily basis and maintain

the vaccine cold chain. Document readings according to Practice Guidelines,

as directed by Nurse lead or in the event of out of range to ensure notifies

Registered nurse to action accordingly.

To verbally communicate and record

information received and given with relevant persons concerned. To receive

documents, store and retrieve information electronically, hand written

messages, where and when are recorded accurately, concisely and legibly and in

a way that could be used as evidence in any legal proceeding.

Be aware and maintain standards of

infection control.

Instruct patient in appropriate

techniques and tasks.

To carry out NHS Health Checks on eligible patients

To assist with Minor Surgery procedures

To provide phlebotomy services to the patients

To carry out simple wound dressings

To function as an integral part of

the Primary Health care team.

To attend relevant meetings as

required

To have knowledge of and act at all

times within the boundaries of Health and Safety legislation and Data

Protection Acts.

To report immediately to a member of

the clinical staff or the Practice Manager any acts of omission or error to

safeguard the interests of the patient/ client.

We are a group practice that strives to provide high quality medical care and offer a personal approach. All staff are committed to constantly improving the service we provide to ensure the service we offer to patients is clinically excellent as well as innovative and forward thinking. There are opportunities to get involved in Quality Improvement projects.

We have two sites: Parchmore Medical Centre in Thornton Heath and Haling Park Medical Practice in South Croydon.

Our practice team consists of a large non clinical team, Practice Pharmacists, Physicians Associates, 5 Practice Nurses, 3 HCAs, 5 Partners and 10 Salaried GPs.

We value our large workforce and seek opportunities for improving everyone's well being. We have regular social events such as quiz evenings, BBQ, Xmas party and an extra day's leave is given for birthdays.

We offer a competitive package with support for development.

Experience

Essential: - Experience of working within a nursing team; - Experience of dealing with vulnerable patients

Desirable: - Experience of working in primary care; - Experience of working in a GP practice

Qualifications

Essential: - Qualified in Phlebotomy; - Qualified to NVQ level 3 /Care certificate