Health Care Assistant (HCA)

at  Downing Drive Surgery

1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction i. Deliver high standards of holistic care, ensuring patient equality and dignity are maintained. ii.
   Conduct clinical observations, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure (including 24-hour BP), and measure patient height and weight. iii. Perform NHS health checks. iv.
   Observe and promptly report any changes in patient conditions to the Practice Nurse or GP on call. v. Provide chaperone support during examinations and treatments. vi.
   Assist with Chronic Disease Management following practice protocols and within training and competency levels. vii. Provide support during minor operations in line with practice protocol. viii.
   Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate. ix. To perform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation, under the supervision of the ANP, Practice Nurse or Nurse Associate if appropriately trained. 2.
   Specimen Collecting and Testing i. Obtain venous blood samples from patients as directed. ii. Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens; perform urinalysis; and ensure proper labelling, bagging, and online form completion.
   iii. Perform INR tests within Anticoagulation clinics. iv. Conduct additional tests such as ECGs, H Pylori testing, and Spirometry if fully trained.
   v. Administer Influenza, Pneumonia, Vitamin B12, Shingles and RSV vaccines following practice protocols if appropriately trained. 3. Health Promotion and Patient Education i.
   Provide lifestyle support, including stop-smoking advice if trained. ii. Conduct health education sessions to encourage patients to manage their health conditions effectively. 4.
   Equipment and Stock Management i. Regularly check and maintain resuscitation, oxygen, and fridges. ii. Ensure calibration and maintenance of medical equipment (e.g., ear syringe kits, scales, BP monitors, ECGs).
   iii. Maintain stock levels, order supplies, and organize doctors rooms and clinical areas as needed. iv. Keep the waiting room notice boards organized and current.
2. Infection Control and Safety i. Handle hazardous samples and waste in accordance with practice policy. ii.
   Ensure all samples and specimens are stored and transported to the laboratory per protocols. iii. Maintain room cleanliness and adhere to infection control standards. iv.
   Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines. v. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidelines. vi.
   Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy. 6. Documentation and Administration i. Verify and accurately complete documentation for all specimens and samples taken.
   ii. Support Enhanced Service work, including audits and administrative tasks required for claims processing if/when required. iii. Adhere to all practice policies, procedures, and guidelines, maintaining high standards of care within role limitations.
   iv. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with practice protocols and GDPR regulations. vi. Input patient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronic health record system (SystmOne).
   vii. Manage own correspondence from within the practice, including emails. viii. Keep up to date with latest technologies used within the practice i.e., AccuRx, website, emails, NHS App and use as per practice protocols.
   ix. Always maintain patient confidentiality, adhering to GDPR and Caldicott principles. 7. Communication and Collaboration i.
   Work collaboratively with all our receptionists, administrative staff, and healthcare professionals to ensure the effective delivery of services. ii. Handle patient feedback, complaints, and concerns with empathy and efficiency, escalating issues to the Practice Manager when necessary. iii.
   Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to stay informed about practice developments, updates in policies, and ongoing professional development. 8. Premises i. To open and lock the premises and know the correct procedures for securing the building.
   ii. Know how to contact the alarm companies. iii. Ensure your consulting rooms is clean, cleared and restocked after every use.
   iv. To report any necessary Health and Safety issues. v. Ensure any health promotion around the practice or in waiting area is up to date.
3. Training i. Undertake training as directed by your supervisors or managers. ii.
   Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role model. iii. Participate in annual appraisal with line manager and practice manager. iv.
   Ensure that all statutory and mandatory training is completed according to the timescales provided by the practice. v. Attending primary care health meetings, reception team meetings, and Protected Learning Time (PLT) meetings when required. The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception team may include any or all the items in the following list.
   Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels

Please refer the Job description for details