Job Description Job Title: Health Care Assistant Responsible To: The Partners (Clinically) & Practice Manager To work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, following policy and procedures. Main Duties and Responsibilities 1. Communication Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising their needs for alternative methods of communication 2. Personal and people development Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision Take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal development Work with management on any new training requirements and new initiatives for the improvement of patient care To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary care health team Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to the role of a Health Care Assistant 3.
Health, Safety and Security Use the personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks Use appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including: Hand washing Universal hygiene procedures 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 bodily fluid spillages Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain. Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility. Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate. Be aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance and referral criteria.
Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility. Use the computer monitor safely. Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. 4.
Service Improvement Be aware of and, if appropriate, assist in current clinical audit. Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives. Deal with request from patients and clinical staff with health information leaflets. 5.
Quality Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk in the care of patients. Ensure own actions are consistent with clinical governance systems. Practice in accordance with agreed standards of care. Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the team.
Ensure stock items under your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms. Know how clinical governance affects the HCA role and bring to the attention of more senior staff any specific risk situation. Know the practices policies, especially the whistle-blowing policy, available in the practice staff handbook. Be able to manage your own time effectively.
6. Equality and diversity Act in ways that recognise the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with procedures Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers Understand basic legal and communication issues regarding child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour Act as a chaperone 7. Clinical skills health and well-being Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have received appropriate training. Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory.
Measuring and recording physiological measurements in routine presentations: Blood Pressure Pulse rate and rhythm Temperature Height and weight body mass index And perform treatments and procedures which will include the following: Venepuncture ECG Dressings and wound-care Administration of immunisations Assist in Minor Surgery Please note this list is not expansive and you may be asked to take on roles/tasks that we as a practice feel is pertinent to your job role. Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions Assist in raising awareness of health and well-being, and how it can be promoted by assessing patients in a Healthy Heart Clinic. Monitor and support patients in BP Clinics. Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence Support and monitor patients during nebulisation therapy.
8. Information Processes Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems as appropriate Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice Take the necessary precautions when transmitting informatio

Please refer the Job description for details