Healthcare Assistant in Devon

If you're a Healthcare Assistant who enjoys working in a busy environment and has a love of patient care then join our small friendly team at Albany Surgery. The successful candidate will deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion and patient education while also supporting the administrative team on an as‑required basis. The position offers flexibility with working hours; Wednesday evenings until 8pm is an essential requirement for this position.

Responsibilities

• Consult with patients and their families to undertake assessments of patient need.
• Deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion, long‑term condition management and patient education.
• Undertake new patient health checks.
• Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately.
• Facilitate routine and 24‑hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly.
• Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required.
• Carry out BMI checks as directed.
• Undertake venepuncture.
• When trained, administer flu vaccinations.
• Carry out ECGs as requested.
• Be an integral part of the general practice team.
• Provide clinical support to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals within the organisation.
• Deliver basic clinical care interventions under supervision, supporting continuity and patient safety initiatives.
• Act as a chaperone as required.
• Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation.
• Provide support during minor operations as required.
• Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisation’s IPC policy.
• Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session.
• Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with guidance.
• Work within national and local protocols where they exist.
• Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies on safeguarding adults and children.
• Recognise the boundaries of practice and know when to refer patients to others.
• Support in the delivery of enhanced services and other service requirements.
• Support the administrative team on an as‑required basis.
• Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes.
• Contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times.
• Attend a formal appraisal with the manager at least every 12 months.
• Participate in audits as directed.
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care.
• Support and participate in shared learning.
• Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota.

Qualifications

• Completed the Care Certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level.

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to undertake vaccinations.
• Understanding of the principles of ECGs.
• Able to perform venepuncture.
• Wound care and removal of sutures and staples.
• Ability to undertake new patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse and BMI.
• Understanding when to refer to colleagues.
• Clinical IT system user skills and ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children.
• Chaperone procedure.
• Knowledge of PSDs and associated policy.
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance.

Experience

• Working with the general public.
• Working in a healthcare setting.
• Experience in a primary care environment.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control measures.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to work outside core office hours.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Polite and confident.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Motivated.
• Problem solver with ability to process information accurately and effectively.
• High levels of integrity and loyalty.
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations.
• Ability to work under pressure in stressful situations.
• Able to communicate effectively and understand the patient’s needs.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort.

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.
• Ability to follow legal, ethical and clinical policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of key policies and procedures.
• Competent with MS Office and Outlook.
• Use own initiative, discretion and sensitivity.
• Communicate effectively and understand patient needs.
• Good organisational skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort.
• Clear, polite telephone manner.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Motivated.

Notes

The job description and person specification may be amended following consultation with the post holder to facilitate the development of the role, the organisation and the individual. All personnel should be prepared to accept additional duties, or surrender existing duties, to enable efficient running of the organisation.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.