Health Care Assistant in Lowestoft

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST

CLINICAL CARE

• Work alongside the Health Care Professionals in the provision of patient care and in accordance with Practice protocols and procedures.
• Undertake and record the following:
• Measurements of height and weight
• Urinanalysis
• Measurement of blood pressure
• Recording of ECGs
• Alcohol and smoking histories
• Venepuncture
• Drug allergy history
• Undertake new patient checks.
• Undertake spirometry tests with or without reversibility as instructed by the Clinician ordering the test.
• Fit & instruct patients with 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Remove the equipment & download the data into the patients records.
• Undertake NHS Health Checks in accordance with the protocol. Maintain cholesterol measuring equipment, order stock of consumables. Conduct monthly quality control check, communicate data with control centre. Document findings in patients computer records and report any abnormal findings or changes in patients observations.
• Assist Health Care Professionals in emergency management of patients and be confident in basic resuscitation techniques.
• Conduct annual/routine appointments according to protocol. Accurate recording of findings & reporting abnormalities to appropriate clinician.
• Undertake minor dressings under the direction of practice nurses.
• Undertake ear assessment & advise the patient accordingly as per protocol.
• Be aware of when to refer the patient to a Doctor or Nurse and enable patients to access appropriate professionals or clinics within the Practice.
• Act as a chaperone.
• Appreciate the principles of health living and provide relevant health promotion information literature for patients.
• Instruct patients in appropriate techniques or tasks.
• Be fully aware of the limitations on medical advice that may be given within the remit of the role.
• Document and report all clinical incidents or near misses through the recognised procedure so that they may be addressed through the Significant Event Audit.
• Assist Doctors and support the patients during minor operations.
• Assist Doctors & support patients during insertion of IUCD & Implants.
• Administer Seasonal flu & Pneumococcal vaccination in accordance with protocol & Patient Specific Direction.
• Administer Intramuscular Vitamin B12 in accordance with protocol & as instructed by GP in form of a prescription.
• Assist in Research studies as directed (requires GCP training).
• Participate in the running of the Phlebotomy Service as Practice protocol.

NON-CLINICAL

• Work effectively in a team and interact with patients and colleagues in a professional manner.
• Ensure that the requisitioning, storage, rotation and disposal of stock items, including medicines, are managed to guarantee supply, minimise waste and comply with the statutory requirements.
• Ensure that the Health Care Professionals rooms are kept stocked at all times, including emergency equipment.
• Ensure that clinical equipment is maintained efficiently and periodic servicing is undertaken.
• Ensure that clinical areas are clean and tidy and infection control procedures are followed.
• Contribute new ideas to improve patient care.
• Maintain accurate records, utilising IM&T where appropriate, ensuring that the Nurse Manager or Senior Nurse on duty is advised of potential problems or errors within the range of assigned tasks.
• Maintain set standards of organisation in Treatment Rooms and take appropriate action if standards are not being met.
• Recognise potential areas of conflict, preventing where possible, and reporting to senior members of staff if unable to resolve.
• Assist with administrative duties as requested, including call and recall systems.
• Attend Surgery training & meetings as required.
• Any other duties, delegated or otherwise, appropriate to the post. These may vary from time to time, but will not change the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed.