Health Care Assistant in Plymouth

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Job Description

Reports To: Practice Nurse Lead, Accountable To: Practice Manager / GP Partners

Hours: Part time, around 25, as agreed with successful candidate

Salary: Competitive

Location: Church View Surgery, PL9 9BW

Job Purpose

To work as part of the primary healthcare team, supporting the Practice Nurses and GPs in delivering high-quality patient care. The Healthcare Assistant will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties to assist in the efficient delivery of services to patients.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Measuring and recording blood pressure.
• Venepuncture (taking blood samples).
• Performing ECGs.
• NHS Health Checks.
• Height, weight and BMI measurements.
• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation.
• Basic wound care and dressing changes as directed.
• Removal of sutures and clips where trained and competent.
• New patient health checks.
• Smoking cessation support and lifestyle advice.
• Monitoring patients with long-term conditions under the direction of a registered clinician.
• Administering vaccinations where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Recording clinical information accurately within the clinical system.
• Chaperoning patients during consultations and examinations.
• Infection prevention and control duties.

Patient Care

• Treat patients with dignity, respect and compassion.
• Promote patient independence and wellbeing.
• Provide health promotion information and signposting to relevant services.
• Respond appropriately to patient concerns and escalates when required.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with GDPR and NHS requirements.

Administrative Duties

• Ensure accurate completion of clinical records.
• Manage stock levels within treatment rooms.
• Order clinical supplies as required.
• Prepare and maintain clinical rooms and equipment.
• Participate in recall and screening programmes.
• Support the practice with audit and quality improvement activities.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external organisations.
• Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with practice policy.

Safeguarding

• Be aware of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.
• Report concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.
• Participate in safeguarding training as required.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within the limits of competence at all times.
• Maintain mandatory training requirements.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development.
• Adhere to practice policies, procedures and protocols.
• Maintain registration of competencies where applicable.

Health & Safety

• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and practice policies.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Report incidents, accidents and near misses promptly.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths. NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards. Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare or care setting.
• Experience dealing with members of the public.
• Experience maintaining confidential records.

Knowledge

• Understanding of patient confidentiality.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Knowledge of basic clinical observations.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Basic IT skills and experience using electronic systems.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and reliable.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Caring and patient-focused.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Positive and proactive attitude.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Care Certificate.
• Phlebotomy qualification.
• Training in ECGs, health checks or wound care.

Experience

• Experience working in General Practice.
• Experience using EMIS Web, SystmOne or other GP clinical systems.
• Experience conducting NHS Health Checks.
• Experience supporting patients with long-term conditions.

Knowledge

• Understanding of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
• Knowledge of NHS primary care services.
• Awareness of CQC requirements and standards.

Key Competencies

• Patient-centred care.
• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Respect for equality, diversity and inclusion.

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change in line with service requirements and the needs of the practice.