Health Care Assistant in St Albans

Job Description The Healthcare Assistant will work as an integral member of the practice team, supporting GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care. The post holder will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties within their level of competence and training, helping to provide high-quality preventative care, health screening, chronic disease monitoring, and general clinical support. The successful candidate will demonstrate a caring and professional approach, with a commitment to treating every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Main Duties and Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, person-centred care to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Undertake clinical observations and procedures within the scope of training and competency, including:
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, height and weight
  • Phlebotomy
  • ECG recording
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood glucose monitoring
• Undertake NHS Health Checks and support preventative health programmes.
• Carry out Learning Disability Health Checks, ensuring patients receive appropriate physical health monitoring and follow-up.
• Undertake Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Health Checks, including appropriate physical health observations and screening in accordance with practice protocols.
• Support the nursing and GP teams with chronic disease monitoring and reviews.
• Provide wound care and dressing changes within appropriate training and competency.
• Support vaccination and immunisation clinics where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Assist with screening programmes and other preventative healthcare initiatives.
• Identify and report abnormal clinical findings or concerns promptly to the appropriate clinician.
• Provide appropriate health promotion and lifestyle advice within the boundaries of the role.
• Support patients in understanding and accessing relevant health and wellbeing services.

Patient Care and Communication

• Communicate with patients in a professional, friendly, and compassionate manner.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients who may be anxious, vulnerable, or require additional assistance.
• Adapt communication appropriately for patients with learning disabilities, severe mental illness, communication difficulties, or other additional needs.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, escalating issues to the appropriate member of the clinical team.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of patient care.

Infection Prevention and Clinical Safety

• Follow practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.
• Ensure clinical rooms are clean, safe, tidy, and appropriately stocked.
• Safely dispose of clinical waste and sharps in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Maintain and check clinical equipment, reporting any faults or concerns promptly.
• Work within agreed clinical protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of health and safety requirements within the practice.

Documentation and Administration

• Accurately document clinical observations, procedures, and patient information in the appropriate clinical record.
• Ensure all records are completed promptly and in accordance with practice requirements.
• Support patient recall systems and assist with contacting patients where required.
• Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement activities.
• Assist the wider practice team with appropriate administrative and clinical tasks to support the smooth running of services.

Team Working

• Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary practice team.
• Liaise appropriately with GPs, nurses, practice staff, community services, and other healthcare professionals.
• Attend relevant team meetings, training sessions, and supervision as required.
• Support colleagues and contribute positively to the working environment.
• Recognise personal limitations and seek advice or support when a task falls outside your level of competence.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with GDPR and practice information governance requirements.
• Follow practice policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries with patients and colleagues.
• Undertake mandatory and role-specific training as required.
• Maintain and develop clinical competencies through appropriate learning and development.
• Work within their scope of practice and only undertake clinical procedures for which they are trained and competent.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal, and personal development planning.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality patient care.