Health Care Assistant in Bristol

At Downend Health Group, we are looking for a part-time Health Care Assistant (20 working hours per week) to perform health care for patients.

Main duties of the job:

• The successful applicant will provide and maintain a high standard of health care for patients, and to provide nursing assistance to the GP/Nursing teams and other members of the Primary Health Care Team (PHCT).

About us:

At Downend Health Group, our team and their wellbeing are some of our key priorities. The organisation has grown from humble beginnings with a skeleton staff, to a workforce of over 100 employees, providing services from two purpose-built surgeries. We have a range of policies to help staff from a Menopause Policy to resources on Mental Wellbeing. We also understand that flexibility is key to a successful work-life balance and where possible, we offer flexibility in working patterns to accommodate your needs. We hold social gatherings, run sweepstakes on sporting events and deliver a monthly reward scheme that recognises employees who have gone the extra mile. Our recruitment process is fast and friendly, at interview we offer a relaxed approach which we think is the best environment for you to learn a little about us and where we can get to know you.

Job responsibilities:

• Health Care Assistant will perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by the Nurse Manager and Lead GP. Such tasks may include but are not exclusive to:

• Venepuncture/ Urine Culture / any other relevant pathological tests;
• General lifestyle advice including dietary, lifestyle, alcohol and smoking advice;
• Height and Weight Monitoring;
• Investigative Procedures including ECGs, Peak Flow, Spirometry, Urinalysis, BP;
• Ability to recognise and manage anaphylaxis according to current UK guidelines;
• Ability to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to current UK guidelines;
• Health Promotion and Motivational Interviewing;
• Assisting GPs with procedures such as Minor Surgery, Coil Fits/Removals etc.;
• Chaperoning and assisting patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician;
• Ensure infection control / health and safety guidelines are adhered to;
• Ability to monitor and manage maintenance of stock and equipment to include refrigeration and emergency equipment, as well as Cold Chain maintenance;
• Preparation of specimens / blood samples in accordance with training and procedures;
• Completing Long Term Condition physical checks, e.g. diabetes;
• Ear Syringing / Ear Care (following specific training);
• Onwards referrals as instructed by other health care professionals.

Person Specification:

• Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Good personal organisation;
• Good keyboard and computer skills;
• Ability to demonstrate enthusiasm in developing clinical skills;
• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook;
• Ability to use MS Word and Excel;
• Ability to learn new software.

• Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality;
• Commitment to ensuring equity of access to health care for all;
• Ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense;
• Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities;
• Be organised and reliable;
• Ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team;
• Pleasant and articulate;
• Able to work under pressure;
• Able to work in a changing environment;
• To be caring and have a warm and friendly nature.

• Experience:

• Demonstrable experience of caring for others;
• Demonstrable experience of working as part of a team;
• Demonstrable experience of working in partnership with other agencies;
• Experience of Phlebotomy;
• Competent in basic HCA duties (to include Hypertension checks, Diabetes checks, NHS checks, Support to Stop Smoking, Wound care);
• Experience of using EMIS Web;
• Experience of Spirometry.

• Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care;
• Specific training for Primary Care.

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 be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.