JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of the role is to assist the clinical team in the service and delivery of the care management of the practice population. The post holder works under indirect supervision of the clinical team and undertakes task and duties delegated by the clinical team or a suitably qualified regulated professional. They will work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, following policy and procedures while providing supervision to more junior staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
COMMUNICATION
Communicate effectively with other team members
Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognizing their needs for alternative methods of communication
PERSONAL AND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision
Take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal development
Work with management on any new training requirements
To recognize and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team
Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to the role of a basic HCA (band 2)
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY
Use the personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines
Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks
Use appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including:
hand washing
universal hygiene procedures
collection and handling of laboratory specimens
segregation and disposal of waste materials
decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
dealing with blood and body fluid spillages
Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures
Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain
Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility
Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate
Be aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance and referral criteria
Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility
Use the computer monitor safely
Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
SERVICE IMPROVEMENT
Be aware of and, if appropriate, assist in current clinical audit
Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives
Maintain the notice board in the waiting room and promote good health with educational material
Deal with requests from patients and clinical staff for health information leaflets
QUALITY
Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk in the care of patients
Ensure own actions are consistent with clinical governance systems
Practice in accordance with agreed standards of care
Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the team
Ensure stock items under your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms
Know how clinical governance affects the HCA role and bring to the attention of more senior staff any specific risk situation
Know the practice’s policies, especially the whistle‑blowing policy, available in the practice staff handbook
Be able to manage your own time effectively
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Act in ways that recognize the importance of people’s rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with procedures
Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers
Understand basic legal and communication issues regarding child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behavior
Act as a chaperone
CLINICAL SKILLS – HEALTH AND WELL‑BEING
Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have received appropriate training:
Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory
Perform new patient health checks
Measuring and recording following physiological measurements in routine presentations:
blood pressure
pulse rate and rhythm
temperature
height and weight – body mass index
visual acuity
venepuncture
smoking cessation
ECG
Spirometry
Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions
Assist in raising awareness of health and well‑being, and how it can be promoted
Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence
Support and monitor patients during nebulisation therapy
Assist clinicians in minor surgery and coil fitting
Perform basic dressing changes according to a nursing care plan
INFORMATION PROCESSES
Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems as appropriate
Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice
Take the necessary precautions when transmitting information
Complete information governance on‑line tool kit
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