HCA - Prevention and Physical Health programme

Job Purpose To support the delivery of community-based prevention and physical health programmes across GP practices and community settings, including: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) case finding and stroke prevention initiatives Severe Mental Illness (SMI) physical health checks Health promotion and prevention programmes The postholder will work under appropriate clinical supervision and within clearly defined protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SO

Ps) to

Identify and engage eligible patients Undertake delegated clinical observations, screening and health checks Accurately document and transfer clinical information Support patient engagement, prevention and health improvement Escalate concerns appropriately to registered clinicians The role is non-diagnostic and does not involve independent clinical decision-making. Key Working Relationships GP Federation Operations Team Chief Nurse and Clinical Leads GP Practices and Primary Care Teams GPwSI / Clinical Supervisors Public Health Teams Community and Voluntary Sector Partners Acute and Community Trust Staff where appropriate Key Responsibilities 1. Patient Identification and Engagement Identify eligible patients for AF case finding and SMI physical health checks Approach patients in a professional, compassionate and culturally sensitive manner Explain the purpose of screening, prevention and health checks Provide approved patient information and health promotion materials Support patients to engage with follow-up appointments and services 2. Consent and Data Collection Obtain informed verbal consent in line with organisational SOPs Record accurate patient demographics and clinical information Ensure all information is documented appropriately within clinical systems Maintain accurate and timely records at all times 3. Physical Health Checks and Screening Undertake delegated clinical tasks following training and competency assessment, including: AF Case Finding Undertake single-lead ECG recordings using approved devices (e.g. AliveCor Kardia) Repeat readings where required in line with protocol Ensure safe and correct use of equipment SMI Physical

Health Checks Undertake and record

Blood pressure measurements Pulse checks Height and weight measurements BMI calculation Lifestyle assessments Venepuncture Smoking and alcohol status assessments Basic health questionnaires and screening tools The postholder must work strictly within their scope of competence and training at all times. 4. Communication and Escalation Communicate screening outputs and factual results only, in line with SOPs Explain next steps clearly to patients Escalate abnormal findings, concerns or deteriorating patients immediately to a clinician Maintain professional boundaries at all times

The postholder must NOT

Diagnose medical conditions Interpret ECG traces independently Provide clinical reassurance outside competency Make treatment decisions 5. Health Promotion and MECC Apply Making Every Contact Count (MECC) principles by providing brief advice and signposting relating to: Smoking cessation Healthy eating and weight management Physical activity Alcohol reduction Cardiovascular health Mental wellbeing Access to local support services 6. Data Handling and Record Keeping Accurately record all activity within EMIS or other approved systems Ensure secure handling and transfer of patient information Maintain confidentiality in line with UK GDPR, NHS guidance and organisational policies Ensure no patient identifiable information is stored on personal devices 7. Infection Prevention and Equipment Care Clean equipment between patient use in line with IPC guidance Ensure clinical equipment is maintained, charged and functioning correctly Report faults or concerns promptly 8. Safeguarding Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns Escalate concerns in line with safeguarding policies Maintain professional and safe boundaries at all times 9. Incident Reporting and Quality Improvement Report incidents, near misses or concerns using organisational reporting systems Participate in audit, evaluation and service improvement activities Contribute to learning and quality improvement initiatives 10. Professional Responsibilities Maintain a professional, compassionate and non-judgemental approach Work within organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct Maintain competencies and participate in supervision and appraisal Work flexibly across sites and services where required Training and Development The postholder will complete all required statutory and mandatory training, including: Basic Life Support Infection Prevention and Control Safeguarding Adults and Children Information Governance Device-specific and clinical skills training relevant to the role Competency assessment and ongoing supervision will be provided.