Health Care Assistant

The Health Care Assistant or HCA will offer nursing, administrative and general assistance to the Primary Health Care Team based in General Practice. The HCA will liaise closely with and report directly to the Nurse Lead/ Nurse Practitioner and other Health Care Professionals. The HCA will work under the direct supervision of a first level registered nurse or GP and with guidelines and protocols at all times. Personal Responsibilities To behave in a professional manner at all times, being aware of how attitudes and personal behaviour can impact on patient/client care and the team as a whole. To work within a multi-professional team and with patient/client valuing and respecting diversity, rights and beliefs when different from ones own. Interacting with a professional manner and effectively with the team. Reports immediately to a member of clinical staff or the Practice Manager any acts of omission or error to safeguard the interests of the patient/ client. To present her/himself at all times in a manner that is open and honest and to work in partnership with patients, clients, colleagues and the general public to enhance confidence, competence and best practice. To deal at all times, politely and respectfully using civilised language and behaviour, with all patients, clients and colleagues. Aggressive, abuse, threatening or violent behaviour is not acceptable. To present a caring and efficient image and to present themselves in a reasonable way, with due regard to social acceptability, tidiness and personal hygiene. To wear the agreed uniform in a clean and presentable condition with safe and suitable footwear. The uniform will comply with Health and Safety and Infection control guidelines. Jewellery will be kept to a minimum. Clinical Duties It is anticipated HCAs will develop skills in respecting patients/client rights, preferences, choices, culture, identity, communication, Healthand Safety and promoting health. To be aware of maintaining patient/client confidentiality at all times, unless the HCA has concerns with regard to the personal safety/well-being of the patient/client or that of others. In these circumstances it is expected that the HCA will share the information with the registered nurse mentor or other appropriate health team member. To be aware of his/her boundaries of work to prevent harm in the patient, understand the term Duty of Care and to always act in the best interests of the patient/client. Will not undertake any task or element of care unless he/she has been assessed as competent by an appropriately trained registered nurse. To act in such a manner as to support the patient/client at all times and being mindful of the need to reduce anxiety for the patient/client. To act as a chaperone as required to GPs, Nurse Practitioners and Practice Nurses. To maintain standards of organisation in the treatment, practice and GP rooms. To assist in general nursing duties on completion of a training programme and the successful assessment of a set standard competency level and under the supervision of the Practice Nursing team i.e. urine testing, weight/height, blood pressure measurements, phlebotomy. To be responsible for the re-stocking of all clinical areas and maintaining a stock rotation system. To maintain an adequate amount of clinical supplies as agreed with GPs /Nursing Team and to restock rooms as appropriate. To ensure that drug/vaccine refrigerators are running at correct temperature on a daily basis and maintain the vaccine cold chain. Document readings according to Practice Guidelines, as directed by Nurse lead or in the event of out of range to ensure notifies Registered nurse to action accordingly. To verbally communicate and record information received and given with relevant persons concerned. To receive documents, store and retrieve information electronically, hand written messages, where and when are recorded accurately, concisely and legibly and in a way that could be used as evidence in any legal proceeding. Be aware and maintain standards of infection control. Instruct patient in appropriate techniques and tasks. To carry out NHS Health Checks on eligible patients To assist with Minor Surgery procedures To provide phlebotomy services to the patients To carry out simple wound dressings General Duties To function as an integral part of the Primary Health care team. To attend relevant meetings as required To have knowledge of and act at all times within the boundaries of Health and Safety legislation and Data Protection Acts. To report immediately to a member of the clinical staff or the Practice Manager any acts of omission or error to safeguard the interests of the patient/ client.