Job summary
The exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Nursing Team. The team currently consists of 3 Practice Nurses, 1 Nurse Associate, 1 Health Care Assistant and a Phlebotomist. We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring Health Care Assistant to further enhance the team and join our friendly GP Practice. A team player with good clinical skills and an interest in further training and personal development are vital.

Informal visits are welcome before applying, and we are happy to show prospective applicants around the Practice. Should you wish to discuss the role further please do not hesitate to contact a member of the management team using the details provided.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will work under indirect supervision of the lead Practice Nurse and will undertake tasks and duties delegated by the lead Practice Nurse or suitably qualified regulated professional. They will work collaboratively with the General Practice team to meet the needs of the patients, following policy and procedures. The healthcare assistant will deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion and patient education.

About us
Fernbank Surgery is a busy practice which is made up of a team of 5 very versatile GP partners, who are supported by a host of salaried GPs, ANPs, Clinical Pharmacists, Practice Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Phlebotomists, a management team and a pillar of administration and reception staff members. We are a close knit team that is able to work together efficiently and effectively to ensure that our patients receive an exemplary level of care and service from all that are part of team Fernbank.

If you are interested in the post and want to visit the Practice or find out more, please contact Stephanie Sweeney, Practice Manager by email on lscicb-fw.fernbankmanagers@nhs.net.

Job responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the healthcare assistant. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

• Undertake new patient health checks
• Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes
• Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximitery, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, recording findings accurately
• Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly
• Support the practice nurse with the management of chronic disease clinics
• Carry out BMI checks as directed
• Act as a chaperone as required
• undertake venepuncture
• Carry out ECGs as requested
• Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation
• Provide support during minor operations as required
• Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session
• Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance
• Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy
• Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Secondary Responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the healthcare assistant may be requested to:

• Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care
• Support and participate in shared learning within the practice
• Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Healthcare Qualification (level 3 or 4)

Desirable

• Qualified in Phlebotomy

Experience
Essential

• Experience working with the General Public
• Experience working in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• Experience of working in Primary Care

Skills
Essential

• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Effective time management
• Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure

Desirable

• Emis web user skills

Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Ability to record accurate clinical notes

Desirable

• ECG's
• Phlebotomy
• New patient checks including height, weight, B, pulse
• The ability to chaperone

Other Requirements
Essential

• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Check
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Flexibility to work outside of core hours when required

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Ability to work under pressure
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team

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.