Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed team player, to join our nursing team comprised of the Lead Nurse, Practice Nurse and Phlebotomist.

Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will work as part of the practice clinical team to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to patients registered with the practice.

About us
We are friendly and progressive training practice in the New Forest National Park and a member of the New Forest Primary Care Network (PCN). Lyndhurst Surgery consists of three Partners, four salaried GPs, three GP trainees, along with the nursing, management and admin teams. We are supported by our PCN colleagues covering Pharmacy, MSK and Social Prescribing. As a small, semi rural practice, we are situated in a quiet location at the top of Church Lane, offering a supportive environment for staff to learn, develop and thrive.

Job responsibilities
Job Description
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will work as part of the practice clinical team to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to patients registered with the practice.

The post holder will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties under the direction and supervision of appropriately qualified registered healthcare professionals. The HCA will contribute to the delivery of routine health checks, long-term condition monitoring, preventative healthcare and health promotion.

The post holder will work within their level of competence and undertake appropriate training and development to maintain and enhance their clinical skills.

Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake clinical observations and measurements, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, height, weight and BMI.
• Carry out venepuncture and obtain blood samples in accordance with practice protocols and competency requirements.
• Perform routine ECGs and other investigations within scope of competence.
• Undertake urinalysis and other point-of-care testing as required.
• Support patients attending for NHS Health Checks and routine reviews.
• Assist with the monitoring of patients with long-term conditions, as directed by the clinical team.
• Carry out new patient health checks and relevant assessments.
• Assist with wound care and removal of sutures/clips where trained and within agreed competencies.
• Undertake health promotion and provide patients with appropriate lifestyle advice within the limits of the role.
• Recognise and report any abnormal clinical findings or concerns promptly to the appropriate registered healthcare professional.
• Ensure specimens are correctly labelled, documented and handled in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential patient records.

Patient Care

• Provide patients with a professional, respectful and compassionate service at all times.
• Maintain patients' dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and carers, adapting communication to meet individual needs.
• Recognise patients who may require additional support and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of patient care.
• Ensure patients understand any instructions or information provided and refer clinical queries to an appropriate member of the clinical team.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Follow practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain high standards of hand hygiene and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Clean and maintain clinical equipment in accordance with manufacturer and practice guidance.
• Dispose of clinical waste and sharps safely and appropriately.
• Report any infection control concerns to the appropriate member of staff.

Administration and Records

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records using the practice's electronic patient record system.
• Ensure clinical information is recorded promptly and accurately.
• Complete relevant documentation, referrals and requests as directed by the clinical team.
• Ensure test results and investigations are appropriately processed and escalated in accordance with practice protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.

Team Working

• Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary primary care team.
• Liaise with GPs, practice nurses, healthcare professionals, administrative staff and external services as appropriate.
• Attend practice and team meetings and training sessions as required.
• Contribute to service improvement and the development of practice procedures.
• Support colleagues during periods of increased workload and contribute to the smooth running of the practice.

Professional Responsibilities
The post holder will:

• Work within agreed competencies, practice policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and recognise the limitations of the HCA role.
• Seek advice or escalate concerns whenever a task or clinical situation falls outside their competence.
• Maintain mandatory training and undertake continuing professional development relevant to the role.
• Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal and performance review.
• Comply with relevant NHS, practice and statutory requirements.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with information governance and data protection requirements.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk and report concerns appropriately.

Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses in accordance with practice procedures.
• Use clinical equipment safely and report defects promptly.
• Follow practice policies relating to fire safety, manual handling, COSHH and other relevant health and safety requirements.

Safeguarding
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The post holder must be aware of and comply with the practice's safeguarding policies and procedures and must promptly report any concerns to the appropriate safeguarding lead.

Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times. Information obtained during the course of employment must not be disclosed except where authorised or required by law or practice policy.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Healthcare Assistant qualification such as the Care Certificate
• Evidence of relevant clinical training and competency
• Willingness to undertake mandatory and role-specific training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a healthcare environment.
• Experience of dealing directly with patients.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Experience with ECG recording and other primary care investigations.
• Wound care and removal of sutures, clips, where trained and competent.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to recognise and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Good IT and electronic record-keeping skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality, infection prevention and safeguarding.
• Ability to work within defined competencies and professional boundaries.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in general practice or primary care.
• Experience using EMIS Web clinical system.
• Experience supporting long-term condition reviews.
• Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks and trained according to new contractual requirements.
• Venepuncture and clinical observations, where trained and competent.

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.