1. Communication and relationship skills Welcomes patients, visitors and relatives to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required. Being aware of and being able to assist clinicians and reception staff with overcoming barriers to communication. Provides direct interpersonal support to vulnerable patients in the department before and after their period of consultation. Exchanges factual information with patients using persuasion, reassurance, tact, empathy; may overcome barriers to understanding eg. where a patient has a physical impairment, mental health condition or learning disability. Answers the telephone when necessary in a polite and courteous manner and passes on enquiries to the administrative and reception team. Communicates effectively with the medical and nursing team. Communicates effectively with the operational team and support staff. Communicates effectively with community teams and other specialist teams as requested by the medical or nursing staff. Contributes to the handover of patient information to the clinical team, maintaining confidentiality at all times. Communicates effectively with supply chains and equipment maintenance departments to ensure that essential clinical supplies and equipment are available at all times. Reports incidents, accidents and complaints to the senior nurse on duty. Uses the Medway Community Healthcare information system and Adastra system as required. Able to instruct patients and carers providing direction and guidance on defined treatment pathways. To liaise with medical staff, nursing staff and therapists as necessary regarding patient care, highlighting any concerns while the patient is in the department. Internal: Operational managers, Medical Lead, Lead Nurse, Senior practitioner, Minor Illness Practitioners, Session Supervisor, Receptionists Doctors, Drivers, Volunteers, Locum staff. External: Accident and Emergency Staff, Minor Injuries, Phlebotomy, Ultrasound, X-ray, Ward Staff, Paramedics, Equipment Testing and Supply Department, Relatives Attend clinical & Team Meetings 2. Knowledge, training and experience Good general education to GCSE equivalent NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience essential Foundation Degree desirable or willingness to undertake Substantial experience working as an assistant within the healthcare environment Experience of documenting and evidencing learning Understanding of acute and primary healthcare conditions Good written and verbal communication skills Good IT skills Ability to work as part of a team Awareness of limitations, personal strengths and development Flexible, reliable, organised Ability to work on own initiative and to manage own workload Ability to travel to dispersed sites in a timely manner Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations and relevant legislation 1. Analytical and judgement skills To undertake highly skilled assistant support work (e.g. DVT pathway Wells Score, taking blood samples, D Dimer testing, INR tests) and reporting findings to the doctor or nurse. To observe and assist patients within the department providing first aid and basic life support as required. To be aware of role in emergency situations and instigate emergency procedures and assistance to senior staff. Assess for appropriate treatment aids such as crutches and slings, ensuring safe use of equipment by others through teaching and demonstration. Recognise and alert Clinicians to the unwell patient or deteriorating patient in the waiting room Supervises junior assistants, students, work place experience students and visitors to the service. Assess patient condition through basic observations, test results, Assess patient comfort. 2. Planning and organisational skills Manage and prioritise own workload for stock taking, equipment repair, ordering clinical supplies. Prepares clinical rooms for consultation and treatments. Prepares clinical equipment for daily use. Proactive in assisting the medical and nursing staff with patient care and specific tests as determined by the patient pathway and Rapid Review category. Assists the infection control link with staff training and audit To accurately and promptly carry out the instructions of the registered nurse or doctor on duty who is accountable for the delivery of care. 3. Physical skills To assist the medical and nursing staff with day to day treatment of urgent care patients at MedOCC bases. Ability to visit outlying bases for stock checks and equipment care. Competencies related to clinical assistance of patients in the urgent care service. Hand eye co-ordination required when using test equipment e.g. blood glucose monitors, D Dimer, INR, venepuncture, manipulating wheelchairs. Ability to respond urgently to changing situations in workflow and the patients clinical condition. Daily checks of the resuscitation trolley. 4. Responsibility for patient / client care To treat patients individually with direct supervision of a doctor or nurse. Act as chaperone as requested by the doctor or nurse. To undertake tests and treatments as directed in the urgent care bases. To maintain patients dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times. Care for vulnerable patients attending to personal care, pressure area care and nutritional needs while under the care of the MedOCC service. To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate response. Support Rapid Review clinician, recognise and draw attention to the unwell patient in the waiting room. Ability to perform BSL & MHLS Assisting the clinician with emergency ILS. Check drug expiry dates and submit replenishment order requests 5. Responsibility for policy and service development implementation To adhere to the organisations policies in relation to Health and Safety, including Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children policies and Infection Prevention and Control Policy. To comply with organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to be involved in reviewing as appropriate. Comments on proposed changes to policy or operational processes. May participate in discussions on proposed changes to procedures. Assisting with clinical audits, infection control, hand hygiene. Full JD can be found in the attachments