An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Health Care Assistant to join our dynamic and caring team.
The post holder may also have the opportunity to work part of their time as a Care Navigator supporting and signposting patients to help with their non-medical needs. (See job description for more details - training would be provided)
*PLEASE NOTE APPLICANTS MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN PRIMARY CARE AS AN HCA*
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for the delivery of a range of Health Care Assistant duties to the whole practice population. The role combines delivering health care promotion and prevention strategies, population screening, patient assessments, and supporting the clinical work of other professionals in the practice. The Primary Care Navigator role will involve signposting patients to other agencies who can help and support patients and their carers with non-medical problems and difficulties. The case load of the post holder will vary according to their level of experience and training.
The following list, which is not exhaustive, details the typical range of tasks undertaken:
* Basic dressings and suture/staple removal
* Urinalysis
* Measuring and recording physiological measurements such as blood pressure, height, and weight
* Supporting the annual review process for patients with long term conditions, diabetic foot checks, etc.
* Carrying out NHS Health Checks
* Instructing patients in the use of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor
* Administration of vaccines using patient specific directives
* To prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during, and after patient care interventions
* Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote patients to live healthily and apply principles of self-care
* To give patients the opportunity to discuss non-medical concerns/issues they may have
About us
We are a friendly, dynamic, and caring practice delivering high quality, patient centred care to more than 10,500 patients in central Gateshead. We are based in modern purpose-built accommodation and aim to provide a supportive and motivating environment for our staff.
At CGMG we strive to deliver the best evidence-based care for our patients, in the management of long term conditions and the proactive provision of preventable health care. We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, caring and experienced primary care HCA as part of our nursing and practice team. Our nurses and HCAs work collaboratively within the practice team to meet the needs of our patients, supporting the delivery of patient centred care. Our HCAs are valued members of our nursing and practice team.
We are a large training practice based in modern accommodation and aim to provide a supportive, friendly, and motivating environment in which all our staff thrive. Our team comprises - 8 GPs, 2 Nurse Practitioners, 2 Practice Nurses, 3 HCAs, and a pharmacist, all of whom are effectively supported by the admin and management team.
We would welcome informal enquiries from applicants and look forward to hearing from you.
*PLEASE NOTE APPLICANTS MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN PRIMARY CARE AS AN HCA*
Job responsibilities
Purpose: The post holder is responsible for the delivery of a range of Health Care Assistant duties to the whole practice population. The role combines delivering health care promotion and prevention strategies, population screening, patient assessments, and supporting the clinical work of other professionals in the practice. The Primary Care Navigator role will involve signposting patients to other agencies who can help and support patients and their carers with non-medical problems and difficulties. The case load of the post holder will vary according to their level of experience and training.
The post holder will frequently work unsupervised and is accountable for the care they deliver. Most care will be delivered within the practice; there may be the need to occasionally visit a patient at home or a care home. They will work collaboratively within the practice team to meet the needs of patients, support the delivery of policy and implementation of procedures.
All our staff are expected to be passionate about the service they provide, actively engage in their own and team development and act with integrity and compassion at all times. They will lead by example with particular reference to promoting excellence in preventative healthcare, communication with patients, equality and diversity, and Patient Confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities Clinical and Signposting
* To undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have received appropriate training. The following list, which is not exhaustive, details the typical range of tasks undertaken:
1. Basic dressings and suture/staple removal
2. Urinalysis
3. Measuring and recording physiological measurements such as blood pressure, height, and weight
4. Supporting the annual review process for patients with long term conditions, diabetic foot checks, etc.
5. Carrying out NHS Health Checks
6. Signposting/Supporting patients with local smoking cessation programmes
7. Instructing patients in the use of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor
8. Administration of vaccines using patient specific directives
* To prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during, and after patient care interventions
* To respect patients' privacy and dignity at all times
* To be aware of the physical, social, and emotional health needs of patients within the limits of competence and adapt your approach accordingly; discussing any concerns with senior colleagues, or initiating onward referral when required
* Ensure adherence to local chaperoning policies
* To be aware of patients presenting with mental health needs and encourage them to engage with other service providers
* Recognise when patients present with urgent or emergency situations, and be capable of initiation of appropriate emergency care in line with BLS training
* Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote patients to live healthily, and apply principles of self-care
* To give patients the opportunity to discuss non-medical concerns/issues/worries they may have and suggest interventions, or appropriate referral to third party.
* Support and encourage patients to access third party support, acting as their representative when appropriate
* Develop knowledge of and resources relating to local third party organisations and charities who patients can access, or be referred to
* Network with and participate in shared learning events with locality and network signposting staff
* To maintain contemporaneous and accurate medical records; utilising electronic patient information system, agreed templates and coding protocols.
* To ensure the clinical environment is fit for purpose, and ensuring compliance with infection control measures, clinical waste disposal, safety of equipment and stock control (including Drug and vaccine storage)
Key Responsibilities Communication
* Demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment and intervention
* Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background, and preferred ways of communicating
* Establish and maintain effective communication with individuals and groups within the practice environment and with external stakeholders
* Act as an advocate when representing patients and colleagues
Key Responsibilities Delivering a Quality Service
* Recognise and work within own competence and to only undertake tasks that you have been trained to do
* Prioritise, organise, and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality
* Work with the team to deliver care according to guidelines, evidence-based care and local policy
* Undertake delegated responsibilities in relation to stock ordering, control and distribution
* Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, shared learning, annual appraisal and clinical supervision
* Understand the importance of identifying and reporting incidents and near-misses, reporting any on the SIRMS system, and informing senior colleagues
* Understand the importance of being open and honest with patients
* Understand and apply policies that support the identification of vulnerable children and adults, being aware of statutory child/vulnerable adult health procedures and local guidance on Safeguarding
* Work within policies regarding domestic violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour, and refer as appropriate
* Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients
* Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures, and guidelines
Key Responsibilities Leadership, Development and Training
* Take responsibility for own development and performance; assessing own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate
* Make effective use of learning opportunities within and outside the workplace, evaluating their effectiveness and feeding back relevant information
* Contribute in planning and implementing changes within the areas of care and responsibility
* Undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements
Key Responsibilities Team Working
* Understand own role and scope of practice
* Understand the role of the other members of the Practice team, and enable patients to access them appropriately
* Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and contribute to developing new ways of working
* Participate in team activities that create opportunities to improve patient care
* Participate in and support local projects as agreed with the practice management team
Key Responsibilities Utilising information and IT systems
* Routinely use technology to support and undertake day to day tasks, planning and communication (EMISWEB, NHS Mail and local intranet system)
* Review and process data using accurate Read codes and local templates to ensure easy and accurate retrieval for monitoring and audit processes
* Understand the responsibility of self and others regarding the Data Protection Act, information governance and patient confidentiality
Key Responsibilities Equality and Diversity
* Promote equality and diversity in a non-discriminatory culture
* Support people who need assistance in exercising their rights
* Accept the rights of individuals to choose their care providers, participate in care and refuse care
* Assist patients from marginalised groups to access quality care
This Job Description is not exhaustive and is a guideline to the scope of duties involved. It will be reviewed at regular intervals. It is not intended as a rigid inflexible specification and will be subject to the changing requirements of Central Gateshead Medical Group and the patients we look after.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Numeracy and literacy skills
* Willingness to undertake NVQ level 2 NVQ 3 or equivalent course
* Up to date mandatory training
* HCA course specific to General Practice
* Up to date role related training; Diabetic foot checks, vaccinations
* Up to date Basic Life Support training
* Relevant Level 2 NVQ or Care certificate
* Up to date role related training; Smoking cessation, NHS Health Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
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