Job summary
Anexciting opportunity for healthcare assistants to be part of a team, workingcollaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent, to improve theimplementation of physical health checks within GP practices for patients onthe Severe Mental Illness (SMI) register. You will work with team colleagues to develop working relationships topromote physical health and improve physical health outcomes for the SMIpopulation.
Thesuccessful candidates will be able to use their skills in physical healthmonitoring and communication skills, in interacting well with patients, toensure effective and improved outcomes.
This serviceis provided across various locations within East Kent. Travelling to differentlocations will be an essential part of the role. However, we will supportsuccessful applicants to work more locally to their home or work base, wherepossible.
Main duties of the job
Establishing good workingrelationships with GP practices which will be essential in the implementationof this service, and the delivery of virtual and in-person physical healthmonitoring.
To work closely with staffwithin the GP practices and the Primary Care Mental Health Service (PCMHS) teamto increase the completion and evidencing of physical health checks for SMIpatients.
To recognise and observe changes in patients physicalhealth, mental health and behaviour which must be reported, recorded and actedon.
To be part of a team, providing this physical healthchecks service. Responsibilities will include delivery of standard physicalhealth checks within the GP practices and the effective recording andcommunication of these results within healthcare systems.
About us
We are a non-profit company,with a passion for delivering high quality primary care. We have a wide rangeof services such as hub-based GPs services, GP surgeries, a Community PrimaryCare mental health service, GP staff training service and Urgent Care Centresin partnership with other local healthcare providers. With the changing needsof our communities the list and range of services is growing all the time.
Formed by a federation ofGeneral Practitioners working in Canterbury and South Kent Coast areas of EastKent. Our aim is to provide accessible, high quality services for local peopleby collaborating with other established organisations in the health and socialcare community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will work collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent to support and provide physical health checks for their patients. The successful candidate will be able to use their own initiative to work both independently and as part of the PCMHS team to provide holistic treatment and care.
The postholder will support patients on an individual basis and as part of a clinic, utilising their skills and experience in provided physical health monitoring to patients within primary care.
Key Responsibilities
1. To work alongside members of the GP practices and PCMHS team to provide patient care (including health and social support)
2. To undertake and record physical health checks including the following:
3. Measurement of height and weight
4. Measurement of blood pressure, temperature and pulse, pulse oximeter
5. Peak flow measurements
6. Recording of ECGs
7. Venepuncture
8. Blood glucose testing
9. To recognise and observe changes in patients physical, mental health and behaviour which must be reported, recorded and acted on.
10. To provide necessary support to people who use primary care services to help them maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
11. Work effectively and flexibly as part of a wider PCMHS team across East Kent.
12. To be aware of and work to the principles of the Mental Health Act (MHA).
13. Able to interact with patients and colleagues in a professional manner as well as create and maintain professional relationships with external organisations.
Please refer to JD for full details on the role and responsibilites
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
14. NVQ Level 3 or Kaspac
15. Valid drivers licence with business car insurance
Desirable
16. Appropriately recognised phlebotomy training
17. A good standard of education
18. Undertaken training in spirometry, ECGs, and venepuncture.
19. Training in the use of assessment tools
Skills and Competencies
Essential
20. Good clinical skills in conducting physical health checks
21. Good interpersonal skills
22. Excellent communication skills
23. Self-motivated
24. IT skills
25. Able to work to strict infection control standards
26. Able to work to strict deadlines
27. Excellent time keeping skills
28. Ability to cope with the physical demands of the job
29. Good record keeping skills
Desirable
30. Experience of clinical systems such as EMIS
31. Observes good health & safety practices
Experience
Essential
32. Previous experience in a primary care setting
33. Physical health monitoring experience in a clinical setting
Desirable
34. Previous knowledge of infection control procedures
35. Experience in the community
Disposition
Essential
36. Flexible and caring
37. Good team player
38. Calm under pressure
39. Good levels of concentration
40. Confidence to escalate issues and concerns to senior medical team