Health Care Assistant - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network
Are you a caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant looking for your next challenge? Join our friendly and forward-thinking Primary Care Network (PCN) team here in Mid Dorset, where innovation meets patient-centred care. Our PCN consists of a group of 8 GP practices working together to improve health outcomes and deliver exceptional care to our community.
We are eager to speak to candidates who would look forward to supporting our Frailty and Respiratory teams across the working week, based in the centre of Dorchester.
If you are a strong team player with a great work ethic, then we want to hear from you. In return, we will offer you strong leadership, a supportive clinical team, and encouragement for you to be the best that you can be within your chosen career.
The post is ideally full-time; however, we would consider part-time for the right candidate.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will work as part of the Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN) Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care under the supervision of the Clinical Lead. The role includes assisting in clinical duties, health promotion, and administrative tasks, ensuring patients receive safe, efficient, and compassionate care.
This role will be an integral part of the Frailty Team, supporting patients in care homes across Mid Dorset, in addition to one day per week supporting the respiratory nurses in Spirometry and FeNo testing. There may also be some ad hoc support to practices at times of critical staff shortage, e.g., urgent phlebotomy.
About us
Mid Dorset PCN works in partnership with 8 Mid Dorset GP Practices, employing clinical and non-clinical teams to support patients.
As part of the NHS, we have access to NHS Pensions and abide by the NHS Code of Conduct.
Job responsibilities
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Duties
1. Undertake patient observations such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose monitoring.
2. Contribute to patient assessment/consultation in conjunction with registered staff members.
3. Contribute to multi-disciplinary team approaches and planning care for patients.
4. Carry out routine venepuncture (phlebotomy) for blood tests.
5. Assist with ECG recording.
6. Assist with spirometry and FeNo testing under supervision.
7. Conduct vaccinations (e.g., flu vaccines) if appropriately trained and competency assessed when required as part of the PCN team.
8. Provide support to the clinical PCN and Mid Dorset practices when required urgently.
Health Promotion and Patient Education
1. Support campaigns such as flu vaccination, cervical screening, and other public health initiatives as part of the wider PCN team.
2. Support patients with advice and guidance around health promotion and managing long-term illness.
3. Maintain accurate and timely patient records using the clinical system (e.g., SystmOne).
4. Contribute to the collection of data for audits and quality improvement initiatives within the PCN and as directed by the clinical lead.
General Responsibilities
1. Follow practice policies, protocols, and national guidelines, including infection control and safeguarding.
2. Participate in staff training and clinical competency assessments.
3. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times in line with GDPR and professional codes of conduct.
4. Undertake continuing professional development and mandatory training.
5. Assist with any other reasonable duties required to ensure the smooth running of the clinical PCN team.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Ability to take and record observations.
* Understanding of infection control and health and safety.
* Good IT skills (e.g., clinical systems, Microsoft Office).
* Ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
* Care Certificate or willingness to undertake.
* Accredited Health Care Assistant training (e.g., vaccinations).
Personal Qualities
* Compassionate and patient-focused.
* Reliable, flexible, and team-oriented.
* Strong organisational skills.
* Ability to work under supervision and independently.
* Commitment to ongoing training and development.
* Car Driver with access to a vehicle.
Experience
* Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in a clinical setting.
* Experience of venepuncture and basic observations.
* Experience in a primary care, care home, community setting.
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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