Job summary To support the PCN practices via the Respiratory Team in delivering high-quality care to patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory diseases. The postholder will play a vital role in ensuring holistic, patient-centred care, promoting self-management, and reducing hospital admissions. Main duties of the job The role involves assisting in the assessment, monitoring, and management of patients with respiratory conditions under clinical supervision. Responsibilities include conducting spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, and other respiratory assessments, as well as supporting inhaler technique training and nebuliser education. The post-holder will also monitor medication adherence, conduct basic observations, and provide patient education on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle changes, and recognising early deterioration signs. Additionally, they will engage in community-based care, including home visits and supporting group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, while collaborating with health and social care professionals to ensure seamless patient support. Administrative duties include maintaining accurate patient records, preparing reports and audits, and liaising with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the Primary Care Network (PCN). Professional development is encouraged through training, team meetings, and staying updated on best practices in respiratory care. The role requires respect for patient confidentiality and the ability to travel independently between PCN sites, patient homes, and external meetings. The job description may be reviewed periodically to reflect changes within the PCN, and staff should be prepared to adapt their responsibilities to support the efficient running of services. About us Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of GP practices based in rural West Dorset, working together to provide high-quality, personalised healthcare to the local community. The PCN includes a mix of healthcare professionals like social prescribers, clinical pharmacists, digital care coordinators, and admin staff. These teams work across several hubs in the area to make sure everyone can access the care they need. The PCN prides itself on being supportive and inclusive, with a real focus on staff well-being as a key part of delivering great patient care. Its built on values like respect, attention to detail, active listening, openness, empowering patients, and always learning and improving. People who work there often describe it as fast-paced, lively, and caring. Theres a real sense of teamwork and making a difference to the lives of local patients, with the beautiful surroundings of the Jurassic Coast providing an added bonus. Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £12 to £13 an hour depending on specialised training Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number W0006-25-0006 Job locations West Allington Bridport Dorset DT6 5BN The Lyme Practice Uplyme Road Lyme Regis Dorset DT7 3LS Barton House Medical Practice Yarn Barton Beaminster Dorset DT8 3EQ Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities Clinical Duties Assist in the assessment and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions under the guidance of a registered nurse or clinician. Perform spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, FeNo and other respiratory-related assessments as required. Support in the administration of respiratory care plans, including inhaler technique training and nebuliser education. Monitor patients' adherence to medication and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician. Conduct basic observations e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature and record findings accurately. Patient Education and Support Provide education to patients and carers on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle modifications, and smoking cessation. Offer guidance on recognising early signs of deterioration and when to seek medical attention. Promote self-management tools and techniques to empower patients. Community Engagement Conduct home visits to patients unable to attend clinics. Support group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or respiratory education sessions. Work collaboratively with other health and social care professionals to ensure seamless care. Administration and Record Keeping Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed patient records in line with PCN policies and procedures. Assist in the preparation of reports, audits, and data entry related to respiratory services. Liaise with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the PCN to support patient care pathways. Professional Development Participate in training and development activities to maintain competence in respiratory care. Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions. Keep updated with best practices and advancements in respiratory healthcare. Respect for Patient Confidentiality The post-holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. Special Working Conditions The post-holder is required to travel independently between PCN sites, to patient homes and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies. Job Description Agreement This job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review and may be amended to take into account development within the PCN and member practices. All members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the PCN. Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities Clinical Duties Assist in the assessment and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions under the guidance of a registered nurse or clinician. Perform spirometry, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation checks, FeNo and other respiratory-related assessments as required. Support in the administration of respiratory care plans, including inhaler technique training and nebuliser education. Monitor patients' adherence to medication and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician. Conduct basic observations e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature and record findings accurately. Patient Education and Support Provide education to patients and carers on managing respiratory conditions, lifestyle modifications, and smoking cessation. Offer guidance on recognising early signs of deterioration and when to seek medical attention. Promote self-management tools and techniques to empower patients. Community Engagement Conduct home visits to patients unable to attend clinics. Support group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or respiratory education sessions. Work collaboratively with other health and social care professionals to ensure seamless care. Administration and Record Keeping Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed patient records in line with PCN policies and procedures. Assist in the preparation of reports, audits, and data entry related to respiratory services. Liaise with GP practices, pharmacies, and other services within the PCN to support patient care pathways. Professional Development Participate in training and development activities to maintain competence in respiratory care. Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions. Keep updated with best practices and advancements in respiratory healthcare. Respect for Patient Confidentiality The post-holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. Special Working Conditions The post-holder is required to travel independently between PCN sites, to patient homes and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies. Job Description Agreement This job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review and may be amended to take into account development within the PCN and member practices. All members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the PCN. Person Specification Experience Desirable Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in primary care, community, or acute setting Experience working in primary care, community healthcare or a similar setting Previous experience in supporting older adults, particularly those with frailty or long-term conditions. Experience in delivering health promotion activities Qualifications Essential Education, Qualifications & TrainingNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification/experience) Desirable Basic knowledge of common respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD) Additional training in smoking cessation or inhaler technique Skills and Knowledge Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse patient populations Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload Competent in using Microsoft Office applications Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and infection control principles Awareness of safeguarding principles Desirable Ability to perform basic clinical observations and tests (e.g., spirometry, oxygen saturation checks) Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. SystmOne) Awareness of the importance of patient education in managing long-term conditions Personal Qualities and Attributes Essential Compassionate, empathetic, and person-centred approach to care Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team Willingness to undertake further training and adapt to new roles as required Other Essential A full, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle (for community visits) Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check Person Specification Experience Desirable Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in primary care, community, or acute setting Experience working in primary care, community healthcare or a similar setting Previous experience in supporting older adults, particularly those with frailty or long-term conditions. Experience in delivering health promotion activities Qualifications Essential Education, Qualifications & TrainingNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification/experience) Desirable Basic knowledge of common respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD) Additional training in smoking cessation or inhaler technique Skills and Knowledge Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse patient populations Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload Competent in using Microsoft Office applications Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and infection control principles Awareness of safeguarding principles Desirable Ability to perform basic clinical observations and tests (e.g., spirometry, oxygen saturation checks) Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. SystmOne) Awareness of the importance of patient education in managing long-term conditions Personal Qualities and Attributes Essential Compassionate, empathetic, and person-centred approach to care Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team Willingness to undertake further training and adapt to new roles as required Other Essential A full, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle (for community visits) Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check 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. Employer details Employer name Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network Address West Allington Bridport Dorset DT6 5BN Employer's website https://www.jurassiccoastpcn.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)