Job Overview
The purpose of the role is to support the clinical team in the delivery and management of care for the practice population. Working under the indirect supervision of the clinical team, the post holder will undertake tasks and responsibilities delegated by the clinical team or an appropriately qualified and regulated professional.
The post holder will work collaboratively with the wider general practice team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and person-centred care, in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and professional standards. The role also involves providing support and supervision to more junior members of staff, contributing to their development and ensuring that delegated duties are carried out effectively and to a high standard. 2 years minimum experience working in a GP practice.
Key Responsibilities – GP Practice Healthcare Assistant
- Provide safe, compassionate and patient-centred care under the direction of the clinical team.
- Carry out delegated clinical duties within own training, competence and scope of practice.
- Undertake routine health checks and record physiological observations accurately, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, weight and BMI.
- Perform ECGs, urinalysis, venepuncture and other clinical procedures where appropriately trained and competent..
- Collect, handle and prepare specimens in accordance with practice and laboratory procedures.
- Assist clinicians with minor procedures and other treatments as required.
- Support health promotion and prevention activities, including lifestyle advice and smoking cessation.
- Undertake delegated home visits and provide appropriate care and observations within own competence.
- Hold a valid driving licence and travel independently to patients’ homes when required.
- Follow lone-working and personal safety procedures during home visits.
- Recognise and promptly report changes in a patient’s condition, safeguarding concerns or other clinical risks.
- Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control, health and safety and clinical hygiene.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
- Keep accurate and timely patient records using the practice’s clinical systems.
- Maintain and prepare clinical rooms, equipment and supplies to ensure they are safe and ready for use.
- Communicate effectively with patients, carers and the wider multidisciplinary team, adapting communication to individual needs.
- Respect patients’ dignity, privacy, equality, diversity and individual beliefs.
- Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses and other members of the primary healthcare team.
- Participate in training, supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development.
- Support clinical audits, quality improvement and service development activities where required.
- Manage workload and time effectively, prioritising tasks according to patient and practice needs.
- Work within practice policies, clinical guidelines, relevant legislation and professional standards.
Communication and Teamwork
- Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, carers and the wider primary healthcare team.
- Recognise and respond appropriately to individual communication needs.
- Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses and other practice staff to provide safe, patient-centred care.
- Respect patients’ privacy, dignity, beliefs and individual needs.
Personal and Professional Development
- Take responsibility for personal learning, development and maintaining competencies.
- Participate in supervision, training and appraisal as required.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of members of the primary healthcare team.
- Work within the scope of practice, relevant legislation, practice policies and professional guidelines.
Health, Safety and Infection Control
- Follow practice health and safety, infection prevention and control procedures.
- Maintain clean, safe and well-equipped clinical areas.
- Follow correct procedures for hand hygiene, PPE, specimen handling, waste disposal and sharps safety.
- Recognise and report hazards, incidents, safeguarding concerns and clinical risks appropriately.
- Follow safe procedures for the storage, handling and disposal of vaccines, medicines and clinical equipment.
- Understand basic first aid and emergency procedures.
Clinical Skills
- Undertake clinical tasks safely and accurately within training and competency, including:
- Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, weight and BMI.
- Urinalysis and specimen collection.
- ECG recording.
- Venepuncture, where trained and competent.
- New patient and routine health checks.
- Basic wound care and dressing changes as delegated.
- Supporting patients with nebulisation where appropriate.
- Assisting clinicians with minor procedures.
- Prepare and maintain clinical rooms and equipment before and after patient care.
- Recognise changes in a patient’s condition and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinician.
Health Promotion
- Support patients with health and wellbeing initiatives, including lifestyle advice and smoking cessation.
- Provide appropriate health information and educational materials within own level of competence.
- Promote preventative healthcare and encourage patients to access appropriate services.
Quality and Service Improvement
- Work in accordance with clinical governance, practice policies and agreed standards of care.
- Identify and report concerns relating to quality, safety and patient care.
- Support clinical audits and service improvement initiatives where required.
- Ensure clinical rooms are adequately stocked and equipment is available and maintained.
- Manage time effectively and prioritise workload according to patient and practice needs.
Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
- Recognise and appropriately escalate safeguarding concerns involving children, vulnerable adults and patients at risk.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusive care.
- Act as a chaperone when required and in accordance with practice policy.
Record Keeping and IT
- Accurately and promptly record patient information and clinical activities using appropriate practice systems.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure information is handled securely.
- Use clinical computer systems appropriately and in accordance with practice procedures.
Home Visits and Driving
- Hold a valid driving licence and be able to travel independently to patients’ homes as required.
- Undertake delegated home visits in accordance with practice policies and within own level of competence.
- Carry out appropriate observations and clinical tasks during home visits as directed by the clinical team.
- Assess and maintain a safe environment when providing care in patients’ homes and report any concerns to the appropriate clinician.
- Follow practice procedures for lone working, personal safety and communication during home visits.
- Ensure clinical equipment and supplies required for home visits are available, clean and safely transported.
- Accurately document all care, observations and interventions undertaken during home visits.
- Recognise any deterioration, safeguarding concerns or other risks and escalate promptly to the appropriate member of the clinical team.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and professional boundaries when working in patients’ homes.
- Manage travel and time effectively to complete home visits safely and within the required timeframe
Pay: £25,420.00-£35,722.99 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
