Primary responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

a. Undertake new patient health checks

b. Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes

c. Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, recording findings accurately

d. Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly

e. Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required

f. Support the practice nurse with the management of chronic disease clinics

g. Carry out BMI checks as directed

h. Act as a chaperone as required

i. When trained, undertake venepuncture

j. When trained, administer flu vaccinations

k. When trained, carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the practice nurse

l. Carry out ECGs as requested

m. Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation

n. Provide support during minor operations as required

o. Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session

p. Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance

q. Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisation’s IPC policy

r. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Secondary responsibilities

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:

a. Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead

b. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

c. Support and participate in shared learning within the organisation

d. Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota

Person specification – Healthcare Assistant

Qualifications

Qualification	Essential	Desirable
Healthcare qualification (level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent level	✓
Previous completion of the HCA Care Certificate – as detailed within GP Mythbuster No 57 – HCAs in General Practice		✓
Phlebotomy certification	✓
Vaccination certification	✓

Experience

Experience	Essential	Desirable
Experience of working with the general public	✓
Experience of working in a healthcare setting	✓
Experience of working in a primary care environment	✓

Clinical knowledge and skills

Clinical knowledge and skills	Essential	Desirable
ECGs	✓
Venepuncture	✓
New patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse	✓
Chaperone procedure	✓
Ability to record accurate clinical notes	✓
Wound care/removal of sutures and staples	✓

Skills

Skills	Essential	Desirable
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)	✓
Strong IT skills	✓
Clear, polite telephone manner	✓
Competent in the use of Office and Outlook	✓
EMIS/SystmOne/Vision user skills	✓
Effective time management (planning and organising)	✓
Ability to work as a team member and autonomously	✓
Good interpersonal skills	✓
Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure	✓

Personal qualities

Personal qualities	Essential	Desirable
Polite and confident	✓
Flexible and cooperative	✓
Motivated	✓
Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required	✓
High levels of integrity and loyalty	✓
Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations	✓
Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations	✓
Able to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the patient	✓
Commitment to ongoing professional development	✓
Effectively utilise resources	✓
Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort	✓

Other requirements

Other requirements	Essential	Desirable
Flexibility to work outside core office hours		✓
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check	✓
Occupational Health clearance	✓