The Lighthouse Medical Practice
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:Health Care Assistant
Responsible to:Lead PN (Clinical) Practice Management Team (Non Clinical)
Accountable to:Managing Partner
The Lighthouse Medical Practice is a Partnership operating from two sites. The Practice cares for around 15,000 patients and has been approved for GP and medical student training. The Practice has a firm commitment to offer an excellent standard of care to its patients and our aim is to develop local, modern health services so they can be treated, close to where they live.
Job Summary
To work under indirect supervision of the Lead Practice Nurse and undertake tasks and duties delegated by the Lead Practice Nurse or a suitably qualified regulated professional. You will work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, following policy and procedures while providing supervision to more junior staff.
Good communications are extremely important within the Practice, with patients and with outside agencies and you will be expected to help ensure that everyone who comes into contact with it holds the Practice in high regard. Absolute discretion is required in protecting patient’s confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
To work alongside the clinicians in the provision of patient care
Undertake measurement of height and weight
Carry out urinalysis
Undertake measurement of blood pressure, temperature and pulse
Undertake peak flow measurements/asthma annual reviews/inhaler technique checks and spirometry with validated training
Undertake ECG monitoring
Undertake Venepuncture
Undertake basic dressings with training/supervision from senior colleagues
Removal of sutures and clips
Administer influenza, pneumococcal and B12 injections once trained working within Patient Specific Directives
Provide general health checks including mental health, dementia reviews, new patient checks, men’s health, CHD and CKD checks
Assisting with minor operations clinic
Undertake INR* clinics
Undertake 24 hour BP monitoring
Provide ear checks
To recognise changes in the patients’ recordings which must be reported and acted on.
To work alongside clinicians in emergency management of patients
Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the practice team
Act as a chaperone
Clearly present patients points of view to others
Practice Management
Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
Maintain set standards of organisation in treatment rooms and take appropriate action is standards are not being met
Liaising with administration staff to ensure general stock items are ordered
Ensure treatment rooms are fully stocked appropriately
Follow infection control standards
Undertake computer input data
Contribute new ideas to improve patient care
Work effectively in a team
Interact with patients’ and colleagues in a professional manner
Communication
Communicate effectively with other team members
Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising their needs for alternative methods of communication
Team work
Understand own role and scope in the Practice and identify how this may develop over time
Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working
Recognise & understand the roles of individuals working within the team & how these interface with your own
Accept delegation from other nurses, prioritise own workload and ensure effective time management strategies are embedded in own practice
Infection Control
Applies infection control measures within the Practice. This includes:
Universal hygiene precautions
The collection and handling of laboratory specimens
Segregation and disposal of waste materials
Decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment
Reporting and treatment of sharps injuries
Dealing with blood and body fluid spillage
Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures
Collation of Information
Support the Practice team in achievement of keeping medical records updated by ensuring the following:
Collation of patient information using Emis Web medical information system.
Assist with the management of disease registers (where appropriate)
Maintaining quality and accuracy of all data input.
Working Environment
Carry out routine checks to ensure your work station is clean and tidy at the start and end of your shift.
Ensure all equipment in your work station is operational and up to date and report any issues to your line manager.
Ensure that confidential patient information is stored and handled according to protocol and report any concerns to your line manager.
Health & Safety
Assist in promoting and maintaining your own and others’ health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health and Safety policy. Ensure that any hazards in your working area are reported immediately to your line manager.
Have a working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements
Confidentiality
Ensure patient and Practice information is kept confidential and secure at all times, in accordance with the Information Security and Confidentiality protocols.
Performance/Professional Development
To participate in training sessions to ensure administrative, clinical and computer skills are kept up to date with current technology and practice.
To participate in regular appraisal meetings.
To participate in regular team meetings.
Understand the benefits of clinical supervision for the individual & the organisation
Be aware of & undertake mandatory training & updates in anaphylaxis, basic life support, child protection, manual handling, fire safety, infection control & safeguarding
Equality & Diversity
To support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues according to Practice protocol.
Working with Patients
To work in partnership with our patients to help them achieve better health outcomes.
To offer a polite, friendly and efficient level of customer service to all our patients.
Dignity and Respect
To treat patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect at all times.
Feedback
To listen to feedback from patients and colleagues whether this be a complaint, comment or compliment and if it cannot be dealt with immediately, ensure it is reported immediately to a member of the Practice Management Team.
CQC
To work within the guidelines set byCQC to ensure that the Practice is safe,efficient andprovides the best possible care for patients.
To offer suggestions to the Managing Partner on how we can improve, progress anddevelop allprocesses relating to CQC.
Any Other Duties
Any other duties as may be determined by the Practice Management Team and Partners.
Post holder signature……………………………………………………………….
Management signature……………………………………………………………….
Date……………………………………………………………….
Updated June 13 CLC