Healthcare Assistant @ The Park Practice

Job summary

We are a busy and friendly GP surgery in south east London, with good transport links and parking nearby. We are looking for an experienced, reliable and highly motivated Healthcare Assistant who can contribute confidently from an early stage and provide high-quality, person-centred care to our patients.

The successful candidate must have previous Healthcare Assistant experience, preferably within general practice or primary care. They should have experience of NHS Health Checks, routine clinical observations, ECGs and urinalysis, and supporting health promotion and long-term condition reviews. Experience of phlebotomy and EMIS Web is desirable.

The post-holder will undertake a varied clinical and administrative role, working independently within agreed protocols, training and assessed competencies, while recognising the limits of their role and escalating clinical concerns appropriately.

Main duties of the job

• Provide NHS Health Checks, record and code findings, and offer appropriate lifestyle and health-promotion advice.
• Undertake routine observations, ECGs, urinalysis, diabetic foot and new-patient checks within competency.
• Undertake phlebotomy and administer agreed injections only when trained, competent and appropriately authorised.
• Support long-term condition reviews and agreed health-promotion referrals.
• Prepare clinical rooms, maintain stock and support clinicians with minor procedures within competency.
• Act as a chaperone when required in accordance with practice policy.
• Check emergency medicines, equipment, oxygen and clinical-fridge temperatures and escalate concerns promptly.
• Complete stock audits and replenish clinical supplies.
• Support annual calibration and servicing of clinical equipment and maintain appropriate records.
• Maintain accurate, confidential patient records and complete associated administrative tasks.
• Work independently within agreed protocols, recognising limitations and escalating concerns appropriately.

About us

The Park Practice is a busy, friendly and well-established GP surgery serving a diverse patient population in south east London. We are committed to providing safe, effective and person-centred care in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to deliver high-quality general medical services, health promotion, disease prevention and long-term condition management. We value professionalism, reliability, teamwork and continuous improvement, and we support staff to develop their skills and contribute positively to patient care and the efficient running of the practice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities

• Undertake delegated clinical activities only after appropriate training, competency assessment and authorisation.
• Work within agreed practice protocols, policies and clinical governance arrangements.
• Ensure valid patient consent is obtained before undertaking any procedure.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy and comfort at all times.
• Know the limits of own competence and seek advice or escalate concerns appropriately.
• Ensure clinical specimens are correctly labelled, handled, stored and prepared for collection in accordance with practice procedures.
• Prepare clinical rooms and equipment, ensuring they are clean, appropriately stocked and ready for use.
• Act as a chaperone when required and in accordance with practice policy.
• Support clinicians with minor procedures where appropriately trained and competent.

Administrative responsibilities

• Accurately enter consultations, observations, outcomes and relevant coding into the clinical system.
• Process tasks, messages and documentation associated with the HCA role in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, clinicians, community services and other authorised professionals.
• Contribute to recalls, health promotion campaigns and other practice initiatives as required.

Confidentiality and information governance

• Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to patients, carers, colleagues and the business of the practice.
• Access, use and share confidential information only where authorised and necessary for the performance of the role.
• Comply with practice policies on confidentiality, data protection, records management and information security.

Quality, safety and infection control

• Follow health and safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding and incident-reporting procedures.
• Report clinical, equipment, premises or stock concerns promptly to the appropriate manager or clinician.
• Participate in audits, significant event reviews and quality-improvement activities where appropriate.
• Ensure clinical equipment is used safely and that required checks are completed and documented.
• Complete and document scheduled checks of emergency medicines, emergency equipment, oxygen and clinical fridges, taking prompt action where concerns are identified.
• Maintain safe and appropriate stock levels through regular audits, stock rotation, ordering and replenishment.
• Handle clinical waste and sharps safely and ensure privacy curtains are changed in accordance with practice schedules and infection-prevention requirements.

Communication and equality

• Communicate clearly, respectfully and professionally with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to communication needs, including the need for interpreters or accessible information.
• Treat all patients and colleagues fairly, respectfully and without discrimination, while protecting privacy and dignity.

Personal and professional development

• Participate in induction, mandatory training, supervision and annual appraisal.
• Maintain a record of training, competencies and continuing professional development.
• Accept responsibility for maintaining competence and immediately raise any training or support needs.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Professional caring and patient-centred approach.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Ability to recognise own limitations.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and dignity.
• Adaptable and flexible approach.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Desirable

• Proactive approach to service improvement.
• Confidence supporting colleagues.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Good IT Skills.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths.
• Qualified to NVQ level two in Health and Social Care.
• Relevant healthcare training and competency.

Desirable

• Phlebotomy training and competency.
• Qualified to NVQ level 3.
• Care Certificate.
• NHS Health Check training.
• ECG training.
• Vaccination and immunisation training.
• Current Basic Life Support training or willingness to complete/update training as required.

Experience

Essential

• Previous Healthcare Assistant experience, preferably within general practice or primary care.
• Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks and routine clinical observations.
• Experience performing ECGs and urinalysis.
• Experience supporting long-term condition reviews and providing health-promotion advice.
• Experience maintaining accurate electronic patient records.
• Experience working independently within agreed protocols and recognising when clinical concerns require escalation.
• Experience of infection prevention, clinical stock management and routine clinical equipment checks.

Desirable

• Phlebotomy experience.
• EMIS Web experience.
• Diabetic foot check experience.
• Wound care experience.
• New-patient health check experience.
• Experience administering agreed injections/vaccinations.
• Chaperoning and supporting minor procedures.
• Clinical audit experience.
• Experience facilitating clinical equipment calibration.

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

The Park Practice

Address

17 Oakfield Road

London

SE20 8QA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://parkpracticeanerley.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)