Healthcare Assistant

Bridgewater Surgeries have a fantastic opportunity for a healthcare assistant, to support the nursing team, on a full-time basis for 37.5 hours per week.

Working under the direct supervision of the senior practice nurse, and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, you will assist the clinical team in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care.

To provide appropriate care and treatment in conjunction with partners or independently as part of the practice nursing team. This will be according to practice policies and protocols in line with the GMS contract.

To liaise with other members of the primary health care team and outside agencies to provide appropriate care for the practice population.

• Blood pressure monitoring: to include recording blood pressure, giving advice and appropriate literature, liaising with GP with regard to results and treatment plan, use of 24 hour BP machine, programming, application and printing results for assessment by GP.
• Urinalysis: either as part of routine screening or to detect /treat illness or abnormalities.
• Phlebotomy: taking bloods and submitting to pathology laboratory; recording on computer.
• Wound care: assessment / treatment and follow up of a range of wounds such as minor burns, post-operative, minor trauma to include removal of sutures/surgical clips, with appropriate training and liaising with other appropriate health care professionals as required.
• Vaccinations: Administration of Flu and pneumovax vaccination with appropriate training and recording information on computer.
• Well persons screening / health promotion as required under practice protocol and recording on computer.
• ECG recording: undertaking ECG’s, ensuring GP has commented on outcomes and record on computer.
• Emergency Care to include:
• Basic first aid and response to clinical situation
• Updating of resuscitation in accordance with practice guidelines
• Updating recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis
• Minor surgery: assisting GP’s in minor surgery as required; setting up and clearing pre and post-surgery; recording equipment used.
• Child protection and vulnerable adult protection; to be aware of PCT and practice protocols and refer any concerns to relevant GP.
• Infection control: to be responsible for own infection control procedures and collectively with the practice nursing team for the standards as in the practice protocol.

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, or equivalent;
• Ideally a qualification in phlebotomy/venepuncture;
• Strong clinical skills;
• Confidence and competence in all HCA duties required for the post;
• Experience within primary care or another healthcare setting;
• Excellent patient-facing communication and interpersonal skills;
• Consistently confidential manner, as well as a compassionate and respectful approach, placing a high value on the dignity of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues;
• Ability to work independently and determine own workload priorities, as well as working as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Strong organisational and time management skills.