Health Care Assistant

Job Title: Health Care Assistant (HCA)
Job Type: Locum

Job Overview:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Health Care Assistant to join our team at [GP Surgery Name]. As a Health Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care to our patients. This is a hands-on role where you will provide clinical, administrative, and patient care services in a busy and friendly primary care setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Care:
• Assist in taking patient histories and vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, pulse, weight, height).
• Support with basic nursing duties such as wound care, dressing changes, and providing health advice as directed by clinical staff.
• Provide assistance in performing basic clinical procedures such as ECGs, spirometry, and urine testing.
• Prepare patients for examinations and ensure they are comfortable during their visit.
• Administrative Support:
• Help with maintaining patient records and ensure they are kept up to date.
• Book and manage patient appointments and assist with phone triaging and queries.
• Assist with general administrative tasks as needed, including managing stock and supplies for the clinical area.
• Infection Control & Safety:
• Follow all infection control procedures and assist with maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Ensure that all equipment and instruments are cleaned and sterilized properly.
• Patient Education and Support:
• Provide patients with health information and advice on lifestyle changes as instructed by clinical staff.
• Offer support to patients in understanding and managing their conditions, when appropriate.
• Assist in preparing and distributing patient education materials (e.g., leaflets, exercise guides).
• Team Collaboration:
• Work closely with GPs, practice nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care for patients.
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of services.

• Essential:
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in a GP surgery or clinical environment.
• A caring and compassionate approach to patient care.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Basic IT skills (e.g., using patient management software, emails, etc.).
• A commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Desirable:
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience in performing basic clinical tasks (e.g., taking blood pressure, assisting with medical procedures).
• First Aid certification or equivalent.
• Knowledge of infection control practices.

• Full-time or part-time hours, Monday to Friday.
• Some flexibility required for occasional evening or weekend shifts (depending on the surgery's opening hours).
• Salary commensurate with experience.