HCA

NHS; Torquay; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Torquay is seeking a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to support clinical and administrative teams in delivering care to patients. The ideal candidate will have completed the Care Certificate and possess strong communication skills. Responsibilities include patient assessments and supporting clinical staff. This role offers both full-time and part-time options, with a salary of £13.00-£13.75 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• A completed Care Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to work under supervision and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Consult with patients and their families to assess patient needs.
• Assist clinical staff in providing treatment and health promotion.
• Support the administrative team as needed.

Skills

Patient assessment

Communication skills

Clinical support

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Care Certificate or equivalent

Tools

Clinical IT systems

Job description

Job Summary

The post-holder is a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) working within the organisation and supporting the practice nursing and administrative teams in the delivery of clinical and administrative services. Working as part of the practice multi‑disciplinary team, the HCA delivers care within their scope of practice to the entitled patient population.

Having completed the Care Certificate or an equivalent qualification, the HCA will assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion, long‑term condition management and patient education while also supporting the administrative team on an as‑required basis. The HCA works under the supervision of a registered clinician while developing competencies in community‑based care. The role is at Support Worker Level and is described in NHS E Primary Care and General Practice Nursing Career and Core Capabilities Framework.

About Us

Our practice is a 10‑partner organisation providing general medical services to a patient list of approximately 15,600 patients in Torbay. The organisation was formed in 1986 and is based over two sites – Dewerstone at Hampton Avenue and Chatto at Chatto Road. The practice was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in November 2022 and was assessed as GOOD.

Pay & Contract

Salary: £13.00-£13.75 (depending on experience).

Contract: Permanent.

Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time.

Job responsibilities

• Consult with patients and their families to undertake assessments of patient need.
• Deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion, long‑term condition management and patient education.
• Be an integral part of the general practice team.
• Provide clinical support to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals within the organisation.
• Deliver basic clinical care interventions under supervision, supporting continuity of care and patient safety initiatives.
• Act as a chaperone, as required.
• Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation.
• Provide support during minor operations, as required.
• Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisation's IPC Policy.
• Work within national and local protocols where these exist.
• Be aware of your duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children.
• Recognise the boundaries of their practice and know when and to whom patients should be referred.
• Support the delivery of enhanced services and other service requirements.
• Support the administrative team on an as‑required basis.
• Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes.
• Contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times.
• Attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed regularly so that new objectives can be agreed.

Wider responsibilities

• Participate in any audits as directed.
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care.
• Support and participate in shared learning.

Person Specification – Essential

• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.
• Ability to follow legal, ethical and clinical policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of and ability to work to key policies and procedures.
• Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity.
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required.
• Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Excellent communication skills and effective in communicating and understanding patient needs.
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort.
• High levels of integrity and loyalty.
• Clear, polite telephone manner.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Motivated.

Person Specification – Desirable

• Effectively utilise resources.
• Good organisational skills.
• Competent in the use of MS Office and Outlook.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.

Clinical Knowledge and Skills – Essential

• Ability to undertake vaccinations.
• Understanding of the principles of ECGs.
• Able to perform venepuncture.
• Wound care / removal of sutures and staples.
• Ability to undertake patient medicals, including height, weight, BP, pulse and BMI, etc.
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to colleagues.
• Clinical IT system user skills and the ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance.
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children.
• Chaperone procedure.
• Understand the requirement for PSDs and associated policy.

Qualifications – Essential

• Has completed the Care Certificate or an equivalent qualification and as detailed within CQCs GP mythbuster 57: Health Care Assistants in General Practice.

Experience – Essential

• Experience of working with the general public.
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting.

Experience – Desirable

• Has worked in a primary care environment.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control measures.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Chilcote Surgery

Address: Hampton Avenue, St. Marychurch, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LA

Website: https://www.chilcotesurgery.co.uk/