Healthcare Assistant

NHS; Taunton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Assistant to join the Community Investigation Hub in Taunton. The role involves providing crucial tests such as phlebotomy and ECG monitoring while working collaboratively in a supportive healthcare team. Applicants should possess Level 2 English and Maths and be committed to delivering compassionate patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience with clinical interventions such as ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
• Supervision experience and good communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specified tests requested by secondary care, including phlebotomy and spirometry.
• Work collaboratively within the health and social care team, providing high-quality care.
• Manage own workload and implement care programs addressing health needs.

Skills

Communication

Compassion

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE C or above)

Willingness to undertake the Care Certificate

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Healthcare Assistant to work within our new and developing Community Investigation Hub based at Taunton Vale Healthcare's Blackbrook site.

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will provide a service for the Primary Care Network (PCN) in the Community Hub for specified tests requested by secondary care and carried out in the community. You will be employed by Tone Valley PCN. The main roles will include, but will not be limited to, phlebotomy, spirometry, FeNO, ECG/ECH holter tests, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

About us

Tone Valley consists of 5 like-minded Somerset Practices: Lyngford Park Surgery, Taunton Vale Healthcare, Creech Medical Centre, Warwick House Medical Centre, North Curry Health Centre, and is responsible for the care of 35,000 patients.

Job responsibilities

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will provide a service for the PCN in the Community Investigation Hub for specified tests requested by secondary care and carried out in the community. You will be employed by Tone Valley PCN. Main roles will include but will not be limited to phlebotomy, spirometry, FeNO, ECG/ECG Holter tests, weight, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Healthcare Assistants work as part of the wider health and social care team and have direct contact with patients, service users, or clients, providing high-quality and compassionate care. They have a more in-depth understanding of factors that influence health and ill-health. Healthcare Assistants will work in a variety of services and develop additional skills and knowledge based on the service area.

A Healthcare Assistant works under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner in accordance with organisational policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures. The Registered Practitioner remains accountable for the appropriate delegation of activities and must ensure that the Healthcare Assistant has the competency, confidence, and expertise to carry out such activities. The Healthcare Assistant is accountable for their actions and must alert the registered practitioner if they feel they lack the necessary skills or ability.

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will have a basic understanding of:

• the principles and philosophy of health and social care;
• the physiology, organisation, and function of the human body;
• lifespan developments and healthcare needs;
• research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care;
• provision and promotion of holistic person-centred care and support, duty of care, and safeguarding of individuals;
• the importance of the strategic environment in health and social care and the implications for the individual;
• the importance of current evidence-based practice within the scope of the role.

Communication and Key Working Relationships

Patients, relatives, carers, and the public; Community Teams; Mental Health Teams; Inpatient Wards; Therapists; Social Services; Care Agencies; Voluntary Sector; External relationships with other agencies and Acute NHS Trusts.

Effective Communication

Ensures clear lines of communication and works collaboratively with all relevant healthcare professionals and agencies. Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex sensitive information effectively using various methods, including interpersonal skills. Can vary communication styles to meet individuals' understanding levels. Maintains good communication, liaison, and working arrangements within the PCN and other organisations.

Planning and Organisation

Manages own workload and implements care programmes based on current evidence, addressing individual health and care needs.

Analytics

Participates in data collection, monitoring, and evaluation reports in line with local and national requirements. Maintains accurate and up-to-date clinical records according to PCN policy.

Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy

Undertakes defined clinical interventions, including diagnostics, delegated by a Registered Practitioner. Conducts physiological observations as part of healthcare assessments and reports changes outside the scope of role. Uses infection prevention techniques, promotes a safe working environment, and manages risks, including moving and handling risks. Understands medicines management within own role and maintains confidentiality according to Data Protection laws. Identifies personal training needs and undertakes necessary training and professional development.

Policy, Service, Research & Development

Promotes Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Makes recommendations to improve service quality. Keeps up-to-date with NHS guidance and protocols. Contributes to service projects and adheres to the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers. Complies with relevant policies and procedures.

Resources & Supervision

Maintains stock control and observes duty of care regarding equipment. Promotes effective team working, participates in induction, supports staff development, and may supervise or mentor others.

Administrative Duties

Possesses excellent IT skills.

Other Tasks

May be exposed to hazards, must work within manual handling policies, support distressed patients, and manage environmental risks. May need to support challenging behaviours.

Review

This job description is a general outline and will be reviewed annually in conjunction with the post holder.

Person Specification

Supporting Behaviours

• Adhere to Trust values: dignity, kindness, respect, involving patients and colleagues, admitting mistakes, championing safety, speaking up, leading with empathy, inspiring change, valuing contributions, encouraging innovation, listening, collaborating, communicating effectively, and resourcefulness.

Experience

• Supervision of others; competency in developmental skills; good communication; mentoring/coaching; planning and organizing; willingness to use technology; ability to work flexibly and independently; honest, reliable, caring, compassionate; committed to improvement and dignity; approachable and motivated; willing to travel within PCN.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE C or above); willing to undertake the Care Certificate; knowledge of physiology, psychology, and healthcare practices; competency in clinical interventions like ECG, blood pressure, FeNO, height and weight monitoring.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.