Healthcare Assistant

All Locations; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A forward-thinking Primary Care Network in north Watford is seeking a part-time Health Care Assistant to support patient care in a diverse clinical team. The role includes assisting with health checks, managing laboratory samples, and ensuring effective patient care delivery. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a patient-focused approach. The position offers ongoing education and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients and staff.
• Capacity to handle high-pressure situations in a clinical environment.
• Competence in IT for managing patient records and data.

Responsibilities

• Promote health checks and work under GP supervision.
• Assist in patient care delivery and carry out annual health reviews.
• Manage laboratory samples and ensure equipment is maintained.

Skills

Great communication skills

Customer service and patient-focused approach

Ability to work under pressure

Teamwork skills

Good IT and computer skills

Organisational skills

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a health care assistant to join a forward-thinking Primary Care Network (PCN) in north Watford and become an integral part of a diverse clinical team. The position is offered on a part-time basis for 30 hours per week, with the successful candidate receiving ongoing educational and professional support. Working under the direct supervision of the GP Partners and strictly in accordance with practice guidelines and protocols, the health care assistant will assist the practice teams in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care. The practices are committed to excellent patient care, quality improvement, and teaching. All clinical team members are expected to support these aims and participate in relevant activities when appropriate.

Duties will include:

1. Promoting new patient health checks and annual health checks.
2. Understanding normal parameters and when to refer to GPs/Nursing team for further management.
3. Working under the direct supervision of the senior practice nurse.
4. Assisting in the provision and delivery of patient care.
5. Carrying out long-term chronic health annual reviews.
6. ECG recording.
7. Phlebotomy.
8. Spirometry.
9. Chaperone duties.
10. Processing and managing laboratory samples requested by GPs/nurses.
11. Sterilising, cleansing, and maintaining surgical equipment.
12. Monitoring and recording vaccine/cold chain storage.
13. Re-stocking surgical equipment and vaccines, ensuring stock rotation.
14. Clearing and re-stocking consulting rooms.
15. Ordering medical supplies.
16. Checking the crash bag weekly.
17. Preparing and maintaining environments and equipment before, during, and after patient care interventions, including assisting GPs during minor operations.
18. Assisting in patient health and well-being assessments and surveillance.
19. Undertaking delegated clinical activities for specific patients, taught specifically for each individual.
20. Helping raise awareness of health and well-being and promoting healthy practices.
21. Assisting with data collection related to health needs.

Skills and qualities required:

• Great communication skills.
• Customer service and patient-focused approach.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Teamwork skills.
• Good IT and computer skills.
• Organisational skills.

North Watford PCN is a small, innovative PCN serving over 25,000 registered patients, comprising three GP practices: Vine House, Abbotswood, and Sheepcot Medical Centre. Known for its excellent teaching reputation, the PCN has progressed well with the national recruitment agenda, including recruiting a GP, clinical pharmacist, social prescriber, paramedic, ANPs, and a mental health link worker.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a DBS check will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.