Healthcare Assistant

NHS Jobs; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a clinical support professional to assist in primary care settings with routine patient observations, phlebotomy, ECG recordings, and urinalysis following practice protocols. The role includes contributing to health checks, screening programs, and patient education in a busy clinical environment.

You will support routine clinic operations, maintain equipment, uphold infection prevention standards, and assist with various clinics and administrative tasks as part of a

Qualifications

• Experience or training in measuring vitals and basic clinical observations.
• Ability to perform venipuncture where trained and competent.
• Familiarity with ECG recordings and urine analysis.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control procedures.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Measure and record vitals such as BP, height, weight, BMI, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature.
• Undertake NHS Health Check observations and support screening programmes.
• Carry out ECG recordings and 24 hour BP monitors where trained.
• Perform urinalysis and prepare specimens for laboratory collection.
• Support wound care, dressing clinics and diabetic clinics where trained.
• Assist with health promotion and lifestyle advice.
• Carry out new patient checks and phlebotomy duties per policy.
• Chaperone patients during examinations and report abnormalities promptly.
• Maintain clinical rooms and stock, ensure infection control and PPE use.
• Communicate with multidisciplinary team and assist in clinics and audits.

Skills

Vital signs measurement

Venipuncture

ECG recording

Urinalysis

Wound care support

Health promotion

Infection prevention

Chaperone duties

Clinical documentation

Education

General healthcare qualification (e.g., HC Assistant)

Tools

Venipuncture equipment

ECG machine

Laboratory specimen prep

Job description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Working under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or GP: Measure and record: Blood pressure Height and weight Body Mass Index (BMI) Pulse and respiratory rate Temperature Oxygen saturation Perform venepuncture (where trained and competent).
• Undertake NHS Health Check observations and support screening programmes.
• Carry out ECG recordings (where trained) and 24 hour blood pressure monitors for patients.
• Perform urinalysis and prepare patient specimens for laboratory collection.
• Support wound care and dressing clinics as delegated.
• Assist with Diabetic Clinics (where trained and competent).
• Assist with health promotion and lifestyle advice.
• Carry out new patient checks.
• Carry out phlebotomy duties, including dealing with incoming blood results according to Practice policy.
• Smoking cessation.
• INR Clinics, home visits INR monitoring for housebound patients.
• Prepare clinical rooms and equipment before and after clinics.
• Clean and decontaminate equipment in accordance with infection prevention and control procedures.
• Monitor and replenish clinical stock and supplies.
• Chaperone patients during examinations where appropriate.
• Report abnormalities or concerns promptly to the supervising clinician.

Additional duties

• Undertake other clinical activities identified by the Practice Nurses in accordance with written protocols.
• To assist clinicians in emergency management of patients.
• To act as chaperone if required.
• To assist patients in their usage of Practice equipment
• To enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the Practice teams.
• To be responsible for the supply of relevant health promotion literature/materials in the waiting areas and consulting rooms, ensuring stocks are maintained.
• To participate in audit as required (note sampling, data input and information gathering).

Administration

• To assist with Maintaining, storing and retrieving records both manual and computerised.
• Answering the telephone, receiving and transmitting messages.
• Completion of forms.
• Preparation of appointment list and preparing and sending appointment letters.
• Liaise with other health care professionals.
• Filing and record keeping.
• Ordering treatment room equipment.
• Help (if needed) with dealing with the organisation and arrangements for clinics including; antenatal, diabetic and asthma patients.

Information Technology

Have a working knowledge of all software and hardware relevant to the clinical system, and the equipment required for accurate performance of clinical duties.

Confidentiality

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Partnership as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Partnership may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.

Health & Safety

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified.

Equality and Diversity

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Follow practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain high standards of hand hygiene.
• Clean clinical equipment between patients.
• Dispose of clinical waste and sharps safely.Report any infection control concerns, incidents, or hazards.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within the limits of competence and seek guidance when necessary.
• Participate in mandatory training and continuing professional development.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Participate in annual appraisal and supervision.
• Support quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Comply with safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all clinical activities.

Communication

Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues, and external healthcare professionals. Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect in all interactions. Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary practice team. Health and Safety Comply with Health and Safety legislation and practice policies. Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and near misses. Ensure equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately. Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients and staff.