Primary Care Healthcare Assistant

The following are the core responsibilities of the healthcare assistant.

• Undertake new patient health checks
• Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes
• Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, recording findings accurately
• Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly
• Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required
• Support the practice nurse with the management of chronic disease clinics
• Carry out BMI checks as directed
• Act as a chaperone as required
• When trained, undertake venepuncture
• When trained, administer flu vaccinations
• When trained, carry out ear irrigation under the supervision of the practice nurse
• Carry out ECGs as requested
• Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation
• Provide support during minor operations as required
• Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session
• Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance
• Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy
• Ensure clinical checks are completed to a satisfactory standard as delegated by the Lead Nurse
• Manage stock levels of drugs and consumables and re-order when necessary, in line with local ordering protocol
• Ensure stock is unpacked and stored, ensuring it matches the delivery note and is stored in line with stock rotation protocol Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Healthcare Assistant may be requested to:
• Participate in practice audit as directed by the audit lead
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care
• Support and participate in shared learning within the practice Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota