PCN Proactive Care Team - Healthcare AssistantNHS

Job summary

**When applying please include your CV explaining how you are suited to this role and confirm you meet the essential requirements - please note the salary will be pro rata based on the part time hours**

We are looking for an experienced, compassionate, dedicated, reliable and patient focused Healthcare Assistant, who enjoys meeting new people to join us as a PCN Proactive Care Coordinator / Health Care Assistant.

At Armley PCN, we have a friendly, supportive and nurturing management style, and you will fit into the team well if you have a committed work ethic, enjoy working collaboratively and can work at pace.

Main duties of the job

As a member of the Armley Primary Care Network (PCN) Proactive Care Team, you will assist with the delivery of national and local agenda for care of frail patients within their own homes, to enable them to maintain their independence in a safe environment.

They will work alongside, and under the supervision of, registered practitioners to carry out a range of healthcare activities and duties. This work will usually be undertaken in the patients home - however, specific PCN clinics may also require support.

The role includes undertaking delegated clinical tasks and procedures such as phlebotomy, BP recordings, diabetic reviews, foot checks, stroke and kidney disease reviews in the patients home or at one of our 3 Practices.

Job description

Main Job Responsibilities

Holistically support patients with mild to severe frailty within the community

Undertake frailty reviews of housebound patients for PCN practice sites via home visit, or occasionally via telephone

Review patient needs and help them access the services and the support they require to understand and manage their own health and wellbeing

Refer patients to services within the area that are most appropriate for them

Conduct low level clinical screening such as dementia screening, blood pressure checks and venepuncture as directed by the lead health professional. (Where relevant training has been received)

Carry out low level falls assessment/screening and provide advice and information on falls prevention, including referral for equipment where necessary

Assist in the formulation and review of care plans to ensure all care is reflecting the patients needs and wishes

Visit housebound patients at the request of PCN practices for Healthcare Assistant-appropriate tasks whilst ensuring these do not detract from core frailty work

Ensure patient records are updated appropriately and consultations recorded using the appropriate template

Liaise with each practice to maintain frailty registers

Liaise with each practice to prioritise visits

Work within the scope of HCA practice

Identify social isolation and loneliness, being proactive in signposting to relevant resources to empower patients to remain active and engaged within their communities

Identify and recognise deterioration in an individuals health and act promptly to refer to relevant health professional to minimise risk or where appropriate, avoid hospital admission

Assist practices in the achievement of targets related to frail and housebound patients

Develop and maintain knowledge and relationships with our practices and local services

Work with local statutory, voluntary and independent organisations to ensure referrals are made appropriately and maximise the availability of local resources

Take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of service users and self, understanding and following risk assessments as instructed

To maintain close links with other services in line with Safeguarding procedures and make other appropriate interventions and escalation

Ensure that GPs, practice nurses, practice pharmacists and other members of the primary care team understand the FCC/HCA role, and which patients may particularly benefit from their input

Work with the Armley PCN and its leadership team to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of this role

Core Responsibilities:

Frailty reviews for patients within Armley PCN who are house dependent

Assisting each practice to maintain up to date frailty registers

Help to raise awareness of health and wellbeing and how it can be promoted

Assisting with the collection and collation of data on needs related to health and wellbeing

Additional Responsibilities:

On occasion, not as a matter of course, for practices within the PCN:

Phlebotomy

Blood pressure monitoring

Chaperoning duties

Sterilising, cleansing and maintenance of surgical equipment

Assisting in the assessment and surveillance of patients health and wellbeing

Knowledge, Training and Experience:

Minimum NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience in a health and/or social care setting

Evidence of continual professional development

Experience in healthcare provision to a vulnerable group of patients

Specific interest in supporting frail and elderly patients

Experience of Primary Care or other organisations supporting a wide range of individuals

Knowledge of health care service delivery, public health delivery or community engagement

Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of General Practice provision

Completed a two day PCI accredited care co-ordination training course or be willing to complete

Other:

Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity within organisation adhering to relevant Codes of Conduct and the NHS Constitution

Be aware of and adhere to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and ensure own safety and the safety of colleagues and patients

Participate in our appraisal system, matching organisational aims with individual objectives

Comply with all organisational and statutory requirements

Undertake all mandatory training required for the role

Be aware of individual responsibilities under the Equal Opportunities and Diversity in Employment Policy and adhere to the provisions of the policy

Work flexibly as required by the PCN, including working at different GP Practices or community locations in the local area.

This job description is not meant to be exhaustive.

It describes the main duties and responsibilities of the post.

Staff are expected to undertake any other duties commensurate with the FCC/HCA grade as agreed with their line manager.

About us

Armley Primary Care Network (PCN) is a partnership of three GP practices serving over 30,000 patients across LS12 - Armley Medical Practice, Thornton Medical Centre, and Priory View Medical Practice.

The PCN works collaboratively with community health services, social care, voluntary organisations and local partners to deliver integrated, person-centred care that improves health outcomes and reduces health inequalities.

A key focus of the PCN is supporting people living with frailty, multiple long-term conditions and complex healthcare needs through proactive, preventative care.

Services are designed to identify health needs early, promote independence, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

Working through multidisciplinary teams, the PCN brings together GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, care coordinators and wider health and care professionals to provide coordinated support tailored to individual patient needs.

The PCN is committed to delivering compassionate, proactive care that helps people remain safe, well and independent within their own homes and communities.