Job Title: Healthcare Assistant (HCA) - Urgent Care Centres
Location: Birmingham, Walsall, Dudley, Telford, Shrewsbury, Sandwell
Job Type: Locum
Rates of pay: £12 to £16 PAYE or Umbrella
Shifts Available:
*Monday to Sunday: Various shifts available (9am to 3pm, 3pm to 9pm, 9am to 9pm)
*Flexibility to work additional hours within our Urgent Care and Primary Care divisions.
Job Summary:
We are currently seeking a skilled and compassionate Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our Urgent Care Services. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high-quality care to service users, assisting in their initial assessment and ensuring their healthcare needs are met. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking flexibility and wanting to make a meaningful difference in urgent care settings.
Key Responsibilities:
As an HCA, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
*Clinical Responsibilities: *Assisting in the streaming and initial assessment of service users in the Urgent Care Centre.
*Conducting basic observations including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, capillary refill, and saturations.
*Taking medical histories and checking medication and allergy status.
*Performing urine dipstick tests, pregnancy tests, and other basic clinical tasks as required.
*Following protocols to help determine appropriate clinical pathways using early warning scores.
*Escalating to senior clinicians if any service user becomes acutely unwell during assessment.

*Communication: *Communicate effectively with patients, their carers, and clinical team members.
*Recognise and respond appropriately to any need for alternative communication methods.

*Quality Assurance: *Strive to maintain high standards within the service, reporting any concerns regarding quality or risks.
*Take accountability for your actions, and contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on activities and suggesting improvements.
*Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

*Personal and People Development: *Take responsibility for your personal development, participating in training and supervision as required.
*Maintain a record of your professional development.
*Recognise the roles and responsibilities of other team members.

*Health, Safety, and Security: *Follow security procedures and maintain a safe working environment by adhering to infection control protocols.
*Ensure the safe storage and disposal of medical supplies, drugs, and vaccines.
*Report and manage health risks, including handling sharps injuries and cleaning up spillages.

*Service Improvement: *Participate in audits and service development projects as required.
*Assist in maintaining patient education materials and health promotion materials in the waiting area.

*Information Management: *Accurately record patient information and activities in a timely manner using the appropriate systems.
*Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience:
*NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
*Care Certificate (or equivalent).
*Previous experience working in an emergency department, walk-in centre, or primary care setting is preferred.
*Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people at all levels.
*Ability to work under pressure and manage time efficiently.
*Basic knowledge of health and safety and infection control standards.