Healthcare Assistant West Midlands

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) – Urgent Care Centres (MUST have Urgent centre or A&E hospital/walk in centre experience)
Location: Birmingham, Walsall, Dudley, Telford, Shrewsbury, Sandwell
Job Type: Locum
Rates of pay: £12 to £18 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.