JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Health Care Assistant OPD
DEPARTMENT:
Outpatients
REPORTS TO:
Outpatient Manager
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Director of Nursing and Clinical Services
ROLE DEFINITION
The Health Care Assistant works under the direction of a trained nurse assisting with the care
of patients, the maintenance of a safe, clean and comfortable environment, and in the
clerical/administrative running of outpatient clinics in Parkside Hospital, Parkside Lodge and
Parkside Oncology Clinic.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the Health Care Assistant to function as an integral member of the
health care team by assisting to meet the physical, psychological and psychosocial needs of the
patients, and ensuring smooth and effective running of the department. All aspects of the job
should be carried out with regard to the following: 







Hospital procedures and policies
Philosophies
Infection Control policies and procedures
Equal opportunities policy
The Health & Safety at Work 1974 Act
The Data Protection Act
Policy on confidentiality
Other relevant legislation and agreed practice/policy
Responsibility lies with the Health Care Assistant not to undertake any duty for which
adequate training and competency assessment has not been carried out, nor to undertake tasks
other than those requested by qualified nurses.
Ref: Nursing/OPD/HCA
Page 1 of 5
Revised November 2012
MAIN DUTIES
1.
2.
3.
Clerical / Administrative

To answer departmental telephones promptly and courteously, taking the
appropriate actions according to the enquiry mode or information required.

To deal promptly and courteously with all Consultants and patients in the
department, where necessary referring to the relevant Nurse.

To take specimens to the Pathology Department when necessary.

To collect results where necessary.

To assist in the Reception/Appointments office when necessary.

To ensure that adequate stock levels are kept within the department and reporting
any reduction to the nursing staff.

Checking the day-to-day cleanliness of the department and reporting any problems
to the nurse in charge of the department.

Participate in any other duties as requested by the Outpatient Sister.

Assist the Health Screening Nurse by finding and filing the relevant notes, results
etc for patients.
Consultant and Patient Care Related

To transfer and accompany patients to other Departments within the Hospital for
treatment, under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

To report any concerns or untoward incidents immediately to the nurses on duty.

To assist/chaperone the Consultants as necessary under the direction of the
nurses on duty.

To assist in the Phlebotomy service, promoting a safe, prompt and efficient
service to the Consultants and Patients.

To assist the Patients when specimens are required for the laboratory, and
routinely testing urine as required, under the direction of the nurses on duty.
Communication

To maintain absolute confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff
including verbal, written and electronically stored information.

To ensure that all relevant information is relayed to nursing staff on a timely and
relevant basis.
Ref: Nursing/OPD/HCA
Page 2 of 5
Revised November 2012
4.

To answer the telephone, receive, record and relay messages promptly and in line
with department policy.

To demonstrate the highest regard and respect for the wishes, needs and lifestyles
of all patients, being accepting and non-judgmental at all times.

To discuss any difficulties with senior nursing staff.

To learn how to use information systems and maintain accurate written
information.

To perform administrative/clerical duties in the absence of clinic staff: Collection
of mail, equipment, pharmacy orders: filing notes, results and x-rays in the absence
of clerical/Portering staff.
Housekeeping
To assist in the maintenance of a clean, tidy, comfortable and safe department by:

Applying the principles of health and safety at work, reporting faults, mishaps etc
in accordance with legislation and hospital policy.

Applying principles of infection control at all times, under the supervision of the
trained nurse, including renewal of sharps boxes.

Ensuring all clinical areas are tidy, uncluttered, accessible and able to be used for
their intended purpose.

Noting faults in building or equipment and ensuring repairs are initiated.

Ensuring emergency equipment is ready and available for use at all times.

Disposing of rubbish and laundry as per agreed procedures.

Applying strict hygiene methods when handling food or kitchen/storage
equipment, paying due regard to food handling guidelines.
Additional information
To be aware of and adhere to:
1. Health and Safety at Work Act.
2. Company policies and guidelines.
3. Disciplinary / Grievance Procedure.
4. Fire Action Policy.
Ref: Nursing/OPD/HCA
Page 3 of 5
Revised November 2012
5. To read and sign all policies issued to the department in accordance with the Care
Standards Act 2000.
6.
To carry out all duties in accordance to customer care standards.
This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive as there may be other duties and
requirements associated with the post, which you may be called upon to perform from time to
time.
This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and may be
amended to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
Ref: Nursing/OPD/HCA
Page 4 of 5
Revised November 2012
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Health Care Assistant – Outpatients Department
Essential
Desirable

Qualifications
 Evidence of secondary school
education

Skills/Abilities
 Clear verbal and written
communication - articulate
with good command of the
English language.
 Able to be flexible.
 Able to organise workload.
 Able to work as team
member.

Knowledge/Experience
 Understanding of job role.
 Recognises needs for
confidentiality of all
information relating to job
and patients
 Previous knowledge/experience
in healthcare setting.

Other
 Good Health Record
 Caring attitude
 Recognises own limitations
and role.
 Excellent customer care skills
 Sense of humour
 May show interest in following a
health related career.
Ref: Nursing/OPD/HCA
Page 5 of 5
 Some further education
Revised November 2012