Key Information

HCAs perform some of the Tier 1 capabilities on the Primary Care & General Practice Nursing Career & Core Capabilities Framework  

Capability 1. Communication and consultation skills	Tier 1	a) Acknowledge and respond to communication promptly.   b) Communicate clearly and coherently considering the needs of individuals.   c) Select the most appropriate method of communication for the individual/s. d) Ensure that the environment for communication is as conducive as possible for effective communication. e) Adapt communication styles to suit the situation.   f) Identify any communication barriers with the individuals and take the appropriate action.   g) Clarify points and check that yourself and others understand what is being communicated.   h) Actively listen and respond appropriately to any questions and concerns raised during communications.   i) Establish lines of communication which enable communication with individuals in other locations in times of need or emergency.   j) Maintain confidentiality of information where appropriate to do so.
Capability 2. Practising holistically to personalise care and promote public and person health	Tier 1	a) Explore and act upon day-to-day interactions with people to encourage and facilitate positive changes in behaviour and action that seeks to promote health and prevent illness; including (but not limited to) smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake and increasing exercise that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people, communities and populations i.e., ‘Making Every Contact Count’ and signpost additional resources.   b) Advise on sources of relevant local or national self-help guidance, information and support including coaching.   c) Work collaboratively across agencies and boundaries to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.   d) Appropriately work with social prescribers and link workers e) Participate in activities that promote health.   f) Describe factors affecting the health of a community (e.g., equity, income, education, environment).  g) Recognise and foster the importance of social networks and communities for people and where applicable their carers/families in managing long-term health conditions, such as linking with statutory and voluntary organisations and support groups.   h) Support person self-care and self-management and work in such a way that is non-judgmental and respects the rights, privacy, and dignity of individuals, promoting choice and independence.   i) Enable and support individuals to assert their views, control their own lives and make informed choices about the services they receive.   j) Ensure that individual preferences about who takes decisions about different aspects of their needs are respected.   k) Be aware of relevant safeguarding procedures and know how to act appropriately circumstances where there are safeguarding issues.
Capability 3. Working with colleagues and in teams	Tier 1	a) Ensure own work is within professional and personal scope of practice and access advice when appropriate.   b) Communicate effectively with colleagues using a variety of media (e.g., verbal, written, and digital) to serve peoples’ best interests.   c) Advocate for and promote personalised working.   d) Take responsibility for one’s own wellbeing and promote the well-being of the team escalating any causes for concern appropriately.   e) Work effectively within and across teams.
Capability 4. Maintaining an ethical approach and fitness to practise	Tier 1	a) Maintain appropriate levels of capability to effectively deliver care as per the requirements of your role and scope of practice.   b) Act appropriately and proportionally when observing or being made aware of poor professional behaviour.   c) Keep up to date with mandatory training and any applicable revalidation requirements, encompassing those requiring evidence.   d) Recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.   e) Identify and act appropriately when own or others’ behaviour undermines equality, diversity, and human rights.   f) Promote mechanisms such as complaints, significant events and performance management processes to improve peoples’ care.   g) Promote mechanisms such as compliments and letters of thanks to acknowledge and promote good practice.
Capability 5. Information gathering and interpretation	Tier 1	a) Record all pertinent information gathered concisely and accurately for clinical management, and in compliance with local guidance, and legal requirements for confidentiality, data protection and information governance.   b) Use active listening skills and open questions to effectively engage and facilitate shared agenda setting
Capability 6. Clinical examination and procedural skills	Tier 1	a) Arrange the place of examination to give the person privacy and to respect their dignity (and comfort as far as practicable).   b) Obtain consent and ensure the person understands the purpose of any intervention(s) proposed.   c) Offer individuals a chaperone prior to undertaking intimate examinations.   d) Undertake a range of clinical observations/tests as appropriate to the clinical situation.

A typical day for a Health Care Assistant working in General Practice may include:  

• New patient and NHS health checks   
• Supporting Public Health / Prevention Programmes   
• Carrying out baseline observations such as Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respiratory rate, temperature and oxygen saturations     
• Ongoing monitoring of chronic conditions and INR monitoring   
• Assisting in long term condition reviews under Registered Nurses direct/indirect supervision    
• Delivering health promotion or health education advice    
• Simple wound care and dressings under the care plan of a Registered Nurse   
• Adult immunisations (with additional training) – influenza, pneumonia, shingles   
• Phlebotomy/Venepuncture (taking blood)  
• Administering injections (for example Vitamin B12)  
• Recording ECGs  

HCSWs / HCAs are not registered with a professional body and their employer is accountable for their actions and omissions.  

It is vital that employers ensure that HCSW/HCAs work within the limits of their competence.