Healthcare AssistantNHS

Job summary

Woodland Avenue Practice is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and reliable Healthcare Assistant to join our friendly primary-care team.

We welcome applications from both developing HCAs who require further training and experienced candidates with an established range of primary-care competencies. The successful applicants salary and duties will reflect their qualifications, experience and assessed clinical competencies.

Main duties of the job

Working under the supervision of the clinical team, you will support the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care to our patients.

Depending on your training and competencies, your duties may include

Phlebotomy and correct handling of clinical samples

Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, weight and BMI measurements

ECGs and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

NHS health checks and new patient health checks

Urinalysis, blood glucose and HbA1c testing

Supporting long term condition reviews

Diabetic foot checks

Peak flow and oxygen saturation measurements

Wound care, dressings and removal of sutures or clips

Vaccinations under an appropriate lawful instruction, where trained and authorised

Assisting clinicians with minor surgery and other procedures

Providing lifestyle and health promotion information

Maintaining accurate electronic patient records

Preparing clinical rooms, monitoring stock and supporting infection control

Acting as a trained chaperone when required

Applicants will only be asked to undertake duties for which they have been appropriately trained, assessed as competent and authorised.

Job description

Job purpose

To support the clinical team in delivering safe, effective and compassionate primary care services to the practice population.

The Healthcare Assistant will undertake delegated clinical and administrative duties within their demonstrated competence, following practice policies, infection-prevention procedures and relevant professional guidance. The postholder will help patients manage their health, support long-term condition monitoring and contribute to the efficient running of the practice.

Main duties and responsibilities

Patient care and clinical duties

Following appropriate training, competency assessment and authorisation, duties may include:

• Undertaking NHS health checks, new-patient health checks and basic health assessments.
• Measuring and recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, height, weight and body mass index.
• Performing phlebotomy and ensuring samples are labelled, stored and transported correctly.
• Performing urinalysis and collecting other specimens.
• Carrying out ECGs.
• Supporting ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring.
• Measuring oxygen saturation and peak expiratory flow.
• Supporting long-term condition reviews.
• Undertaking foot checks for patients with diabetes, where trained and assessed as competent.
• Providing lifestyle information on healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation and alcohol consumption.
• Administering vaccinations only when appropriately trained, assessed as competent and authorised under a valid Patient Specific Direction or other lawful instruction.
• Assisting clinicians with minor surgery, examinations and other procedures.
• Undertaking wound care, dressings, suture or clip removal only where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Preparing consultation and treatment rooms before and after clinical sessions.
• Recognising changes or concerns in a patients condition and promptly escalating these to a registered clinician.
• Responding appropriately to medical emergencies in accordance with practice procedures.

The postholder must not undertake any activity for which they have not been trained, assessed as competent and authorised.

Patient communication

• Welcome patients and treat them with dignity, kindness and respect.
• Explain procedures clearly and obtain the patients valid consent before providing care.
• Communicate sensitively with patients, carers and families, including those who may have communication difficulties or require reasonable adjustments.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect patient confidentiality.
• Promote equitable access to healthcare and support the practices commitment to providing an inclusive and non-discriminatory service.
• Act as a chaperone when trained, authorised and requested to do so.

Clinical records and administration

• Record observations, procedures and patient information accurately and promptly in the electronic clinical record.
• Use appropriate clinical codes in accordance with practice procedures.
• Process samples, test results and related documentation safely.
• Maintain accurate stock records and notify the appropriate person when supplies need replenishing.
• Support recall programmes, health-promotion campaigns and quality-improvement work.
• Assist with audits and searches when requested.
• Follow data-protection, confidentiality and information-governance requirements.

Infection prevention and clinical safety

• Follow infection-prevention and control policies at all times.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Clean clinical equipment and work areas in accordance with practice procedures.
• Ensure the safe handling and disposal of clinical waste and sharps.
• Maintain cold-chain requirements where relevant to the role.
• Check clinical equipment and report faults, shortages or safety concerns promptly.
• Report incidents and near misses through the practice reporting process.
• Participate in infection-control audits and mandatory training.

Safeguarding

• Remain alert to possible signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation or coercion involving children or adults at risk.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the appropriate safeguarding lead or clinician.
• Work in accordance with the practices safeguarding policies and local procedures.
• Complete safeguarding training at the level required for the role.

Teamworking

• Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, care coordinators, reception staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Attend clinical, operational and staff meetings as required.
• Support colleagues during periods of increased demand, while remaining within the boundaries of the role.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive and supportive working environment.
• Communicate effectively with community and secondary-care services when authorised to do so.

Professional development

• Maintain a portfolio of training and competency assessments.
• Complete mandatory training within required timescales.
• Participate in induction, supervision, appraisal and performance-development reviews.
• Take responsibility for identifying learning needs and maintaining competence.
• Accept and act upon constructive feedback.
• Immediately disclose any limitation that could affect the safe performance of duties.

General responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Work in accordance with practice policies, protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and NHS information-governance requirements.
• Comply with health and safety, equality, infection-control, safeguarding and medicines-management requirements.
• Promote dignity, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Work flexibly to meet the reasonable needs of the service.
• Undertake other appropriate duties consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Confidentiality

During employment, the postholder may have access to confidential information relating to patients, their carers, practice staff and other organisations. This information must not be disclosed to unauthorised individuals. All information must be handled securely and in accordance with legislation, NHS guidance and practice policies.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Woodland Avenue Practice is committed to providing an inclusive service and workplace. The postholder must treat patients, carers, visitors and colleagues fairly and respectfully, regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, nationality, immigration status or socioeconomic circumstances.

Person specification

Essential qualifications and experience

• Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality, consent and professional boundaries.
• Understanding of safeguarding and infection prevention.
• Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately.
• Ability to work independently within agreed limits and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training and ongoing competency assessments.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Experience of working in a healthcare, care or patient-facing environment.
• Evidence of competence in the clinical activities required for the position, or willingness to undertake supervised training.
• Previous experience as a Healthcare Assistant in general practice or another NHS setting.
• Competency in phlebotomy.
• Experience of performing ECGs, health checks and physiological observations.
• Experience supporting long-term condition monitoring.
• Competency in wound care, diabetic foot checks or vaccination support.
• Experience using a GP clinical system such as EMIS Web or SystmOne.
• Knowledge of clinical coding, recall systems and primary-care quality frameworks.
• Basic Life Support or Immediate Life Support training.

Personal qualities

• Caring, courteous and patient-focused.
• Reliable, punctual and well organised.
• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Respectful of confidentiality and cultural differences.
• Able to recognise personal limitations and seek support.
• Committed to high standards of safety and quality.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to service needs.
• Able to manage competing priorities appropriately.

Employment requirements

Scope of the role

This job description describes the main responsibilities of the position but is not exhaustive. It may be reviewed and amended following consultation with the postholder to reflect changes in patient needs, practice services, legislation or NHS guidance.

About us

Our practice in Luton has a population of approximately 13,000.

We provide high-quality, patient-centred care while maintaining an inclusive working environment.

Our team is made up of experienced GP partners and a salaried GP, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Allied health professionals, and a dedicated administrative team, all working collaboratively to deliver excellent services.