Trainee Healthcare Assistant in Keswick

An exciting opportunity to join our friendly and supportive GP practice in the heart of the Lake District as a Trainee Healthcare Assistant. This post is ideal for someone new to primary care or healthcare who is motivated to develop a long-term career within the NHS. Full training will be provided, including completion of the Care Certificate, with structured supervision and competency-based progression into a fully autonomous Healthcare Assistant role. You will join a patient-focused, multi-skilled nursing team and will be supported to develop clinical, administrative, and professional skills in a safe and progressive manner.

Main duties of the job

• Clinical Responsibilities (Following training, supervision, and competency assessment)

• New Patient and NHS Health Checks
• ECG recording and phlebotomy
• Acting as a chaperone
• Managing and preparing lab samples
• Vaccine and cold chain monitoring
• Restocking and maintaining equipment and stock
• Assisting GPs and nurses with minor procedures and clinics
• Supporting patient health assessments and wellbeing data collection
• Undertaking delegated tasks such as flu vaccinations and B12 injections
• Recording blood pressure, INR testing, and supporting infection control

• Accurately record and code patient consultations
• Action QOF/QIS alerts and report system issues
• Prepare statistical information and contribute to audits
• Send patient recall letters and support seasonal projects
• Attend practice meetings and maintain SOPs
• Complete mandatory and role-specific training

About us

Castlehead Medical Centre is a friendly GP practice in the heart of Keswick, serving around 8,500 patients across the town and surrounding villages. We provide a full range of primary care services, including chronic disease management, NHS health checks, vaccinations, minor surgery, family planning, and diagnostic testing. Our multi-disciplinary team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, and administrative staff, all working together to provide safe, patient-centred care. We operate a flexible appointment system, including face-to-face, telephone, and triage consultations, to ensure accessible care for our community. We are a training and development-focused practice, supporting staff at all levels to complete training, develop skills, and progress in their careers. Castlehead Medical Centre is registered with the Care Quality Commission and has been rated Good, reflecting our commitment to safe, effective, and high-quality care. We pride ourselves on our supportive, collaborative culture, strong community links, and dedication to continuous learning, making us an excellent place to start or grow a career in primary care.

Working Hours

24 hours per week, ideally worked over three 8-hour days. Flexible approach required to support service delivery. Participation in Enhanced Access cover on a rota basis: Tuesday evenings: 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Saturdays: 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Person Specification

• Essential

• Interest in healthcare and patient care
• Willingness to learn and undertake training, including the Care Certificate
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Basic IT skills

• Previous experience in care, support, or customer-facing roles
• Exposure to NHS or primary care environments

Training and Development

The post-holder will receive Care Certificate training and competency assessment, supervised clinical skills training, guidance and support to progress toward a fully competent Healthcare Assistant role, and opportunities for ongoing professional development and learning.

Health & Safety and Infection Control

• Adhere to practice and national infection control and health & safety policies
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and support PPE management
• Safely manage specimens, sharps, waste, and spillages
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment
• Report and escalate health, safety, or infection risks
• Participate in periodic training and quality audits

Confidentiality

• Maintain strict confidentiality for all patient, staff, and practice information
• Only disclose information to authorised personnel in line with policies and legislation

Equality and Diversity

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Respect the rights, dignity, and beliefs of patients, carers, and colleagues
• Act in a professional, non-judgmental, and inclusive manner

Quality and Teamwork

• Strive for high standards of care
• Raise concerns about quality, safety, or risk
• Reflect on own performance and contribute to service improvement
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies
• Manage time, workload, and resources effectively

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues
• Adapt communication to meet individual patient needs
• Support team communication and collaboration

Qualifications

• Essential

• Willingness to undertake the Care Certificate
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills

• GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths
• Any prior training in healthcare, first aid, or patient care

Experience

• Essential

• Experience of working with people in a professional, volunteer, or care context
• Experience of working in a team environment
• Experience of providing customer service or supporting others

• Experience in healthcare, social care, or primary care settings
• Experience in basic clinical tasks (e.g., taking blood pressure, assisting with care)
• Experience using IT or electronic records

Knowledge and skill

• Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Empathy, patience, and a caring approach to patients
• Basic IT skills

• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection in healthcare
• Knowledge of infection control principles
• Awareness of patient safety and clinical governance

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name: Castlehead Medical Centre
Address: Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DB
Employer's website: https://www.castlehead.org.uk/