Healthcare Assistant

We are seeking a friendly, organised, and reliable Healthcare Assistant to join our busy GP Practice team. To provide high-quality clinical assistance to the multidisciplinary team; delivering safe, compassionate, and patient-centred care. The post holder will undertake delegated clinical tasks within their scope of competence, supporting the delivery of effective primary care services.

Main duties of the job

• Working under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or GP:
• Measure and record: blood pressure, height and weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), pulse and respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation.
• Perform venepuncture (where trained and competent).
• Undertake NHS Health Check observations and support screening programmes.
• Carry out ECG recordings (where trained) and 24-hour blood pressure monitors for patients.
• Perform urinalysis and prepare patient specimens for laboratory collection.
• Support wound care and dressing clinics as delegated.
• Assist with Diabetic Clinics (where trained and competent).
• Assist with health promotion and lifestyle advice.
• Carry out new patient checks.
• Carry out phlebotomy duties, including dealing with incoming blood results according to Practice policy.
• INR Clinics, home visits, INR monitoring for housebound patients.
• Prepare clinical rooms and equipment before and after clinics.
• Clean and decontaminate equipment in accordance with infection prevention and control procedures.
• Monitor and replenish clinical stock and supplies.
• Chaperone patients during examinations where appropriate.
• Report abnormalities or concerns promptly to the supervising clinician.

About us

The successful candidate will be part of a supportive and professional team committed to delivering high-quality patient care, with opportunities for training and ongoing development. Our practice is situated in Hampton, a leafy London suburb, serving a patient population of approximately 11,000. We have a long and successful history of involvement with medical training and education and are part of a friendly and dynamic PCN.

Job responsibilities

• Administration:
• To assist with maintaining, storing and retrieving records both manual and computerised.
• Answering the telephone, receiving and transmitting messages.
• Completion of forms.
• Preparation of appointment list and preparing and sending appointment letters.
• Liaise with other health care professionals.
• Filing and record keeping.
• Help (if needed) with dealing with the organisation and arrangements for clinics including; antenatal, diabetic and asthma patients.
• Information Technology:
• Have a working knowledge of all software and hardware relevant to the clinical system, and the equipment required for accurate performance of clinical duties.
• Confidentiality:
• In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.
• In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Partnership as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.
• Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Partnership may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.
• Health & Safety:
• The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
• Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines.
• Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks.
• Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.
• Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards.
• Equality and Diversity:
• The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:
• Acting in a way that recognises the importance of people's rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation.
• Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
• Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.
• Infection Prevention and Control:
• Follow practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain high standards of hand hygiene.
• Clean clinical equipment between patients.
• Dispose of clinical waste and sharps safely.
• Report any infection control concerns, incidents, or hazards.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Professional Responsibilities:
• Work within the limits of competence and seek guidance when necessary.
• Participate in mandatory training and continuing professional development.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Participate in annual appraisal and supervision.
• Support quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Comply with safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all clinical activities.
• Communication:
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues, and external healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.
• Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary practice team.
• Health and Safety:
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and practice policies.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and near misses.
• Ensure equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients and staff.

Person Specification

• Experience:
• Experience in an administrative or customer service role.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment or willingness to undertake HCA training.
• Good IT skills and experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• The part-time position is 24hrs per week, 3 x 8hr days including a late Thursday evening (until 8:30pm).
• Previous experience working in a GP practice or primary care setting.
• Venepuncture competency.
• ECG competency.
• Experience using GP clinical systems (such as EMIS Web or SystmOne).
• Knowledge of NHS administrative procedures and Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
• Qualifications:
• Good standard of general education (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Mathematics).
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Care Certificate.
• 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.