Healthcare Assistant (HCA) - North Petherton Surgery - Somerset in Bridgwater

North Petherton Surgery (near Bridgwater in Somerset), part of Symphony Healthcare Services and the North Sedgemoor Primary Care Network, is recruiting a permanent, full‑time or 2 X part‑time Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join their friendly and forward‑thinking practice. Working under the direct supervision of the Practice Nurse and strictly in accordance with specific practice guidelines and protocols, the HCA / Phlebotomist will assist the clinical team in the provision and delivery of patient care programmes. We have 20 to 37.5 vacant hours available and specific working patterns (days and times) will be agreed during the interview process. Job share will be considered or full‑time hours for one person – please state your preference in your application.

Pay Rate: £12.65 to £12.95 per hour. Starting salary will be offered based on your previous experience in the role. This is an excellent opportunity for people passionate about patient care and who are eager to support individuals in navigating health and care systems, whilst working closely with the clinical teams to improve patient outcomes.

Main Duties of the Job:

• Perform new patient and NHS health checks
• Undertake prediabetes reviews including giving lifestyle advice (diet, weight, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol) and making necessary referrals within PHCT/local support services
• Undertake point‑of‑care testing for cholesterol, HbA1c, and INR ECG recording
• Blood pressure monitoring including issuing home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in accordance with practice policy
• Phlebotomy

Please see attached job description for a full list of duties, tasks and responsibilities.

About Us: Established in 2016, Symphony Healthcare Services (Symphony) provides NHS primary care provision across 21 sites within Somerset, linked to 14 general practice contracts. The organisation cares for approximately 132,000 patients and employs around 600 staff. Symphony is a subsidiary of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and manages its services through the support of a central team (including HR, finance, corporate and operational governance). Providing NHS services is at the heart of what we do. Specifically, our vision is to be at the forefront of sustainable, high‑quality general practice, collaborating with our communities to improve experiences and health outcomes. We work closely with our practice teams to grow, enhance, and transform our services for the benefit of patients and staff. Symphony welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and under‑represented groups. When undertaking recruitment and selection for our services, Symphony is committed to equality opportunity for all.

Contract & Working Pattern:

• Contract: Permanent.
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working.
• Pay Rate: £12.65 to £12.95 per hour – starting salary will be based on previous experience.

Person Specification:

Knowledge & Skills – Essential:

• Sound factual knowledge of the field of work
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Strong organisational skills
• IT literate
• Willingness to work flexibly (potentially across multiple sites)
• Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality

Knowledge & Skills – Desirable:

• Previous experience using EMIS web

Qualifications – Essential:

• English & Maths GCSE (or equivalent)
• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care
• Care Certificate

Qualifications – Desirable:

• HCA Training
• Qualified in Phlebotomy
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Experience – Essential:

• Previous experience of working as an HCA / Phlebotomist or equivalent
• Can carry out clinical, technical, scientific or administrative duties according to established protocols or procedures, or systems of work

Experience – Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in Primary Care or similar NHS setting

Aptitude and Personal Qualities – Essential:

• Conscientious, hardworking and self‑motivated to work with minimal supervision
• Creative and tenacious in finding solutions to difficult problems
• Ability to work with information, clinicians, social workers and managers
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to engage and sustain relationships with all professionals, other organisations and service‑users
• Approachable and flexible
• Honest and reliable
• Enthusiastic
• Sensitive to patients’ needs

Aptitude and Personal Qualities – Desirable:

• Awareness of blood‑borne viruses

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.