Health Care Assistant - Much Birch Surgery

Much Birch Surgery has an exciting opening for an experienced Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our team of 3 GPNs and 1 HCA. We strive for excellent clinical and professional support, a healthy work‑life balance and a challenging but rewarding career, whatever your area of interest. We pride ourselves on excellent patient care, fantastic teamwork and a willingness to look at new ways of working.

This role is for 20.5 hours per week.

Direct supervision by the Lead Practice Nurse. Support the practice clinical team in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care. Available to work over Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays, with hours spread across 2 or 3 days.

Key Responsibilities

• Support clinicians in delivering patient care per practice protocols.
• Take blood samples safely, adhering to infection control procedures.
• Perform in‑house tests (e.g. D‑Dimer, ECGs) as requested.
• Prepare patients for chronic disease reviews (BP, height, weight, urinalysis).
• Conduct diabetic foot checks and make necessary referrals.
• Provide basic wound care and remove sutures/clips as per care plans.
• Administer B12, pneumococcal and other immunisations under PSDs.
• Process urine and pathology specimens according to protocols.
• Provide lifestyle advice for chronic disease management and signpost to further support.
• Apply evidence‑based care approaches aligned with QOF requirements.
• Accurately document patient observations and escalate abnormal findings.
• Prepare clinical rooms and equipment ahead of consultations.
• Assist with contraceptive procedures (e.g., implant insertion/removal).
• Act as a chaperone during consultations when needed.
• Support clinicians during emergency management of patients and be confident in resuscitation techniques.
• Manage ordering, receiving and monitoring of nursing and clinical stock.
• Check and maintain clinical room stock, ensuring no expired or damaged items.
• Keep accurate stock records and report shortages or discrepancies.
• Support IPC lead in auditing and maintaining infection control standards.
• Ensure room cleaning aligns with IPC protocols and report any breaches.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient health records.
• Enhance own performance through continuous professional development, imparting own knowledge and behaviours to meet the needs of the service.

Qualifications & Experience

• GCSE grade A‑C in English and Maths or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 or Care Certificate Equivalent.
• Experience of working in general practice surgery.
• Experience of performing clinical tasks.
• Knowledge of primary care clinical systems (e.g. EMIS) is desirable.
• Strong IT skills and excellent written and oral communication.
• Effective time management, planning and organising.
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Contract & Salary

• Salary: £12.82 per hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part‑time (20.5 hours per week)
• Location: Much Birch Surgery, Much Birch, Hereford, HR2 8HT

Disclosure & Registration

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.