At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients with care duties like taking bloods and monitoring health.
- Company: Join the outstanding team at Blandford Group Practice, dedicated to patient wellbeing.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, NHS Pension Scheme, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic healthcare setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while gaining valuable healthcare experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate attitude, ability to work under pressure, and NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 23970 - 26400 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Health Care Assistant with experience in primary or secondary care or someone with the skills and personal qualities looking to train as a Health Care Assistant. Working under the supervision of the Practice Nurses and strictly in accordance with specific Practice guidelines and protocols, the Healthcare Assistant will assist the Practice clinical team in the provision and delivery of prescribed programmes of patient care. For those without previous experience, we offer a comprehensive training pathway, and completion of the recognised Care Certificate. Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and proof of Right to Work will be required upon successful appointment. Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will join our existing HCA team who play a key role in supporting our patients with a range of duties like:
- Taking bloods
- Blood pressure readings
- Cleaning surgical equipment
- Vaccine restocking
- Administrative support
About us
At the Blandford Group Practice, we are passionate about making a difference to our patients' health and wellbeing and we were rated 'Outstanding' by CQC in Autumn 2025. We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming team. We deliver NHS services from three surgeries across Blandford and employ a variety of non-clinical staff and health professionals such as GPs, Nurses, Mental Health Practitioners, Pharmacists and Paramedics. We are part of the NHS Pension Scheme.
Job responsibilities
- ECG recording
- Blood glucose checks using in-house machines
- Processing and management of laboratory samples requested by GPs/Nurses
- Cleaning and maintenance of surgical equipment
- Vaccine/cold chain storage, monitoring and recording
- Surgical equipment and vaccine re-stocking and stock rotation
- Clearing and re-stocking consulting rooms
- Preparing and maintaining environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions including assisting GPs during the performance of minor operations + IUS and IUD fittings
- Assisting in the assessment and surveillance of patients' health and well-being
- Undertaking specific clinical activities for named patients that have been delegated and taught specifically in relation to that individual
- Helping to raise awareness of health and well-being and how it can be promoted
- Assisting with the collection and collation of data on needs related to health and well-being e.g. height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, urinalysis
- Input accurate READ codes for monitoring and audit purposes
- Scanning as required
Person Specification
Qualifications
- An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality
- Ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense
- Ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team
- Able to work under pressure
- Ability to manage time effectively in a busy clinic
- Ability to self-motivate, organise and prioritise own workload
- Ability to follow protocols and procedures
- Caring and compassionate approach
- High level of integrity and discretion
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
- Relevant clinical skills training (e.g. phlebotomy, BP monitoring)
- Care certificate
Experience
- Previous experience in a general practice environment
- Experience carrying out basic clinical procedures such as blood pressure measurement, height/weight/BMI, basic observations
Skills and Knowledge
- Motivated and enthusiastic
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Good interpersonal skills, ability to make effective relationships with others
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent keyboard and computer skills
- Reassure and support patients
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.
Health Care Assistant employer: The Blandford Group Practice
At Blandford Group Practice, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment for our Health Care Assistants. With an outstanding CQC rating and a commitment to employee development through comprehensive training pathways, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the skills they need to excel in patient care. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our patients' health and well-being while enjoying the benefits of being part of a friendly and welcoming team in the heart of Blandford.
Contact Details:
The Blandford Group Practice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to Health Care Assistants. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and get comfortable discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for patient care during interviews! Share personal stories that highlight your compassion and dedication. Employers love to see genuine enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals who want to make a difference in patient care.
We think you need these skills to ace Health Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:As a Health Care Assistant, your caring nature is key! Make sure to highlight any experiences where you've shown compassion or helped others. We want to see that you genuinely care about patient well-being.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Mention specific skills like blood pressure monitoring or experience in a clinical setting that align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, so don’t waffle!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blandford Group Practice
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Health Care Assistant. Understand tasks like taking blood pressure readings and assisting with patient care. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Show Compassion
Since this role requires a caring approach, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown compassion in previous roles or situations. Highlighting your interpersonal skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about clinical procedures and protocols. Brush up on basic clinical skills like blood pressure measurement and ECG recording. Being able to discuss these confidently will show you're ready for the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the practice and its patients. Inquire about the training pathway or how the team supports each other. This demonstrates your commitment to being part of their outstanding team.