Compassionate Healthcare Assistant – Primary Care in Bromley

We are looking for a caring, reliable, and enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant to join our friendly GP practice team. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a supportive primary care environment where you will play an important role in delivering high-quality patient care to the local community.

Main duties of the job

• The Healthcare Assistant will support the clinical team in delivering high-quality care to patients within a busy GP practice.
• Duties will include carrying out routine observations such as blood pressure, height, weight, pulse checks, ECGs, and new patient health checks, as well as supporting chronic disease monitoring and health promotion activities.
• The role may also involve phlebotomy, stock management, infection control duties, and assisting clinicians during procedures where required.
• The successful candidate will be expected to provide compassionate patient care, maintain accurate clinical records, and work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and the wider practice team to ensure an efficient and positive patient experience.

About us

The Practice is led by 4 GP Partners, supported by a Practice Business Manager and an Operations Manager. Our wider team includes a further four GPs, four Physician Associates and six members of the Nursing team, alongside approximately fifteen admin and reception staff. We also work closely with two neighbouring Practices as part of our PCN Network. We value every member of our team and recognise the important contribution every individual makes to both the day-to-day running of the Practice and delivery of high-quality patient care. As a training Practice for medical students and trainee nurses, we offer excellent support and training, opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge, and a friendly, supportive learning environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to join a well-established and growing Practice.

Job responsibilities

• Consult with patients and their families to undertake assessments of patient needs.
• Deliver and assist clinical staff in the provision of treatment, preventative care, health promotion, long-term condition management and patient education.
• Provide clinical support to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals within the organisation.
• Perform new patient checks, NHS health checks, BP checks, vaccinations under PGDs if appropriate, ear nose & throat swabs, measuring vital signs (Pulse, oxygen levels, temperature, BMI).
• Ordering of stock ie; medical supplies.
• Diabetes reviews (blood sugar checks, foot checks support).
• Preparing consultation rooms and equipment, ensuring infection control standards are followed.
• Deliver basic clinical care interventions under supervision, supporting continuity of care and patient safety initiatives.
• Act as a chaperone as required.
• Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation.
• Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the organisation's IPC Policy.
• Work within national and local protocols where these exist.
• Be aware of your duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children.
• Recognise the boundaries of their practice and know when and to whom patients should be referred.
• Support in the delivery of enhanced services and other service requirements.
• Support the administrative team on an as-required basis.
• Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes.
• Contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times.
• Attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months.

Wider responsibilities

• Participate in any audits as directed.
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care.
• Support and participate in shared learning.
• Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota.

Person Specification

• Has completed the Care Certificate or the equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with the general public and working within a healthcare setting.
• Ability to undertake vaccinations.
• Understanding the principles of ECG's.
• Wound Care/Removal of sutures or staples.
• Able to perform venupuncture.
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to colleagues.
• Clinical IT system user skills and the ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Understanding of Safeguarding adults and children.
• Ability to follow legal, ethical and clinical policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of and ability to work to key policies and procedures.
• Ability to use own initiative, discretion and sensitivity.
• Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Excellent communication skills and effective in communicating and understanding patients needs.
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations.
• Has worked in a primary care environment.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control measures.
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.
• Competent in the use of MS Office and Outlook.
• Good organisational skills.
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required.

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.