Job Description General Practice Healthcare Assistant
37.5 Hours per Week - To include Saturday working
E4 Primary Care Network
Job Summary
The General Practice Healthcare Assistant (GPA) will work as part of the E4 Primary Care Network Enhanced Access Service and Practices, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care across our Network.
The post holder will work alongside GPs, Practice Nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide a range of clinical support duties within their scope of practice. This will include supporting treatment room services, undertaking SMI & NHS health checks, clinical observations, phlebotomy, ECGs, ear irrigation, wound care and supporting long-term condition monitoring.
The role will also include undertaking domiciliary visits to support housebound patients within the local community, providing appropriate clinical interventions and health monitoring as required. The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel to patients’ homes as part of their role.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Healthcare Assistant to join a forward-thinking Primary Care Network, contributing to improved patient outcomes and the delivery of accessible, high-quality healthcare services.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical Responsibilities
The post holder will:
- Undertake clinical support duties within the scope of the Healthcare Assistant role, under the direction and supervision of registered clinical staff.
- Carry out NHS Health Checks, including recording clinical observations and identifying any areas requiring further assessment.
- Undertake phlebotomy and ensure specimens are correctly labelled, stored and processed in line with practice procedures.
- Perform clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturations, height, weight and BMI measurements.
- Carry out ECG recordings and ensure results are appropriately documented and escalated when required.
- Undertake ear irrigation following appropriate training and competency assessment.
- Support wound care clinics, including basic wound assessment, dressings and removal of sutures/clips where appropriately trained.
- Support long-term condition monitoring, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma and COPD reviews.
- Undertake urine testing, blood glucose monitoring and other clinical tests as required.
- Support immunisation and vaccination clinics as appropriate, following relevant training and protocols.
- Provide health promotion advice and support patients with lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, weight management, diet and physical activity.
- Act as a chaperone when required.
Domiciliary Visits
The post holder will undertake planned domiciliary visits for housebound patients within the PCN population. This may include:
- Carrying out clinical observations and health monitoring.
- Supporting long-term condition reviews and routine checks.
- Undertaking phlebotomy and other appropriate clinical interventions within competency.
- Identifying and escalating concerns to the appropriate clinician.
- Maintaining accurate and timely clinical records following each visit.
The role requires flexibility and the ability to work independently while maintaining communication with the wider clinical team.
Administrative and Governance Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient records using clinical systems, including EMIS Web.
- Ensure all clinical activity is recorded appropriately and completed in line with PCN and practice procedures.
- Prepare and maintain clinical rooms, ensuring equipment and supplies are available, clean and fit for purpose.
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures at all times.
- Support stock management and report any shortages or equipment concerns.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR, information governance and safeguarding requirements.
- Participate in training, supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development activities.
- Work within organisational policies, procedures and clinical governance frameworks.
Team Working
- Work collaboratively with GPs, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, ARRS roles and wider multidisciplinary teams.
- Provide a professional, caring and respectful service to patients, colleagues and external partners.
- Support the delivery of PCN initiatives and services aimed at improving patient access, experience and outcomes.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience working as a Healthcare Assistant within General Practice, Primary Care, NHS or a healthcare setting.
- Relevant Healthcare Assistant qualification (such as NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent), or willingness to work towards this.
- Competent in undertaking phlebotomy.
- Experience carrying out clinical observations.
- Good understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and infection prevention procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage workload effectively.
Desirable Experience and Skills
- Experience working within General Practice.
- Experience using EMIS Web or other clinical systems.
- Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks.
- Experience with ECG recording.
- Experience with Spirometry
- Experience with wound care and dressings.
- Experience undertaking domiciliary visits.
- Care Certificate completed.
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence is essential.
- Access to suitable transport to undertake domiciliary visits.
- Willingness and ability to travel within the PCN area to visit patients in their own homes.
- Flexibility to work across PCN services and locations as required.
About E4 Primary Care Network
E4 Primary Care Network (PCN) is a collaboration of five GP practices in Chingford, within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Together, we serve a registered population of more than 53,000 patients, working collectively to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable primary care.
Our Network is committed to improving health outcomes, enhancing patient experience and supporting staff wellbeing through innovative, patient-centred services. We work collaboratively across our practices to provide accessible, responsive and high-quality healthcare services for our local community.
Pay: £15.00-£16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Paid training
Experience:
- Primary Care: 2 years (required)
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Care Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
