Job Title:
Healthcare Assistant (HCA) – Primary Care
Reports to:
Clinical Lead
Job Summary:
We seek a compassionate and reliable Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our surgery team. We are a bustling practice with 13,000+ patients. The HCA will support the clinical team by providing a range of care services to patients under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals. This role involves assisting with patient care, health promotion, and administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the practice.
The successful candidate will be vital in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and maintaining a welcoming environment for all patients.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Duties:
- Perform routine health checks such as blood pressure monitoring, height, weight, and BMI measurements.
- Take and process blood samples (phlebotomy) following practice protocols.
- Conduct simple dressings, wound care, and removal of sutures or clips as required.
- Perform ECGs and assist with the interpretation of results under supervision.
- Carry out health screening tests, including urine dipstick analysis and spirometry.
- Provide lifestyle advice on smoking cessation, healthy eating, and exercise.
- Administer vaccinations such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines under a Patient Specific Direction (if trained).
- Support patients with long-term conditions by monitoring key health metrics and escalating concerns to appropriate clinicians.
Professional and Team Working:
- Work collaboratively with GPs, practice nurses, and other clinical team members to provide seamless patient care.
- Assist in maintaining a safe and clean clinical environment, including infection prevention and control measures.
- Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and carers, always ensuring sensitivity and confidentiality.
- Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions about practice improvements and patient care.
Administrative and Organisational Duties:
- Accurately document patient care activities in the clinical system, ensuring timely and precise record-keeping.
- Assist with the preparation of clinical areas and equipment for procedures.
- Maintain stock levels of medical supplies and equipment, placing orders as required.
- Support the recall of patients for routine checks or immunisations by contacting patients and scheduling appointments.
- Ensure compliance with practice policies, including health and safety, safeguarding, and confidentiality protocols.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- Healthcare Assistant qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent).
- Recent experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in primary care.
- Phlebotomy skills or willingness to undertake training.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Awareness of infection control principles and confidentiality standards.
Desirable:
- Experience with SystmOne.
- Training in administering vaccines or carrying out health screening tests.
- Knowledge of chronic disease management processes.
Skills and Attributes:
- Caring and compassionate nature with a strong focus on patient care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
- Friendly and supportive work environment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to £14.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Basildon SS15 5HL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person
