Health Care Assistant


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	from £13.75 an hour
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Plymouth, PL9 9BW
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	27 Aug 2026
Closing date:	11 Sept 2026

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Summary

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Job Description Reports To Practice Nurse Lead Accountable To Practice Manager / GP Partners Hours Part time, around 25, as agreed with successful candidate Salary Competitive Location Church View Surgery, PL9 9BW Job Purpose To work as part of the primary healthcare team, supporting the Practice Nurses and GPs in delivering high-quality patient care. The Healthcare Assistant will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties to assist in the efficient delivery of services to patients. Key Responsibilities Clinical Duties The Healthcare Assistant will undertake duties appropriate to their training, competence and practice protocols, including: Measuring and recording blood pressure. Venepuncture (taking blood samples). Performing ECGs. NHS Health Checks. Height, weight and BMI measurements. Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation. Basic wound care and dressing changes as directed. Removal of sutures and clips where trained and competent. New patient health checks. Smoking cessation support and lifestyle advice. Monitoring patients with long-term conditions under the direction of a registered clinician. Administering vaccinations where appropriately trained and authorised. Recording clinical information accurately within the clinical system. Chaperoning patients during consultations and examinations. Infection prevention and control duties. Patient Care Treat patients with dignity, respect and compassion. Promote patient independence and wellbeing. Provide health promotion information and signposting to relevant services. Respond appropriately to patient concerns and escalate when required. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with GDPR and NHS requirements. Administrative Duties Ensure accurate completion of clinical records. Manage stock levels within treatment rooms. Order clinical supplies as required. Prepare and maintain clinical rooms and equipment. Participate in recall and screening programmes. Support the practice with audit and quality improvement activities. Communication Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external organisations. Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team. Escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with practice policy. Safeguarding Be aware of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults. Report concerns promptly through the appropriate channels. Participate in safeguarding training as required. Professional Responsibilities Work within the limits of competence at all times. Maintain mandatory training requirements. Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development. Adhere to practice policies, procedures and protocols. Maintain registration of competencies where applicable. Health & Safety Comply with Health and Safety legislation and practice policies. Follow infection prevention and control procedures. Report incidents, accidents and near misses promptly. Person Specification Essential Criteria Qualifications Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths. NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards. Evidence of ongoing professional development. Experience Experience working in a healthcare or care setting. Experience dealing with members of the public. Experience maintaining confidential records. Knowledge Understanding of patient confidentiality. Understanding of infection prevention and control. Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities. Knowledge of basic clinical observations. Skills and Abilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good organisational skills. Ability to prioritise workload effectively. Basic IT skills and experience using electronic systems. Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion. Personal Attributes Professional and reliable. Flexible and adaptable. Caring and patient-focused. Willingness to learn and develop. Positive and proactive attitude. Desirable Criteria Qualifications NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent). Care Certificate. Phlebotomy qualification. Training in ECGs, health checks or wound care. Experience Experience working in General Practice. Experience using EMIS Web, SystmOne or other GP clinical systems. Experience conducting NHS Health Checks. Experience supporting patients with long-term conditions. Knowledge Understanding of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Knowledge of NHS primary care services. Awareness of CQC requirements and standards. Key Competencies The postholder will demonstrate: Patient-centred care. Effective communication. Teamwork and collaboration. Professionalism and integrity. Attention to detail. Commitment to continuous improvement. Respect for equality, diversity and inclusion. This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change in line with service requirements and the needs of the practice.

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