General Practice Assistant (HCA)


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	Negotiable
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, E4 8LF
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Sept 2026
Closing date:	11 Oct 2026

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Summary

The General Practice Assistant will provide high-quality clinical and practical support to the PCN Enhanced Access Service, working alongside GPs, Practice Nurses, Advanced Practitioners and the wider multidisciplinary team. The postholder will be an experienced Healthcare Assistant with a minimum of five years' experience working within General Practice in the UK, with a strong understanding of primary care, clinical processes and patient needs. The role will involve working across the PCN's member practices and undertaking home visits, where required. The postholder will need to be adaptable and confident working in different clinical environments, managing their workload effectively and undertaking clinical duties within their competence. The GPA will undertake a broad range of duties associated with an experienced or Advanced Healthcare Assistant and will be supported to develop their role through completion of the General Practice Assistant training programme. The postholder will also work flexibly as part of the Enhanced Access Service, including evening and weekend sessions, with home visits undertaken where required. Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Support The GPA will provide clinical support to the wider clinical team and undertake duties appropriate to their level of training, competence and experience. This will include: Undertaking clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, temperature, blood glucose, height and weight. Undertaking venepuncture where appropriately trained and competent. Performing ECGs and ensuring abnormal findings are promptly brought to the attention of an appropriate clinician. Undertaking urinalysis and other point-of-care testing within competence. Supporting wound care, dressings and general treatment room procedures. Supporting the collection, preparation and handling of clinical specimens. Supporting chronic disease monitoring and review clinics. Supporting health promotion and preventative health activities. Supporting immunisation and vaccination clinics where appropriately trained. Assisting clinicians during consultations and procedures. Preparing clinical rooms and equipment before and after consultations. Ensuring clinical areas are appropriately stocked and maintained. Maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control. Undertaking other clinical support duties appropriate to the role and level of competence. 2. Home Visits Home visiting will be an important component of the role. The GPA will: Undertake allocated home visits independently and professionally. Carry out agreed clinical observations and interventions within their scope of competence. Collect appropriate clinical information and report findings accurately to the supervising or responsible clinician. Support monitoring of patients who may have difficulty attending the practice. Recognise and report changes in a patient's condition. Escalate abnormal observations, safeguarding concerns or other clinical risks promptly. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of all home visits. Ensure appropriate infection prevention and control procedures are followed during home visits. Maintain professional boundaries and patient confidentiality at all times. Recognise when a situation is outside their competence and seek appropriate clinical support. The GPA will not independently diagnose, prescribe or make clinical decisions outside their role and competence. 3. Advanced Healthcare Assistant Duties The postholder will undertake duties consistent with an experienced or Advanced Healthcare Assistant, subject to appropriate training and competency assessment. These may include: Phlebotomy and blood collection. ECG recording. Urinalysis. Blood pressure and routine observations. Blood glucose monitoring. Weight, height and BMI measurement. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. Wound care and dressing changes. Specimen collection. Chaperoning. Supporting minor procedures. Supporting chronic disease monitoring. Supporting vaccination and immunisation services. Supporting health checks and preventative health programmes. Supporting clinicians with examinations and procedures. Providing patients with appropriate health and lifestyle information within the scope of the role. The list is not exhaustive and duties may change according to service requirements, training and competency. 4. General Practice Assistant Training A key requirement of the role is the willingness to undertake and successfully complete the General Practice Assistant training programme. The postholder will: Participate fully in the GPA training programme. Attend all required teaching and learning sessions. Complete required assessments, competencies and portfolio evidence. Apply learning from the programme safely within clinical practice. Develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake the GPA role effectively. Maintain evidence of ongoing competence. Participate in supervision, feedback and assessment during the training period. Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development. Completion of the GPA programme will support the postholder to develop their role within primary care and contribute to the effective use of the wider multidisciplinary team. 5. Enhanced Access Service The GPA will work as part of the PCN Enhanced Access Service, providing additional support to patients outside normal practice opening hours. The postholder will: Work flexibly across evening and weekend (Saturday) sessions.

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