About this role
Job summary
The General Practice Healthcare Assistant (GPA) will work within E4 Primary Care Network Enhanced Access Services, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care across our member practices.
Working under the supervision of the GPs and Practice Nurses, the Healthcare Assistant will provide a range of clinical duties, supporting patients with routine health checks, long-term condition monitoring, health promotion and treatment room activities. The post holder will play an important role in ensuring patients receive safe, effective and timely care while contributing to improved health outcomes across the Network.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Primary Care Network that is committed to delivering high-quality services and improving the health and wellbeing of our local population.
Main duties of the job
The General Practice Healthcare Assistant will support the delivery of high-quality clinical care across E4 PCN's Enhanced Access Service, working under the supervision of GPs and Practice Nurses. The role includes undertaking a range of treatment room and clinical support duties including NHS & SMI Health Checks, phlebotomy, ECGs, ear irrigation, wound care, health monitoring and support with long-term condition reviews. The post holder will also support health promotion activities, maintain accurate clinical records, prepare clinical rooms and contribute to the effective running of clinics.
The role will include undertaking domiciliary visits for housebound patients, providing appropriate clinical care and interventions within the Healthcare Assistant's scope of practice.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care, supporting improved health outcomes for patients across E4 Primary Care Network.
About us E4 Primary Care Network is a thriving collaboration of five GP practices in Chingford, within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Together, we care for a registered population of more than 55,000 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 pride ourselves on working collaboratively across our practices to provide accessible, responsive and high-quality care for our local community.
Job description Job responsibilities Clinical 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 & SMI 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 VisitsThe 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 ResponsibilitiesMaintain 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 WorkingWork 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 Specification
Qualifications Essential
Relevant Healthcare Assistant qualification General Practice Assistant qualification or willingness to work towards it. Care certificate Qualified in Venepuncture Qualified in Diabetic Foot Care
Desirable
Qualified in Spirometry Qualified in Vaccinations Qualified in Wound Care Qualified in Ear Irrigation
Experience Essential
Experience as a Healthcare Assistant in PRIMARY CARE 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.
Desirable
Experience of working within or knowledge of a Primary Care Network Experience with ECG recording. Experience with wound care and dressings. Experience undertaking domiciliary visits.
Full UK Driving Licence Essential
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.
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.
Employer details Employer name E4 Network
Address Chingford Health Centre
109 York Road
London
E4 8LF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chingfordmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)