About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our friendly and patient-focused practice team. Working under the supervision of our nursing and clinical teams, the post holder will support the delivery of high-quality care to our patient population.
The Healthcare Assistant will undertake a range of clinical duties within their scope of competence, including phlebotomy, NHS Health Checks, blood pressure monitoring, ECGs, wound care, vaccinations (where trained and authorised), and health promotion activities. The role will also involve supporting chronic disease management programmes, ensuring accurate clinical record keeping, maintaining infection prevention and control standards, and assisting in the smooth running of clinics.
The successful candidate will be compassionate, organised, and committed to providing excellent patient care. They will work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the practice's commitment to delivering safe, effective, and person-centred services.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Healthcare Assistant to develop their skills within a supportive and forward-thinking primary care environment.
This is initially a fixed term contract but may become a permanent post.
Main duties of the job
Provide high-quality clinical and patient care support as part of the practice nursing team. The post holder will work directly with patients to carry out a range of healthcare procedures and health promotion activities, helping to improve patient outcomes and experience. They will contribute to the efficient delivery of services across the practice, maintain accurate patient records, and work collaboratively with clinicians and colleagues to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care. The role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population and support a wide range of primary care services.
About us
Darwen Healthcare is a large, forward-thinking GP practice serving a diverse patient population across Darwen and the surrounding areas. We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and continuously developing our services to meet the needs of our community.
Our team is made up of GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, administrative and reception staff, all working collaboratively to provide safe, effective and compassionate care. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where staff are valued, respected and encouraged to develop their skills and careers.
We offer a friendly team atmosphere, opportunities for training and professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of our patients. As a practice, we promote innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement, ensuring that both our patients and staff can thrive.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will work as part of the multidisciplinary primary care team to deliver high-quality, safe and effective patient care under the direction of the Practice Nurses and GPs.
The post holder will undertake a range of clinical duties within their scope of competence and training, supporting the delivery of both planned and reactive care to the practice population.
Key responsibilities include:
Phlebotomy and specimen collection.Recording physiological measurements including blood pressure, height, weight, BMI and pulse rate.Undertaking NHS Health Checks in line with practice protocols.Performing ECGs and other clinical procedures as appropriate.Supporting vaccination and immunisation programmes where trained and authorised to do so.Assisting with wound care and simple dressings as delegated by a registered clinician.Carrying out new patient health checks and lifestyle assessments.Providing health promotion advice and signposting patients to appropriate services.Maintaining accurate and timely clinical records using the practice clinical system.Ensuring equipment is cleaned, maintained and ready for use.Supporting infection prevention and control procedures and maintaining a safe clinical environment.Managing stock levels and reporting shortages of clinical supplies.Working collaboratively with the wider practice team to support service delivery and patient care.The post holder will be expected to work within practice policies, procedures and protocols at all times, maintaining patient confidentiality, promoting equality and diversity, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development.
The duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the practice. The post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Essential Qualifications Care Certificate or willingness to complete within agreed timescales. NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent relevant qualification). Evidence of ongoing professional development. Competency in clinical skills relevant to the role, including phlebotomy.
Desirable
Desirable Qualifications NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent). Training in NHS Health Checks. Training in ECG recording. Immunisation and vaccination training
Experience Essential
Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant in a healthcare setting. Experience of direct patient care. Experience undertaking clinical observations such as blood pressure, height, weight and BMI. Experience maintaining accurate patient records. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
Experience working in General Practice or Primary Care. Experience undertaking NHS Health Checks. Experience of phlebotomy. Experience using NHS clinical systems (e.g. EMIS Web). Experience supporting chronic disease management clinics. Experience participating in quality improvement or audit activities.
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 Darwen Healthcare
Address Darwen Health Centre
James Street West
Darwen
Lancashire
BB3 1PY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://darwenhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)