About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a caring, reliable and motivated Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our friendly and supportive clinical team at The Garden Surgery.
This is an opportunity to become part of a busy and well-established General Practice that is committed to delivering safe, high-quality and patient-centred care. We are proud of our team culture and place a strong emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, patient experience and supporting staff development.
The role would suit someone who enjoys working directly with patients, thrives in a varied clinical environment, and wants to continue developing their skills within Primary Care. You will work closely with experienced clinicians and be supported to develop confidence and competence across a wide range of healthcare assistant responsibilities.
In return, we offer a welcoming and supportive working environment, opportunities for ongoing learning and development, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to the care and wellbeing of our patients and local community every day.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care within a busy General Practice environment, working under the supervision of the nursing and wider clinical team.
Main duties of the role include undertaking clinical observations such as blood pressure, height, weight and BMI measurements, phlebotomy, ECG recording, new patient health checks, and supporting long-term condition monitoring and review programmes. The post-holder will also support vaccination and injection administration (where trained), undertake chaperoning duties, assist with treatment room activities, and support clinicians during procedures and clinics.
The role also includes processing and management of laboratory samples, maintaining accurate clinical records, supporting vaccine and stock management processes, and ensuring high standards of infection prevention and control are maintained throughout the Practice.
The successful candidate will be expected to work within clearly defined clinical competencies, recognise and escalate concerns appropriately, and maintain patient dignity, confidentiality and safety at all times.
We are looking for someone who is professional, organised, adaptable and able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues. Experience working within Primary Care or General Practice would be desirable, although applications from candidates with relevant healthcare experience in other settings are welcomed.
About us
At The Garden Surgery, we are proud to be a friendly, supportive, and hardworking team committed to delivering a high-quality service to our patients and local community. We understand that general practice can be busy and demanding, so we place real value on teamwork, kindness, and supporting one another throughout the day.
We aim to create a positive working environment where staff feel respected, included, and able to develop. Whether you are new to primary care or bringing previous experience, you will be supported through training, mentoring, and opportunities to broaden your skills across different areas of the practice.
We are looking for people who take pride in their work, remain calm under pressure, and want to make a genuine difference to patients. In return, you will join a team that values reliability, professionalism, flexibility, and a good sense of humour.
We recognise the importance of staff wellbeing and maintaining a positive workplace culture. We enjoy occasional team socials, celebrate achievements, and aim to make work an enjoyable place to be. We also offer an additional day off when your birthday falls on one of your normal working days.
If you are looking for a varied and rewarding role within a supportive GP practice, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Clinical Care and Patient Interventions
Routine Clinical Observations and Monitoring
Record baseline clinical observations including Blood pressure, Height, weight, BMI and waist circumference Undertake ECG recordings in line with Practice procedures Perform urinalysis and basic point of care testing where appropriate Escalate all abnormal findings promptly to a GP or Nurse
Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection
Undertake venepuncture in Practice, domiciliary and care home settings Ensure correct patient identification prior to sample collection Label and handle specimens accurately in line with Practice protocols Escalate any issues relating to sample collection or patient safety
Health Checks and Preventative Care
Undertake new patient health checks for adults and children Support NHS and Practice health check programmes Carry out baseline assessments to support early identification of clinical need Provide brief lifestyle advice where appropriate (e.g. weight management, smoking, blood pressure awareness) Promote health and wellbeing through patient education and engagement
Long Term Condition Monitoring
Support delivery of long term condition monitoring and review programmes Support monitoring of patients with long-term conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, respiratory) Undertake elements of annual reviews within competence and training Assist clinicians by preparing patients and collecting required clinical data Identify and escalate patients requiring further clinical review and identifying patients requiring ongoing follow-up or recall Support clinicians in preparing patients for structured reviews
Clinical Procedures and Treatments
Administer B12 injections under Patient Specific Direction (PSD) following training Administer vaccinations (e.g. flu) under PSD following training Undertake simple wound care as delegated Support delivery of other delegated clinical interventions for named patients Work strictly within defined clinical competence and escalate where required
Child Health and Family Support
Undertake baby clinic measurements including weight and growth monitoring Support clinicians during child health clinics Provide reassurance and support to parents/carers during assessments
Health Promotion and Patient Engagement
Support patients with weight management and healthy lifestyle choices Provide brief interventions to promote health and wellbeing Reinforce advice given by clinicians to support patient understanding and compliance
Chaperoning and Patient Support
Act as a chaperone for clinicians in line with Practice chaperone policy Ensure patients are aware of their right to request a chaperone Maintain patient dignity, privacy and respect during all clinical interactions Provide reassurance and support to patients during examinations and procedures Observe and report any concerns arising during consultations in line with safeguarding procedures
Clinical Procedures and Treatment Room Support
Prepare clinical rooms and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions Assist clinicians during procedures including minor surgery, coil fittings and contraceptive implant procedures Ensure all equipment is available, clean, and functioning correctly Maintain a safe and efficient clinical environment at all times
Laboratory Samples and Specimen Management
Process and manage laboratory samples requested by clinicians Ensure correct labelling, handling, storage and transport of specimens Maintain accurate records relating to specimen collection and dispatch Escalate any issues or discrepancies in line with Practice protocols
Professional Practice and Accountability
Clinical Escalation and Safety
Recognise and respond to abnormal clinical findings Escalate concerns relating to patient condition, presentation or safeguarding Maintain awareness of own limitations and seek clinical support when required
Infection Control and Health & Safety
Follow national and local infection prevention and control guidance Maintain clean, safe and sterile clinical environments Ensure correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Manage safe handling, use and disposal of sharps and clinical waste Undertake specimen handling in line with safety protocols Manage spillages and contamination incidents appropriately Participate in infection control audits and monitoring activities Identify, report and act on risks and hazards in the working environment Support maintenance of equipment and clinical facilities Ensure compliance with COSHH and other relevant regulations
Safeguarding
Recognise safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults Act in accordance with Practice safeguarding policies and procedures Escalate concerns promptly to appropriate clinical staff Document safeguarding concerns accurately within the clinical system Maintain professional boundaries and manage sensitive situations appropriately Participate in safeguarding training and maintain up-to-date knowledge
Vaccines, Cold Chain and Stock Management
Manage vaccine storage in accordance with cold chain requirements Monitor, record and maintain temperature logs accurately Undertake stock ordering, rotation and replenishment of vaccines and clinical supplies Maintain adequate stock levels in consulting rooms, emergency bags and treatment areas Ensure stock is stored safely and in line with Practice policies
Confidentiality and Information Governance
Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, staff and Practice information at all times Handle patient-identifiable data in line with GDPR and NHS Information Governance requirements Ensure information is shared appropriately on a need-to-know basis Verify patient identity before sharing or updating information Use clinical systems safely and securely Report any information governance concerns or breaches promptly
Clinical Data Recording and Administration
Accurately record all patient contacts, interventions and observations in the clinical system Ensure clinical coding is accurate, consistent and in line with Practice protocols Maintain up-to-date and complete patient records Support the completion of documentation relating to patient care and registration Assist with data collection and reporting relating to patient health and wellbeing
Communication and Team Working
Communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues Adapt communication style to meet individual patient needs Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team Provide clear and accurate information to patients and colleagues Support a positive and professional team environment
Workload and Task Management
Manage own workload effectively, balancing clinical and administrative duties Prioritise tasks based on urgency and patient need Complete all work accurately and within expected timescales Monitor outstanding tasks and escalate delays where appropriate Maintain a structured and organised approach to work
Professional Development
Participate in induction, mandatory training and annual appraisal Maintain and develop clinical competencies relevant to the role Engage in ongoing learning and development opportunities Keep up to date with changes in Practice procedures and NHS guidance Support training and development of colleagues where appropriate Complete mandatory infection control and health & safety training
Quality and Service Improvement
Contribute to audits and quality improvement activities Identify areas for improvement in clinical and operational processes Support implementation of new systems, protocols and service changes Work with colleagues to improve patient care and service delivery
General Responsibilities
Work flexibly to support service delivery across the Practice Travel between Practice and community settings where required to support service delivery Adhere to all Practice policies, procedures and protocols Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and accountability at all times Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role, in line with training and competence
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths Recognised HCA qualification, e.g. Care Certificate, or equivalent experience
Desirable
Full UK driving licence and access to transport
Experience Essential
Experience working in a patient facing healthcare environment Experience undertaking clinical observations including blood pressure, height, weight and BMI measurements Experience undertaking venepuncture
Desirable
Experience working in Primary Care, General Practice or wider NHS setting Experience supporting long term condition reviews Experience undertaking ECG recordings Experience supporting vaccination programmes Experience supporting minor surgery or treatment room procedures Experience using SystmOne or similar clinical system
Role Expectations Essential
Willingness to undertake mandatory training relevant to the role Commitment to maintaining and developing clinical competence Willingness to undertake chaperoning duties in line with Practice policy Commitment to maintaining confidentiality along with information governance and professional standards Commitment to continuous learning and personal development Willingness to support service improvement and adapt to changes in Practice processes Willingness to work flexibly to support service delivery across the Practice
Personal Attributes Essential
Professional, reliable and punctual approach Empathetic and patient-centred approach to care Ability to work calmly and professionally in a busy clinical environment Ability to maintain professional boundaries and recognise own limitations Flexible and adaptable approach to service need Positive attitude and ability to contribute to a supportive team environment Ability to work independently within role boundaries whilst recognising when escalation or support is required Ability to travel independently between Practice, domiciliary and care home settings as required
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Ability to undertake delegated clinical duties safely and within competence Ability to recognise and escalate abnormal clinical findings appropriately Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults Understanding of infection prevention and control procedures and Ability to maintain patient dignity along with their privacy and confidentiality at all times Good communication and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external professionals Ability to adapt communication style to meet individual patient needs Good organisational skills with the ability to manage workload effectively Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team Good IT skills with the ability to accurately record and manage information electronically
Desirable
Knowledge of vaccine cold chain management Understanding of specimen handling and laboratory processes
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 The Garden Surgery
Address 2nd Floor East Leeds Health Centre
78 Osmondthorpe Lane
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS27 7QP
Employer's website https://www.thegardensurgeryleeds.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)