About this role
Job summary
This role is part time working 33 hours per week.
Job Purpose
To deliver high-quality, patient-centred care as an experienced Healthcare Assistant with extended clinical responsibilities. The post-holder will work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of enhanced services, improve patient outcomes, and assist in the efficient running of the practice.
The role includes undertaking a wider scope of clinical procedures, supporting long-term condition management, and supervising or mentoring junior HCAs where required.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Duties
Perform a broad range of clinical tasks including: Phlebotomy (venepuncture) Blood pressure monitoring (including ambulatory BP) ECG recording NHS Health Checks Height, weight, BMI, and urinalysis New patient health checks Smoking cessation advice and brief interventions Undertake extended role activities (dependent on competency), such as: Wound care and basic dressings Simple suture/staple removal Diabetic foot checks Peak flow/spirometry (if trained and competent) Immunisations and vaccinations under PSD/PGD (if applicable and trained) Assist in chronic disease management clinics (e.g., diabetes, asthma, COPD) Support infection prevention and control measures Health Coaching: for Cholesterol, Pre-Diabetes and weight management Health coaching for minor mental health problems and bereavement counselling Blood glucose monitoring; including teaching patients how to use Blood glucose meters and education regarding blood glucose levels
About us
Our Vision
Westgate Practice will deliver the very best health care to our patients, now and in the future.
Our Mission
Westgate Practice mission is to be an outstanding general practice by delivering high quality care to all our patients, in a timely way and in an environment that meets the individual needs of our patients and staff.
Our Values
The Values
What this means
Caring & Compassionate
To be caring and compassionate, upholding the dignity and maintaining the confidentiality of each patient receiving care.
Responsive
Provide a responsive service that patients can access when they need us.
Proficient
To promote teaching and training, supporting our staff to develop their skills and cherishing our role in training GPs of the future.
Continual Improvement
To share our vision, to learn from feedback, embrace change and be the best we can be.
Professional
To be professional and accountable for our actions. To be open and responsible.
Fairness & Equality
To be fair and equitable with our patients, stakeholders and staff.
Value & Respect
To value & respect our patients, colleagues and stakeholders.
Job description Job responsibilities
Senior Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Extended Role
Reports To
Lead Practice Nurse / GP Partners
Location
GP Practice / Primary Care Setting
Job Purpose
To deliver high-quality, patient-centred care as an experienced Healthcare Assistant with extended clinical responsibilities. The post-holder will work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of enhanced services, improve patient outcomes, and assist in the efficient running of the practice.
The role includes undertaking a wider scope of clinical procedures, supporting long-term condition management, and supervising or mentoring junior HCAs where required.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Perform a broad range of clinical tasks including: Phlebotomy (venepuncture) Blood pressure monitoring (including ambulatory BP) ECG recording NHS Health Checks Height, weight, BMI, and urinalysis New patient health checks Smoking cessation advice and brief interventions Undertake extended role activities (dependent on competency), such as: Wound care and basic dressings Simple suture/staple removal Diabetic foot checks Peak flow/spirometry (if trained and competent) Immunisations and vaccinations under PSD/PGD (if applicable and trained) Assist in chronic disease management clinics (e.g., diabetes, asthma, COPD) Support infection prevention and control measures Health Coaching: for Cholesterol, Pre-Diabetes and weight management Health coaching for minor mental health problems and bereavement counselling Blood glucose monitoring; including teaching patients how to use Blood glucose meters and education regarding blood glucose levels
Patient Care
Deliver compassionate, patient-focused care at all times Promote health education and self-care to patients Support patients with lifestyle advice (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) Act as a patient advocate when appropriate Maintain dignity, confidentiality, and respect for all patients
Leadership and Supervision
Act as a role model and support for junior HCAs and new staff Provide mentorship, guidance, and training where appropriate Assist with induction of new clinical support staff Escalate concerns and contribute to clinical improvements
Administrative and Organisational Duties
Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using clinical systems Ensure specimens are labelled, stored, and transported correctly Stock control and ordering of clinical supplies Maintain clinical rooms and equipment, ensuring cleanliness and readiness Participate in audits and data collection as required
Quality and Safety
Work within practice policies, protocols, and national guidelines Adhere to infection control, safeguarding, and health & safety policies Report incidents, accidents, or near misses in line with procedure Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audits Maintain professional competence through ongoing training
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent experience) Proven experience working as an HCA in a GP or primary care setting Competence in core HCA clinical skills (e.g., phlebotomy, ECGs, observations) Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Knowledge of confidentiality and safeguarding principles
Desirable Criteria
Additional training in extended clinical skills (e.g., wound care, spirometry, immunisations) Experience supporting long-term condition management Mentorship, or supervision experience Knowledge of EMIS, System One, or similar clinical systems
Key Skills & Attributes
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail Compassionate and professional approach to patient care Ability to prioritise workload and adapt in a busy environment Commitment to continuous professional development Strong teamwork and leadership qualities
Working Conditions
Work within a busy GP practice environment and within patients own homes /nursing/care homes Direct patient contact daily May involve extended hours depending on service needs
Professional Development
Participate in regular appraisals and supervision Maintain a personal development plan (PDP) Attend mandatory training and updates Work towards further competencies aligned with the extended role
Additional Information
This role may evolve in line with service development within primary care. The post-holder will be expected to undertake additional duties appropriate to the level of responsibility.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Significant experience working as an HCA in a GP/primary care setting Competence in a wide range of clinical procedures: Venepuncture Blood pressure monitoring ECG recording NHS Health Checks Experience working with patients with long-term conditions Experience using clinical IT systems (e.g., EMIS, System One) Experience in extended clinical duties (e.g. wound care, diabetic foot checks) Experience in working autonomously
Desirable
Experience supervising or supporting junior staff Experience participating in audits or quality improvement
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Training in core clinical skills (e.g., phlebotomy, ECGs, observations) Immunisation and vaccination training (under PSD/VGD)
Desirable
Additional qualifications in extended practice (e.g. wound care, spirometry, long-term conditions) Mentorship or assessor qualification Care Certificate (or willingness to complete)
Personal Qualities Essential
Professional, reliable, and flexible approach Compassionate and caring attitude Commitment to high standards of patient care Willingness to develop extended clinical competencies Ability to remain calm under pressure Respectful of diversity and equality
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Understanding of primary care services and patient pathways Knowledge of infection prevention and control Awareness of safeguarding policies and procedures Understanding of confidentiality, data protection (GDPR), and information governance Basic understanding of long-term condition management (e.g., diabetes, COPD, asthma) Understanding of population health and health promotion strategies Excellent clinical and practical skills relevant to HCA role Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively Accurate record keeping and attention to detail Ability to provide compassionate, patient-centred care
Desirable
Knowledge of national guidelines (e.g., NHS Health Checks, QOF indicators) Leadership and mentoring skills Ability to support training of junior HCAs or new staff Ability to contribute to service development and improvement
Other requirements Essential
Willingness to undertake further training for extended role duties Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs DBS clearance Adherence to professional boundaries and scope of practice Full UK driving licence
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 Westgate Practice
Address Greenhill Health Centre
Church Street
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS13 6JL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.westgatepractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)