Healthcare Assistant

Practice Plus Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a compassionate and driven Healthcare Assistant to join their primary care team at HMP Kirkham. The role involves implementing care packages, supporting clinics, and working closely with registered nurses. Applicants should have NVQ Level 2 and preferably Level 3 in Health & Social Care, with experience in clinical settings. Benefits include a pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, and extensive wellbeing support.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, or be working towards it.
• Hold an NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care.
• Have experience in a clinical care setting.

Responsibilities

• Implement clinical care packages and evaluate patients' care.
• Support all aspects of care within the primary care team.
• Assist in clinics for bloods, vaccinations, and wound care.

Skills

Compassionate approach

Phlebotomy experience

Clinical care experience

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Overview

Location: Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, England PR4

Salary: £24,669 to £28,690 per annum depending on experience

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Role: Healthcare Assistant

Posted: 24 Sep 2025  |  Closes: 24 Oct 2025

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Assistant to join the primary care team on a full time basis at HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison for males, located near Preston, Lancashire. HMP Kirkham is a unique environment with wellbeing activities for staff and patients, including a brand new gym available to staff.

Hours

This position is full time working 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis. Shifts are between 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am – 12pm Saturday and Sunday. You will work around 1-2 weekends per month, and work both days.

Salary

You will receive an annual salary of between £24,669 and £28,690 per annum depending on experience.

How will we support you?

• Bespoke induction, including our Introducing Health in Justice training course
• Competency framework
• Regional and national career development opportunities
• Our bespoke Learning Management System to address your learning needs
• Support from the wider team

Requirements

Candidates are required to have a legal right to work in the UK and due to the nature of the role, offers of employment will be subject to additional vetting and security checks

What you'll be doing

As our new Healthcare Assistant, your responsibilities will vary. Some of your duties will include:

• Be involved in the implementation of clinical care packages, phlebotomy and assessment, treatment and the evaluation of patients care
• This role will support the Primary Care Nursing team with all aspects of care
• Support clinics - bloods, vaccinations, wound care etc
• Act as a second checker in pharmacy as required
• You will primarily be working within the primary care team, although may be required to carry out duties in the substance misuse or mental health teams
• You will support the registered nurse in association with the patient and in accordance with instructions and training received whilst promoting safe patient care and be willing to develop and apply new skills to maintain and enhance clinical service delivery

What we'll look for in you

The Health in Justice team at Practice Plus Group makes a real difference across prisons, young offenders and immigration removal centres. We are Britain's leading independent provider of NHS services to patients in secure environments. We are looking for caring, compassionate but also driven professionals who can help us drive our vision for fair and inclusive healthcare access for all. The new Healthcare Assistant will:

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, or be working towards this
• Hold an NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care
• Have experience within phlebotomy (highly desirable)
• Have experience in a clinical care setting (ideally hospital or prison)
• Have clinical experience (venepuncture, tissue viability, etc.)
• Have a non-judgemental and compassionate approach

Benefits

• Company pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service up to 28 days per year, plus public bank holidays
• Extensive wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
• Discounts on shopping and leisure activities
• Support to grow in your role and continue professional development
• Excellent long-term career prospects
• 24/7 employee assistance helpline and financial assistance when you need it