Healthcare Assistant (HCA

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Portishead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Harbourside Family Practice is seeking a friendly Healthcare Assistant to join our expanding clinical team in Portishead. The role involves phlebotomy, wound care, BP monitoring, ECGs, NHS Health Checks and smoking cessation support, working closely with GPs and nurses to deliver high-quality patient care.

We welcome candidates with prior healthcare experience and a willingness to develop further clinical skills through training and competency assessment.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with patients or within a healthcare environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical records.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection.

Responsibilities

• To provide high-quality clinical service with safe practice and infection control.
• To undertake venepuncture and blood sampling for adults as trained.
• To maintain accurate documentation within the electronic patient record.
• To assist GPs and clinicians during minor procedures and wound care.
• To provide health promotion and signpost to appropriate clinicians.
• To maintain stock levels and clean clinical equipment.

Skills

Venepuncture

ECGs

Wound care

NHS Health Checks

Smoking cessation

Patient care

Communication

Education

Healthcare qualification or Care Certificate

Tools

EMIS Web

Job description

The Healthcare Assistant will provide a range of clinical services to our patients, including phlebotomy, wound care and dressings, blood pressure monitoring, ECGs, NHS Health Checks and smoking cessation support. The role will also include assisting GPs and nurses and undertaking other appropriate clinical duties following training and competency assessment. The post-holder will work closely with the wider clinical team, maintain accurate patient records and ensure that all care is delivered safely, professionally and in accordance with Practice policies and procedures., JOB TITLE: Healthcare Assistant (HCA) REPORTS TO: Practice Manager / Lead Practice Nurse / Practice Nurses RESPONSIBLE TO: GP Partnership ACCOUNTABLE TO: GP Partnership, To work as an integral member of the Practice clinical team, providing high-quality healthcare and clinical support to patients of Harbourside Family Practice. The Healthcare Assistant will undertake a range of clinical duties within their level of competence, following appropriate training and competency assessment and working in accordance with Practice policies, protocols and clinical guidance. The role will include:

• Venepuncture and blood sampling
• Wound care and dressings
• Blood pressure monitoring
• ECGs
• Urine dipstick checking
• NHS Health Checks
• Smoking cessation support
• INR clinics, where appropriately trained and competent
• Assisting clinicians with minor operations and coils/implants
• Other appropriate clinical procedures following training and competency assessment

1. 1. To provide a high-quality clinical service to patients with due regard to safe clinical practice, infection prevention and control, confidentiality, dignity, consent and health and safety.
2. 2. To undertake venepuncture and blood sampling for adults and other appropriate patient groups, in accordance with Practice procedures and following appropriate training and competency assessment.
3. 3. To ensure the accurate identification, labelling, recording, handling and despatch of specimens in accordance with Practice and laboratory protocols.
4. 4. To maintain a working knowledge of blood collection systems, specimen containers, required sample volumes and the appropriate handling requirements for commonly requested investigations.
5. 5. To undertake additional specimen collection and testing in accordance with Practice protocols and within the post-holder's assessed competence.
6. 6. To undertake wound assessment and wound care within the limits of the HCA role, including routine wound dressings, removal and replacement of dressings and other appropriate wound care procedures following training and competency assessment. Any wound requiring assessment or treatment beyond the post-holder's competence must be referred to an appropriate registered clinician.
7. 7. To undertake blood pressure measurements and record results accurately within the patient's clinical record.
8. 8. To perform ECGs following appropriate training and competency assessment, ensuring recordings are referred to an appropriate clinician for interpretation.
9. 9. To undertake urinalysis and other point-of-care testing as authorised by the Practice and following appropriate training and competency assessment.
10. 10. To undertake NHS Health Checks and other health promotion activities in accordance with Practice protocols.
11. 11. To provide smoking cessation support and advice within the scope of the role and following appropriate training.
12. 12. To undertake INR clinics where appropriately trained, assessed as competent and authorised by the Practice, working strictly within the relevant Practice protocol and referring results outside agreed parameters to an appropriate clinician.
13. 13. To assist GPs and other clinicians during minor surgical procedures, including preparing clinical areas and equipment, providing appropriate assistance during procedures and ensuring appropriate infection prevention and control measures are followed.
14. 14. To assist clinicians undertaking coil and contraceptive implant procedures, including preparing equipment and the clinical environment and acting as a chaperone where appropriate.
15. 15. To act as a chaperone for patients and clinicians when requested, in accordance with the Practice Chaperone Policy.
16. 16. To undertake basic health promotion and lifestyle advice appropriate to the role and to signpost or refer patients to an appropriate clinician where further assessment or advice is required.
17. 17. To accurately record all consultations, observations, procedures and other relevant information within the patient's electronic clinical record.
18. 18. To maintain appropriate stock levels within clinical rooms, ensuring equipment and consumables are stored correctly and that expiry dates are monitored.
19. 19. To clean clinical equipment and maintain clinical areas in accordance with Practice infection prevention and control procedures.
20. 20. To ensure clinical waste, sharps and specimens are handled and disposed of safely and in accordance with Practice procedures.
21. 21. To assist with clinical audits, searches and other quality improvement activities as required by the Practice.
22. 22. To understand and carry out all duties in accordance with Health and Safety legislation, including the reporting and documentation of accidents, incidents and near misses.
23. 23. To work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary Practice team, liaising with GPs, nurses, other healthcare professionals, administrative staff and external services as appropriate.
24. 24. To communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, carers and relatives, providing reassurance and maintaining patients' dignity and privacy.
25. 25. To recognise the limits of their own competence and seek advice or refer to a registered healthcare professional whenever a patient's needs fall outside those limits.
26. 26. To maintain all mandatory training and role‑specific competencies required by the Practice.
27. 27. To participate in appraisal, supervision and ongoing training and development relevant to the role.
28. 28. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature that are appropriate to the role and the post-holder's level of training and competence.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the post-holder is required to take all reasonable steps while at work to ensure their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. The post-holder is required to co-operate fully with the Practice in implementing health and safety arrangements and must not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare at work. All employees should familiarise themselves with and comply with the Practice's Health and Safety policies and procedures.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL The post-holder is responsible for ensuring that they follow all Practice infection prevention and control policies and procedures relevant to their role, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, management of sharps, clinical waste and decontamination of equipment.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION The post-holder must maintain the confidentiality of information relating to patients, staff and the Practice at all times. Information obtained during the course of employment must only be accessed, used or disclosed where there is a legitimate requirement to do so in the course of the post-holder's duties. The post-holder must comply with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, NHS confidentiality requirements and all relevant Practice information governance policies. The duty of confidentiality continues after employment with the Practice has ended.

INFORMATION GOVERNANCE AND IT SECURITY The post-holder is required to comply with all Practice information governance, IT and cyber security policies. Practice computer systems, NHS systems, email, internet access, passwords and other electronic resources must only be used appropriately and in accordance with Practice policies.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Harbourside Family Practice is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. The post-holder will be expected to treat patients, colleagues and others fairly and with dignity and respect and to comply with the Practice's relevant policies.

SMOKE-FREE POLICY The Practice operates a smoke-free policy and all employees are required to comply with this.

PRACTICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The post-holder is required to familiarise themselves with and work in accordance with all relevant Practice policies, procedures, protocols and clinical guidance. Employees are responsible for ensuring that they remain up to date with policies and procedures relevant to their role and complete any required reading or training.

Harbourside Family Practice is looking to recruit a friendly, motivated and reliable Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our expanding clinical team on a part-time basis. This is a varied and rewarding role supporting our patients with a range of clinical services, including phlebotomy, wound care and dressings, blood pressure monitoring, ECGs, NHS Health Checks and other routine healthcare procedures. The successful candidate will work closely with our GPs, nurses and wider practice team to provide high-quality, patient-centred care. Previous experience within General Practice or a healthcare setting would be an advantage, and phlebotomy experience is particularly desirable. We are also keen to hear from candidates who are enthusiastic about developing their clinical skills, as appropriate training and competency assessment can be provided for additional aspects of the role.

• Experience of working with patients or within a healthcare environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical records
• Understanding of patient confidentiality
• Ability to recognise and work within the limits of own competence
• Willingness and aptitude to undertake further clinical training and competency assessment
• Commitment to maintaining mandatory and role‑specific training, Previous experience as a Healthcare Assistant
• Previous General Practice or primary care experience
• Previous experience of wound care and dressings
• Competency in venepuncture
• Experience of performing ECGs
• Experience of blood pressure monitoring and urine dipstick testing
• Experience of NHS Health Checks
• Smoking cessation training
• Experience of assisting with minor surgery
• Experience of working with EMIS Web or another primary care clinical system, GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent
• Phlebotomy qualification or demonstrable competency in venepuncture, Healthcare qualification, such as the Care Certificate or equivalent

  We are a high-achieving, five-partner PMS practice based in Portishead, a beautiful coastal town in North Somerset overlooking the Severn Estuary and within easy reach of Bristol.

We are proud of the quality of care and service we provide to our patients. In the 2023 NHS GP Patient Survey, we were rated as the 4th best-performing practice in BNSSG, reflecting the positive experience of our patients. We are a forward-thinking practice with a strong emphasis on teamwork, patient-centred care and continuous improvement. We operate from a modern, purpose-built health centre with bright, spacious facilities, enabling our multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality clinical services to our growing population of approximately 11,500 patients. As a training practice, we are committed to learning and development and provide a supportive environment in which members of our team can develop their skills and experience. We have consistently achieved strong QOF results and were rated Good at our most recent CQC inspection. We are also proud to have a 4.4-star Google rating, further reflecting the positive experience of patients using our services.