Senior Health Care Assistant

NHS; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Join our dedicated Treatment Room team at Brannam Medical Centre as a Health Care Assistant. Support the Nursing Team in delivering high-quality care to over 19,400 patients, while engaging in clinical duties like venepuncture and health education. We value teamwork and development, offering a fulfilling environment for compassionate professionals.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive and diverse team environment

Qualifications

• Experience working in Primary Care required.
• Communication and IT skills necessary for patient interactions.
• Caring, sensitive, and empathetic attitude essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform venepuncture and support chronic disease management.
• Conduct clinical observations and provide wound care.
• Assist clinicians with procedures and maintain clinical records.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Time Management

IT Skills

Education

GCSE English and Maths

Care certificate

Qualified in venepuncture

Job description

We are looking for two experienced Health Care Assistants (HCAs) to join our growing Treatment Room team at Brannam Medical Centre, as current team members move on to university or reduce their hours.

You must haveexperience working in primary care. The successful applicants will support our Nursing Team in delivering safe, effective and efficient care to over 19,400 patients. The role includes:

• Assisting with treatment and long-term condition clinics
• Providing preventative care, health promotion and patient education
• Contributing to the training and development of junior HCAs

Were looking for candidates who are caring, sensitive and empathetic, with excellent communication and IT skills. Youll need to be confident working both independently and as part of a busy team, and able to manage time and pressure effectively. Brannam Medical Centre is a long-established training practice with a strong focus on development.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties of the Role

Perform venepuncture and support chronic disease management

Conduct clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis, ECGs, and NHS Health Checks

Provide wound care, remove sutures/clips, and administer flu and B12 injections (if trained and signed off)

Assist clinicians with procedures and act as a chaperone when required

Maintain accurate clinical records and support recall and follow-up processes

Promote health education and provide basic lifestyle advice to patients

Mentor and support junior HCAs and contribute to service improvements

Uphold infection control, safeguarding, and confidentiality standards

Follow all relevant legislation, clinical protocols, and practice policies

About us

About Brannam Medical Centre

Brannam Medical Centre is a well-established, forward-thinking GP practice in the heart of Barnstaple, serving over 19,400 patients. With roots going back nearly 150 years, were proud of our heritage and the place we hold in Barnstaple's community.

We are a leading training practice with a diverse, supportive team of skilled clinicians, nurses, HCAs, pharmacy team members and administrative staff. We combine continuity of care with modern, proactive services including personal patient lists, health promotion, and a strong focus on prevention.

We value teamwork, respect, innovation, and education, and were committed to maintaining a happy and high-performing working environment where both patients and staff thrive.

Join us in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a practice that values its people.

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties As appropriate to your training and practice requirements:

• Perform phlebotomy and warfarin monitoring; ensure accurate labelling and despatch of specimens.
• Conduct ECGs, blood pressure checks, and fit/remove 24-hour BP monitors.
• Support minor ops and IUCD clinics: prepare room/equipment, assist GP, label samples, provide patient info.
• Assist in chronic disease reviews (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) by taking observations and documenting findings.
• Carry out basic wound care, suture removal, ear irrigation, and Doppler assessments.
• Administer flu, pneumococcal, and vitamin B12 injections (following appropriate training).
• Provide NHS health checks and assist with learning disability and mental health reviews.
• Carry out smoking cessation, weight management, and lifestyle advice under supervision.

Treatment Room Support

• Maintain stock levels and check equipment, including fridges and INR meters.
• Ensure infection control standards and health & safety procedures are followed.
• Chaperone patients as needed and ensure clinical areas are clean and tidy.

Administrative Duties

• Record patient interactions accurately on SystmOne.
• Manage incoming/outgoing communications (email, phone, clinic forms).
• Attend team meetings and contribute to practice development.
• Read and action practice communications and updates.

Professional Development

• Attend mandatory and developmental training as required.
• Participate in annual appraisal and maintain a personal development portfolio.
• Share knowledge and support training for students or new staff.

Governance & Conduct

• Maintain patient confidentiality and data protection compliance (GDPR).
• Report health & safety risks and follow safe practice at all times.
• Treat all patients and colleagues with dignity, respecting diversity and cultural needs.
• Comply with all practice policies, including infection control, safeguarding, and clinical governance.

General

• Be flexible to meet the needs of the practice, including occasional cross-site working.
• Carry out any reasonable duties delegated by the Nurse or Practice Manager.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience working within Primary Care

Qualifications

• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at a pass grade
• Care certificate
• Qualified in venepuncture
• Experience working in Primary Care

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.