Health Care Assistant

Job summary

Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Healthcare Assistant to join our friendly and supportive team at Church View Surgery. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care within a busy GP practice.

The successful candidate will work closely with our nursing team and wider practice staff to support the delivery of clinical services to our patient population. We are looking for someone who is caring, organised, reliable, and committed to providing an excellent patient experience.

Main duties of the job

The Healthcare Assistant will support the nursing team in delivering a range of clinical services, including:

• Phlebotomy (taking blood samples)
• NHS Health Checks
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Height, weight and BMI measurements
• ECG recordings
• New patient health checks
• Vaccinations and immunisations (where appropriately trained)
• Maintaining accurate clinical records
• Stock management and clinical room preparation
• Ensuring infection prevention and control procedures are followed

The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

About us

Church View Surgery is a well-established GP practice providing care to patients across our local community. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality healthcare and excellent patient service in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Our dedicated team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, administrative staff, and other healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to meet the needs of our patients.

We are committed to staff development, wellbeing, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for training and professional growth. We strive to create a positive workplace culture where every team member is valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Joining Church View Surgery offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our patients while becoming part of a friendly and forward-thinking team.

Details

• Date posted: 26 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £13.75 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: A2796-26-0000
• Job locations: 30 Holland Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 9BW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Job Description

Reports To

Practice Nurse Lead

Accountable To

Practice Manager / GP Partners

Hours

Part time, around 25, as agreed with successful candidate

Salary

Competitive

Location

Church View Surgery, PL9 9BW

Job Purpose

To work as part of the primary healthcare team, supporting the Practice Nurses and GPs in delivering high-quality patient care. The Healthcare Assistant will undertake a range of clinical and administrative duties to assist in the efficient delivery of services to patients.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

The Healthcare Assistant will undertake duties appropriate to their training, competence and practice protocols, including:

• Measuring and recording blood pressure.
• Venepuncture (taking blood samples).
• Performing ECGs.
• NHS Health Checks.
• Height, weight and BMI measurements.
• Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for investigation.
• Basic wound care and dressing changes as directed.
• Removal of sutures and clips where trained and competent.
• New patient health checks.
• Smoking cessation support and lifestyle advice.
• Monitoring patients with long-term conditions under the direction of a registered clinician.
• Administering vaccinations where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Recording clinical information accurately within the clinical system.
• Chaperoning patients during consultations and examinations.
• Infection prevention and control duties.

Patient Care

• Treat patients with dignity, respect and compassion.
• Promote patient independence and wellbeing.
• Provide health promotion information and signposting to relevant services.
• Respond appropriately to patient concerns and escalate when required.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with GDPR and NHS requirements.

Administrative Duties

• Ensure accurate completion of clinical records.
• Manage stock levels within treatment rooms.
• Order clinical supplies as required.
• Prepare and maintain clinical rooms and equipment.
• Participate in recall and screening programmes.
• Support the practice with audit and quality improvement activities.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external organisations.
• Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with practice policy.

Safeguarding

• Be aware of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.
• Report concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.
• Participate in safeguarding training as required.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within the limits of competence at all times.
• Maintain mandatory training requirements.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development.
• Adhere to practice policies, procedures and protocols.
• Maintain registration of competencies where applicable.

Health & Safety

• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and practice policies.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Report incidents, accidents and near misses promptly.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare or care setting.
• Experience dealing with members of the public.
• Experience maintaining confidential records.

Knowledge

• Understanding of patient confidentiality.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Knowledge of basic clinical observations.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Basic IT skills and experience using electronic systems.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and reliable.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Caring and patient-focused.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Positive and proactive attitude.

Desirable Criteria

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Care Certificate.
• Phlebotomy qualification.
• Training in ECGs, health checks or wound care.
• Experience working in General Practice.
• Experience using EMIS Web, SystmOne or other GP clinical systems.
• Experience conducting NHS Health Checks.
• Experience supporting patients with long-term conditions.
• Understanding of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
• Knowledge of NHS primary care services.
• Awareness of CQC requirements and standards.

Key Competencies

The postholder will demonstrate:

• Patient-centred care.
• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Respect for equality, diversity and inclusion.

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change in line with service requirements and the needs of the practice.