Healthcare Assistant

Job Description:

To support a Palliative Care Team, nursing and clinical team in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within a primary care setting. The Healthcare Assistant will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical duties in line with training, competence, and practice protocols.

Hours:

20:00 - 08:00

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

* Undertake routine clinical tasks including recording vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturations)

* Perform phlebotomy and prepare samples for laboratory testing

* Carry out urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring, and basic observations

* Record ECGs as required

* Provide wound care, including dressings, suture and staple removal

* Conduct new patient health checks and NHS Health Checks (where trained)

* Measure and record height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference

* Support long-term condition monitoring (e.g. diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension)

* Act as a chaperone during clinical examinations and procedures

Patient Care & Health Promotion

* Provide basic lifestyle advice in line with agreed protocols (e.g. smoking cessation, diet, exercise)

* Promote patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times

* Support patients with mobility or comfort needs during clinics

Infection Control & Safety

* Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control

* Clean, prepare, and restock clinical rooms and equipment

* Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of clinical waste and sharps

* Assist in emergency situations, including basic life support

Administrative & Support Duties

* Accurately document care provided in electronic patient records (e.g. EMIS, Systm One)

* Prepare patients and rooms for clinics and procedures

* Manage stock control and ordering of clinical supplies

* Process specimens and liaise with external laboratories

* Support recalls, follow-ups, and patient communications as directed

Governance & Professional Practice

* Work within practice policies, procedures, and CQC standards

* Maintain mandatory training and competencies

* Participate in audits, meetings, and service improvement activities

* Work within scope of practice and escalate concerns appropriately

Person Specification (Summary)

* NVQ Level 2/3 in Healthcare or equivalent experience

* Experience working in a primary care or healthcare setting

* Competent in basic clinical skills (training provided where required)

* Good communication and interpersonal skills

* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team