Healthcare Assistant; HCA

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will work as part of the primary care team to support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. The post holder will carry out delegated clinical and non-clinical dutiesto support clinicians, contribute to chronic disease management, health promotion, and ensure safe, effective care in line with NHS Wales policies and practice protocols.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake clinical tasks as delegated and supervised by a registered nurse or GP, in accordance with training and competency.
• Carry out routine patient observations, including:
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Height, weight, BMI calculations
• Pulse and temperature measurements
• Perform phlebotomy and/or ECGs (where trained and competent).
• Support chronic disease management clinics (e.g. diabetes, COPD, asthma) as appropriate.
• Carry out NHS Health Checks and health promotion activities within scope of practice.
• Prepare patients for examinations and procedures, ensuring dignity and confidentiality at all times.
• Clean, prepare, and maintain clinical equipment in accordance with infection prevention and control standards.

Patient Care and Support

• Provide a caring, professional, and compassionate approach to all patients.
• Assist patients with mobility or personal needs where appropriate.
• Act as a chaperone during examinations when required.
• Respond appropriately to patient queries and elevate concerns to clinical staff as necessary.

Cwm Garw Practice is a well-established dispensing GP practice serving a rural and semi-rural population in Wales. We provide comprehensive General Medical Services (GMS) and pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within NHS Wales.

As a dispensing practice, we offer an integrated service to our patients, supported by an experienced and efficient dispensary team. We work closely with our local Primary Care Cluster, community services and secondary care colleagues.

Our multidisciplinary team includes GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, HCAs, care coordinators, dispensary staff and a strong administrative and management team. We actively promote staff wellbeing, professional development and sustainable working practices.

As well as previously stated:

Administrative and Practice Support

• Accurately record clinical information in patient records using the clinical system.
• Support stock control, ordering, and maintenance of clinical supplies.
• Assist with recalls, audits, and quality improvement activities.
• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

Governance, Safety, and Professional Practice

• Work within professional boundaries and adhere to practice policies, NHS Wales guidelines, and relevant legislation.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with GDPR and information governance requirements.
• Participate in mandatory training, appraisals, and ongoing professional development.
• Actively contribute to infection prevention and control and health and safety procedures.
• Report incidents, near misses, or safeguarding concerns in line with practice policy.

• NVQ Level 2 in Healthcare Support or equivalent experience.
• Qualified in Phlebotomy
• Previous experience working in a healthcare or primary care setting.
• Competent in basic clinical observations.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic IT skills and accurate record-keeping.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare Support or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a GP practice or primary care setting.
• ECG competency.
• Welsh language skills (spoken or willingness to learn).
• Experience supporting long-term condition management.

• Previous experience working in a healthcare or primary care setting.
• Experience working in a GP practice or primary care setting.

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.