Health Care Assistant

To work as part of the primary care team, providing high-quality patient careunder the direction and supervision of registered nurses and GeneralPractitioners (GPs). The Healthcare Assistant will support the delivery of safe,effective, and patient-centred care while promoting health, preventing illness,and assisting with chronic disease management.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Undertake new patient health checks.

Measure and record

• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Respiratory rate
• Temperature
• Height and weight
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Perform venepuncture.
• Carry out ECG recordings.

Perform Wound Care Dressings

Record observations accurately within the clinical system.

Administer vaccinations and immunisations where appropriately trained and authorised.

Assist with infection prevention and control procedures.

Health Promotion

• Promote healthy lifestyle choices.
• Provide smoking cessation advice .
• Encourage participation in national screening programmes.
• Support patients with weight management advice.
• Signpost patients to appropriate health and community services.

Patient Care

• Ensure patients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Obtain informed consent before carrying out procedures.
• Recognise deterioration or concerns and escalate appropriately.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients and carers.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely patient records.
• Use electronic clinical systems effectively.
• Manage clinical stock and supplies.
• Clean and prepare clinical rooms.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and calibrated.
• Participate in audit activities where required.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Follow infection prevention and control policies.
• Maintain a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Dispose of clinical waste appropriately.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.

Safeguarding

Understand safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults.

Report concerns in accordance with practice policies.

Complete mandatory safeguarding training.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within the scope of competence.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Participate in annual appraisal.
• Undertake mandatory and role-specific training.
• Support students and new staff where appropriate.

Quality and Governance

• Participate in clinical audits.
• Report incidents, accidents, and near misses.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
• Comply with practice policies and NHS standards.

Communication

Communicate effectively with

• Patients
• Carers
• GPs
• Nurses
• Reception staff
• Community services
• Secondary care providers
• Maintain effective verbal and written communication