Job summary
The Health Care Assistant supports the nursing team in delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care within a primary care setting. The role involves carrying out a range of clinical procedures, assisting with long-term condition management, supporting infection prevention and patient safety, maintaining clinical equipment and stock levels, and ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. The post holder will work closely with nurses, clinicians, patients, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care.

Main duties of the job
The Health Care Assistant will support the wider clinical team in delivering safe, effective, patient-centred care within a primary care setting.

Key responsibilities include undertaking clinical procedures such as blood pressure monitoring, venepuncture, urine testing, ECGs, height and weight measurements, diabetic foot checks, and supporting long-term condition reviews. The post holder may also assist with asthma, hypertension, pre-diabetes, contraception reviews, and wound care following appropriate training.

The HCA is responsible for maintaining clinical stock levels, monitoring vaccine and medication expiry dates, carrying out equipment checks, and ensuring treatment rooms remain clean, safe, and fully stocked. The role includes supporting Care Quality Commission compliance through routine checks, accurate record keeping, and adherence to practice policies and procedures.

The post holder will work collaboratively with the nursing team, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, participate in training and audits, and support the delivery of high-quality patient services. They must maintain confidentiality, comply with infection prevention and health and safety standards, promote equality and diversity, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

The successful candidate will provide compassionate care, maintain professional boundaries, and contribute to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in line with organisational and statutory requirements.

About us
Unity Health is a GP practice based in York, providing primary care services to a diverse patient population.

You will be joining an established clinical and operational team, with the opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of our nursing services.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Friendly, professional and patient-focused
• Able to work independently within their competencies while also contributing effectively to the wider team
• Organised and confident working within a busy general practice environment
• Committed to professional development and maintaining clinical competencies

Practice ethos
The Practice is stable, led by a strong Partnership supported by a loyal team of staff. We offer a full range of services, with the provision of high-quality care and enhanced patient experience being at the heart focus of our Practice Development Plan.

Job responsibilities
The Health Care Assistant is responsible for providing clinical support and undertaking delegated patient care activities, including:

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Pulse rate and rhythm checks
• Venepuncture (blood taking)
• Urine dipstick testing and sample handling
• Height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements
• Diabetic foot examinations
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• FeNO testing
• Basic contraception reviews (following training)
• Basic asthma reviews (following training)
• Hypertension reviews
• Pre-diabetes reviews
• Wound care (following training)
• Assisting in contraception clinics

Stock and Equipment Management

• Ordering clinical supplies and maintaining stock levels
• Carrying out inventory checks
• Chasing late supplier deliveries
• Receiving and checking deliveries
• Monitoring vaccine stock and expiry dates
• Maintaining and cleaning clinical equipment
• Reporting equipment failures and maintenance requirements

CQC and Compliance Duties

• Daily checks of emergency drugs and equipment
• Monthly checks of emergency equipment and drug expiry dates
• Weekly fridge temperature monitoring and recording
• Ensuring compliance with CQC requirements
• Completing all required documentation accurately and on time

Clinical Environment

• Maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient healthcare environment
• Ensuring treatment rooms are clean, organised, and fully stocked
• Following infection prevention and control procedures
• Supporting health and safety requirements within the practice

Team and Administrative Support

• Supporting the nursing team with day-to-day clinical activities
• Assisting with Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) data collection
• Attending meetings as required
• Participating in audits
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies
• Managing workload effectively and prioritising tasks appropriately

Essential qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete
• Willingness to undertake relevant clinical training

Desirable qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care
• Phlebotomy certification/training
• Additional clinical skills training relevant to primary care

Essential personal attributes

• Compassionate and patient-centred approach
• Professional and trustworthy
• Reliable and flexible
• Motivated to learn and develop
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Positive attitude towards teamwork
• Committed to delivering high-quality patient care

Essential experience

• Experience working in a healthcare, care, or patient-facing environment
• Experience providing direct patient support
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable experience

• Previous experience in a GP practice, primary care setting, or community healthcare
• Experience undertaking clinical observations
• Experience using electronic patient record systems

Essential knowledge

• Understanding of confidentiality and GDPR principles
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities for adults and children
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in healthcare settings
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles

Desirable knowledge

• Understanding of long-term condition management
• Knowledge of CQC requirements and standards
• Awareness of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF)

Essential skills and abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work within defined procedures
• Accurate record-keeping and documentation skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Competent IT and data-entry skills

Desirable skills and abilities

• Clinical assessment and observation skills
• Competence in taking vital signs and performing clinical tests
• Ability to support service improvement initiatives

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.

Contact
Nurse Manager: Laura Harrison, laura.harrison16@nhs.net, 01904754900

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