Overview
Healthcare Assistant / Phlebotomist - North Petherton, Bridgwater
Location: North Petherton Surgery, Mill Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6LX. Part-time, permanent position with flexible working patterns. Pay rate: £12.65 per hour. 16 hours per week available; specific days and times to be agreed during interview.
Job Summary
North Petherton Surgery, part of Symphony Healthcare Services and the North Sedgemoor Primary Care Network, is recruiting a permanent / part time Healthcare Assistant (HCA) or Phlebotomist to join the practice. Working under the direct supervision of the Practice Nurse and in accordance with practice guidelines and protocols, the HCA/Phlebotomist will assist the clinical team in delivering prescribed programmes of patient care. This is an excellent opportunity for people passionate about patient care coordination and supporting individuals navigating health and care systems.
Responsibilities
* Provide essential support to patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality care.
* Assist with daily living activities, monitor patient conditions, and maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
* Work under the guidance of registered nurses or other senior healthcare professionals.
* Take vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and observe/report changes in patient condition.
* Ensure the clinical area is clean, tidy and safe; assist with equipment such as hoists and wheelchairs.
* Provide emotional support, engage with patients, and assist with communication.
* Accurately document care provided and observations in patient records.
About Us
Symphony Healthcare Services (Symphony) was established in 2016 and supports 16 practices across Somerset, providing care for over 100,000 patients. Symphony operates with autonomous practice units within NHS Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) and benefits from a central support team for HR, finance, and strategic management. The organization is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. NHS or NEST Pension and a range of employee benefits are offered, with flexible working and agile home/office-based options where appropriate.
Details
Date posted: 18 September 2025
Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working | Location: North Petherton Surgery, Mill Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6LX
Job Description
Job responsibilities include the following, with the full description attached to the application. This section lists key duties and expectations to provide a clear sense of the role.
* Identify and book appointments and home visits in line with practice protocols.
* Register patients and book onto the computer system as they present at the desk.
* Deal with enquiries from patients, relatives, clinical teams, hospital staff, pathology, and colleagues.
* Prioritise patients needing urgent medical attention and direct them to the appropriate clinical intervention/appointment.
* Handle emergency calls following protocol and dial 999 when required.
* Maintain waiting areas and inform patients of delays; keep the area tidy and safe.
* Follow up hospital appointments and test results; act on messages from the medical team.
* Record visit requests and alert the duty doctor as per policy.
* Receive urgent results from the pathology department; liaise with GPs and inform patients.
* Handle specimen samples appropriately; assist with opening/locking premises and security.
* Manage telephone system handovers to out-of-hours messages.
* Undertake general administration tasks (scanning, filing, photocopying, etc.).
* Respond to post and emails; forward urgent requests to hospital.
* Process repeat prescriptions for patients, ensuring correct name and address.
* Assist with patient complaints by providing information to the Practice Manager as needed.
* Update computer records (addresses, message books, etc.) and support new patient registrations.
* Act as a chaperone once training is completed; assist with care for patients in target areas; liaise with patients and pharmacies regarding prescription queries.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
* GCSEs/Diploma/HNC or relevant experience
* ECDL or equivalent
* NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or relevant experience
* Ongoing internal and external training to stay up to date
Experience
* Minimum of 2 years working with healthcare professionals and/or NHS or social care settings (desirable)
* Experience with databases and administrative duties
* Understanding of confidential information and service user confidentiality
* Experience working in a multi-disciplinary setting with influence and negotiation
* Knowledge of medical terminology; ability to work in busy, demanding environments
Aptitudes & Personal Qualities
* Professional attitude, committed to development, conscientious and self-motivated
* Creative, tenacious problem-solver; able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage with professionals, service users, and other organisations
* Approachable, flexible, honest and reliable, enthusiastic and patient-focused
Disclosure
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (as amended). A DBS check will be required.
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