As a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high‑quality patient care within the practice. Working under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional, you will assist with both clinical and administrative duties to support the needs of patients and the wider healthcare team. You will work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that all tasks are carried out in accordance with practice policies, procedures, and national guidelines. The role requires a caring and proactive approach, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and patient safety at all times.
Main duties of the job
As part of Suffolk Primary Care, which is a group of 8 GP practices across Suffolk, we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and flexible HealthCare Assistant, with strong customer service skills, for Derby Road in Ipswich who look after over 18,700 patients.
Derby Road has 2 sites, based in the heart of Ipswich, with close travel links to the beautiful Suffolk countryside and the Suffolk coast.
The vacancy is for 22.5 hours a week, working 8am - 4pm on a Tuesday and Friday at our Derby Road site and 8am - 4pm on a Thursday at our Pinewood site. Flexibility is crucial to accommodate training, holidays and occasional sickness.
We have an established team with a strong focus on customer service and communication. We would love to hear from candidates with GP surgery experience although we would also like to hear from those that can show flexibility and a range of transferable skills.
The successful candidate should be able to work calmly and professionally as part of a team. You should have the ability to multi‑task. A strong command of written and spoken English with an excellent telephone manner is a must. Good time management skills and the ability to follow protocols or instructions and attention to detail is essential.
The interview panel will consist of a minimum of 2 people. Shortlisting will be on 2nd June 2026 with interviews on 9th June 2026.
About us
Suffolk Primary Care (SPC) is a forward‑thinking partnership of GP surgeries across Suffolk. Our collaborative approach enables doctors and staff to share resources, ensuring the continued delivery of high‑quality healthcare.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Benefits of Working with SPC
* Defined benefits scheme
* Life insurance
* Family benefits, including adult dependents & children's pensions
* Ill health benefits
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Fully comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres & breakdown cover
* Up to £2,000 annual SPC contribution (subject to conditions)
Flexible Working Arrangements
GP remote working options to accommodate personal commitments
Additional Benefits
* Health service discounts, including a complimentary Blue Light Card for new starters
* Minimum 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) for full‑time employees, with enhancements for long service
* Enhanced maternity & paternity terms
* Salary sacrifice schemes for technology, homewares (Currys, John Lewis, Decathlon), cycling, and gym memberships
At SPC, we invest in our staff's professional growth and well‑being, fostering a positive work environment that benefits both our team and the communities we serve.
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
As a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high‑quality patient care within the practice. Working under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional, you will assist with both clinical and administrative duties to support the needs of patients and the wider healthcare team. You will work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that all tasks are carried out in accordance with practice policies, procedures, and national guidelines. The role requires a caring and proactive approach, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and patient safety at all times.
Key Responsibilities
You will work under the guidance and supervision of a registered healthcare professional and be accountable to the clinical team for their delegated tasks. You will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while using initiative and sound judgment when providing care. You will also support other members of the primary healthcare team and contribute to the coordination and efficiency of practice activities.
In addition to direct patient care, you will assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and well‑equipped clinical environment, ensuring adherence to infection control, safeguarding, and health and safety policies. The role also involves participation in clinical audits, stock management, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
Clinical Skills
Undertake annual health checks as part of the management of long‑term conditions, e.g. annual diabetic, coronary heart disease, asthma and COPD clinics, LD and SMI. This may involve undertaking home visits to the patient's home.
Support patients with lifestyle advice, including smoking cessation, healthy eating, and physical activity.
Provide patients with basic education on managing long‑term conditions, and ensuring they understand their care plan.
Prepare blood forms in accordance with practice guidelines for Chronic Disease Management.
Measure and record following physiological measurements in routine presentations:
1. blood pressure
2. pulse
3. temperature
4. height and weight - body mass index
Undertake urinalysis and prepare specimens for investigation by the pathology laboratory.
Perform venepuncture in accordance with practice protocols.
Undertake ECGs.
Give vaccinations as indicated, i.e. shingles, pneumococcal & flu.
Undertake wound care management in line with the plan agreed by the Practice Nurse.
Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient‑care interventions.
Assist in stock control and ordering of medical supplies.
Assist with clinicalaudits to improve patient care and practice effectiveness.
Assist senior clinicians in minor surgery or coil clinics.
Assist in raising awareness of health and well‑being, and how it can be promoted.
Make recommendations to raise standards of practice and service delivery.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Basic literacy and numeracy skills
* General education
* Basic computer experience
* Willing to work towards the Primary Health Care Assistant Certificate
Experience
* Has experience of customer care or experience of being a carer
* Experience of working in a care environment
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.
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