Job Description:
To support a Palliative Care Team, nursing and clinical team in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within a primary care setting. The Healthcare Assistant will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical duties in line with training, competence, and practice protocols.
Hours: 20:00 - 08:00
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
* Undertake routine clinical tasks including recording vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturations)
* Perform phlebotomy and prepare samples for laboratory testing
* Carry out urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring, and basic observations
* Record ECGs as required
* Provide wound care, including dressings, suture and staple removal
* Conduct new patient health checks and NHS Health Checks (where trained)
* Measure and record height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference
* Support long-term condition monitoring (e.g. diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension)
* Act as a chaperone during clinical examinations and procedures
Patient Care & Health Promotion
* Provide basic lifestyle advice in line with agreed protocols (e.g. smoking cessation, diet, exercise)
* Promote patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times
* Support patients with mobility or comfort needs during clinics
Infection Control & Safety
* Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control
* Clean, prepare, and restock clinical rooms and equipment
* Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of clinical waste and sharps
* Assist in emergency situations, including basic life support
Administrative & Support Duties
* Accurately document care provided in electronic patient records (e.g. EMIS, SystmOne)
* Prepare patients and rooms for clinics and procedures
* Manage stock control and ordering of clinical supplies
* Process specimens and liaise with external laboratories
* Support recalls, follow-ups, and patient communications as directed
Governance & Professional Practice
* Work within practice policies, procedures, and CQC standards
* Maintain mandatory training and competencies
* Participate in audits, meetings, and service improvement activities
* Work within scope of practice and escalate concerns appropriately
Person Specification (Summary)
* NVQ Level 2/3 in Healthcare or equivalent experience
* Experience working in a primary care or healthcare setting
* Competent in basic clinical skills (training provided where required)
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team