Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Primary Care
| Posting date: | 16 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Negotiable |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 July 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, IP5 3SL |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | A5635-26-0004 |
Summary
Role Overview As a Healthcare Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting both clinicians and patients across a wide range of clinical and preventative services within the practice. You will work as part of the wider clinical team to deliver high-quality patient care, assist with diagnostic procedures, and support health promotion initiatives. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a busy primary care environment. Key Responsibilities The Healthcare Assistant will support the clinical team by undertaking a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, including: Undertaking new patient health checks Delivering NHS Health Checks for patients aged 4074 and supporting annual reviews for patients with long-term conditions Supporting health promotion and wellbeing programmes, including health coaching Performing baseline clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, BMI, and urine analysis Facilitating 24-hour blood pressure monitoring Undertaking venepuncture and managing clinical specimens Performing ECGs and other diagnostic tests as required Providing wound care and dressings Supporting practice nurses within chronic disease clinics Administering vaccinations where appropriate and within competency Acting as a chaperone when required Preparing and maintaining clinical rooms and equipment Monitoring stock levels and supporting clinical supply management Ensuring accurate and timely patient record documentation Supporting practice audits and shared learning activities The Healthcare Assistant will also contribute to maintaining a safe, organised, and well-stocked clinical environment, ensuring equipment, fridges, and clinical waste are managed in accordance with practice policies and infection control standards. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Good standard of general education Completion of core Healthcare Assistant training requirements Desirable Training or certification in areas such as: Phlebotomy Wound care and dressings Blood pressure monitoring ECG recording Injections or vaccinations Experience Essential Experience working in Primary Care or a GP practice Experience working directly with patients Experience working within a confidential healthcare environment Ability to record accurate clinical notes Experience in phlebotomy Desirable Wound care experience ECG recording Patient health checks (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse) Spirometry Skills Essential Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong IT skills Professional telephone manner Effective time management and organisational skills Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Strong interpersonal and patient engagement skills Ability to follow clinical policies and procedures Desirable Experience using SystmOne Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook Personal Qualities We are looking for someone who is: Friendly, professional, and approachable Flexible, cooperative, and motivated Organised and efficient Compassionate and empathetic when supporting patients Able to remain calm under pressure Committed to ongoing professional development Reliable and punctual Dedicated to supporting the wider practice team Flexibility to occasionally work outside core hours may be required to support practice needs.