Health Care Assistant

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.

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.

• Work under the guidance and supervision of a registered healthcare professional and be accountable to the clinical team for delegated tasks.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while using initiative and sound judgment when providing care.
• Assist the primary healthcare team and contribute to the coordination and efficiency of practice activities.
• Support patients with lifestyle advice, including smoking cessation, healthy eating, and physical activity.
• Provide basic education on managing long‑term conditions, ensuring patients understand their care plan.
• Undertake annual health checks as part of the management of long‑term conditions (e.g. diabetic, coronary heart disease, asthma, COPD, LD and SMI clinics; may include home visits).
• Prepare blood forms, urinalysis specimens and other investigations for pathology laboratory.
• Perform venepuncture, ECGs, vaccinations (shingles, pneumococcal, flu), wound care management, and spirometry.
• Assist in stock control, ordering of medical supplies, clinical audits, and minor surgery or coil clinics.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well‑equipped clinical environment and assist in infection control, safeguarding, and health and safety policies.
• Make recommendations to raise standards of practice and service delivery.

• Measure and record physiological data (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, weight, BMI, smoking and alcohol history).
• Perform routine presentations and support clinical audits.
• Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions.

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• General education.
• Basic computer experience.

• Experience of customer care or being a carer.
• Experience of working in a care environment.
• Desirable:
  Experience of working in Primary Care.

• NHS Pension Scheme:
  Defined benefits scheme, life insurance, family benefits, ill health benefits, 23.7% employer contribution.
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme:
  Low monthly payments, no deposit, no credit check, 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:
  Eye care vouchers, 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 enhanced long‑service options, enhanced maternity & paternity terms, high‑street discounts via online portal, salary sacrifice schemes for technology, homewares, cycling, gym memberships.

• Title:
  
  Health Care Assistant
• Base:
  Debenham, Otley & Grundisburgh Surgeries
• Hours:
  
  Approx 25 hours per week
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Part‑time
• Location:
  
  20 Low Road, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6QU
• Salary:
  Depending on experience

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer:

Debenham Group Practice
Address: 20 Low Road, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6QU

Website: