Job summary
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly and supportive GP practice in the heart of the Lake District as a Trainee Healthcare Assistant.
This post is ideal for someone new to primary care or healthcare who is motivated to develop a long-term career within the NHS. Full training will be provided, including completion of the Care Certificate, with structured supervision and competency-based progression into a fully autonomous Healthcare Assistant role.
You will join a patient-focused, multi-skilled nursing team and will be supported to develop clinical, administrative, and professional skills in a safe and progressive manner.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Responsibilities
(Following training, supervision, and competency assessment)
The post-holder will be supported to develop skills in:
-
New Patient and NHS Health Checks
-
ECG recording and phlebotomy
-
Acting as a chaperone
-
Managing and preparing lab samples
-
Vaccine and cold chain monitoring
-
Restocking and maintaining equipment and stock
-
Assisting GPs and nurses with minor procedures and clinics
-
Supporting patient health assessments and wellbeing data collection
-
Undertaking delegated tasks such as flu vaccinations and B12 injections
-
Recording blood pressure, INR testing, and supporting infection control
Administrative Responsibilities
-
Accurately record and code patient consultations
-
Action QOF/QIS alerts and report system issues
-
Prepare statistical information and contribute to audits
-
Send patient recall letters and support seasonal projects
-
Attend practice meetings and maintain SOPs
-
Complete mandatory and role-specific training
About us
About Castlehead Medical Centre
Castlehead Medical Centre is a friendly GP practice in the heart of Keswick, serving around 8,500 patients across the town and surrounding villages. We provide a full range of primary care services, including chronic disease management, NHS health checks, vaccinations, minor surgery, family planning, and diagnostic testing.
Our multi-disciplinary team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, and administrative staff, all working together to provide safe, patient-centred care. We operate a flexible appointment system, including face-to-face, telephone, and triage consultations, to ensure accessible care for our community.
We are a training and development-focused practice, supporting staff at all levels to complete training, develop skills, and progress in their careers. Castlehead Medical Centre is registered with the Care Quality Commission and has been rated Good, reflecting our commitment to safe, effective, and high-quality care.
We pride ourselves on our supportive, collaborative culture, strong community links, and dedication to continuous learning, making us an excellent place to start or grow a career in primary care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description Trainee Healthcare Assistant
Working Hours
-
24 hours per week, ideally worked over three 8-hour days
-
Flexible approach required to support service delivery
-
Participation in Enhanced Access cover on a rota basis:
Clinical Responsibilities (Following Training, Supervision, and Competency Assessment)
The post-holder will be supported to gradually develop skills in:
-
Performing New Patient and NHS Health Checks
-
Recording ECGs and performing phlebotomy
-
Acting as a chaperone when required
-
Preparing and managing laboratory samples for hospital microbiology and pathology
-
Supporting vaccine and cold chain monitoring and recording
-
Restocking equipment and clinical supplies
-
Preparing and maintaining their own working environment and equipment
-
Assisting GPs and nurses with minor procedures and family planning clinics
-
Supporting patient health assessments and wellbeing data collection
-
Undertaking delegated clinical tasks for named patients, such as flu vaccinations and B12 injections, once trained and authorised
-
Recording blood pressure readings and escalating abnormal results
-
Performing INR testing via INR Star following training and quality control procedures
-
Supporting infection prevention and control protocols
-
Completing NEQAS External Quality Control for INR Star once trained
Administrative and Professional Responsibilities
The post-holder will:
-
Accurately record and code consultations in the patient electronic health record
-
Ensure QOF/QIS alerts and pop-ups are actioned appropriately and escalate issues to the Operational Manager
-
Prepare and maintain statistical and audit reports
-
Send patient recall letters and support seasonal or special projects
-
Attend practice meetings as required
-
Update and maintain SOPs relevant to their role
-
Complete all mandatory and role-specific training
-
Participate in team activities and contribute to service improvement
Person Specification
Essential:
-
Interest in healthcare and patient care
-
Willingness to learn and undertake training, including the Care Certificate
-
Good communication and interpersonal skills
-
Ability to work as part of a team
-
Basic IT skills
Desirable:
-
Previous experience in care, support, or customer-facing roles
-
Exposure to NHS or primary care environments
Training and Development
The post-holder will receive:
-
Care Certificate training and competency assessment
-
Supervised clinical skills training
-
Guidance and support to progress toward a fully competent Healthcare Assistant role
-
Opportunities for ongoing professional development and learning
Health & Safety and Infection Control
-
Adhere to practice and national infection control and health & safety policies
-
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and support PPE management
-
Safely manage specimens, sharps, waste, and spillages
-
Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment
-
Report and escalate health, safety, or infection risks
-
Participate in periodic training and quality audits
Confidentiality
-
Maintain strict confidentiality for all patient, staff, and practice information
-
Only disclose information to authorised personnel in line with policies and legislation
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will:
-
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
-
Respect the rights, dignity, and beliefs of patients, carers, and colleagues
-
Act in a professional, non-judgmental, and inclusive manner
Quality and Teamwork
-
Strive for high standards of care
-
Raise concerns about quality, safety, or risk
-
Reflect on own performance and contribute to service improvement
-
Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies
-
Manage time, workload, and resources effectively
Communication
-
Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues
-
Adapt communication to meet individual patient needs
-
Support team communication and collaboration
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description Trainee Healthcare Assistant
Working Hours
-
24 hours per week, ideally worked over three 8-hour days
-
Flexible approach required to support service delivery
-
Participation in Enhanced Access cover on a rota basis:
Clinical Responsibilities (Following Training, Supervision, and Competency Assessment)
The post-holder will be supported to gradually develop skills in:
-
Performing New Patient and NHS Health Checks
-
Recording ECGs and performing phlebotomy
-
Acting as a chaperone when required
-
Preparing and managing laboratory samples for hospital microbiology and pathology
-
Supporting vaccine and cold chain monitoring and recording
-
Restocking equipment and clinical supplies
-
Preparing and maintaining their own working environment and equipment
-
Assisting GPs and nurses with minor procedures and family planning clinics
-
Supporting patient health assessments and wellbeing data collection
-
Undertaking delegated clinical tasks for named patients, such as flu vaccinations and B12 injections, once trained and authorised
-
Recording blood pressure readings and escalating abnormal results
-
Performing INR testing via INR Star following training and quality control procedures
-
Supporting infection prevention and control protocols
-
Completing NEQAS External Quality Control for INR Star once trained
Administrative and Professional Responsibilities
The post-holder will:
-
Accurately record and code consultations in the patient electronic health record
-
Ensure QOF/QIS alerts and pop-ups are actioned appropriately and escalate issues to the Operational Manager
-
Prepare and maintain statistical and audit reports
-
Send patient recall letters and support seasonal or special projects
-
Attend practice meetings as required
-
Update and maintain SOPs relevant to their role
-
Complete all mandatory and role-specific training
-
Participate in team activities and contribute to service improvement
Person Specification
Essential:
-
Interest in healthcare and patient care
-
Willingness to learn and undertake training, including the Care Certificate
-
Good communication and interpersonal skills
-
Ability to work as part of a team
-
Basic IT skills
Desirable:
-
Previous experience in care, support, or customer-facing roles
-
Exposure to NHS or primary care environments
Training and Development
The post-holder will receive:
-
Care Certificate training and competency assessment
-
Supervised clinical skills training
-
Guidance and support to progress toward a fully competent Healthcare Assistant role
-
Opportunities for ongoing professional development and learning
Health & Safety and Infection Control
-
Adhere to practice and national infection control and health & safety policies
-
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and support PPE management
-
Safely manage specimens, sharps, waste, and spillages
-
Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment
-
Report and escalate health, safety, or infection risks
-
Participate in periodic training and quality audits
Confidentiality
-
Maintain strict confidentiality for all patient, staff, and practice information
-
Only disclose information to authorised personnel in line with policies and legislation
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will:
-
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
-
Respect the rights, dignity, and beliefs of patients, carers, and colleagues
-
Act in a professional, non-judgmental, and inclusive manner
Quality and Teamwork
-
Strive for high standards of care
-
Raise concerns about quality, safety, or risk
-
Reflect on own performance and contribute to service improvement
-
Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies
-
Manage time, workload, and resources effectively
Communication
-
Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues
-
Adapt communication to meet individual patient needs
-
Support team communication and collaboration
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Willingness to undertake the Care Certificate
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Desirable
- GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths
- Any prior training in healthcare, first aid, or patient care
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in a professional, volunteer, or care context
- Experience of working in a team environment
- Experience of providing customer service or supporting others
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare, social care, or primary care settings
- Experience in basic clinical tasks (e.g., taking blood pressure, assisting with care)
- Experience using IT or electronic records
Knowledge and skill
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Empathy, patience, and a caring approach to patients
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection in healthcare
- Knowledge of infection control principles
- Awareness of patient safety and clinical governance
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Willingness to undertake the Care Certificate
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Desirable
- GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths
- Any prior training in healthcare, first aid, or patient care
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in a professional, volunteer, or care context
- Experience of working in a team environment
- Experience of providing customer service or supporting others
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare, social care, or primary care settings
- Experience in basic clinical tasks (e.g., taking blood pressure, assisting with care)
- Experience using IT or electronic records
Knowledge and skill
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Empathy, patience, and a caring approach to patients
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection in healthcare
- Knowledge of infection control principles
- Awareness of patient safety and clinical governance
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.