Royal Hospital Chelsea

Medical Centre Healthcare Assistant

The closing date is 14 May 2026

Job summary

As a key member of the clinical team, you will support the safe and effective delivery of NHS Primary Care services, working closely with GPs, nurses and administrators. Your role will include health checks and care plan consultations, routine observations, phlebotomy, ECGs and wound care, with opportunities to further develop skills in complex wound management. Occasional support at the reception desk may also be required.

We are seeking a qualified Healthcare Assistant with a recognised Care Assistant and phlebotomy qualification, previous NHS primary care experience, and confidence using GP systems such as SYSTM1 or EMIS. Patience, empathy and a genuine team focused approach are essential.

This role is ideal for someone who values working in a close knit team and providing consistent, patient centred care for an elderly population.

If you are passionate about delivering compassionate, high quality care and thrive in a supportive primary care environment, we would love to hear from you.

Important Information: Right to work in the UK is essential, the Royal Hospital Chelsea does not hold a sponsorship licence.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will play an integral role in delivering high quality primary care services, supporting both clinical and nonclinical teams. Clinical duties include undertaking new patient health checks, ECG recordings, phlebotomy, and wound care, with ongoing development towards supporting complex wound management under appropriate supervision. The role involves assisting with patient assessments and data collection, identifying patients due for long term condition reviews, supporting routine medication ordering, and running annual health check clinics. The post holder will also complete quarterly infection control audits, act as a patient chaperone, manage vaccine and cold chain storage and documentation, and ensure consulting rooms are cleaned, stocked, and equipment is maintained. Occasional reception cover and maintenance of the Health Promotion notice board will also form part of the role.

The role requires a strong commitment to health, safety and security, including following personal safety procedures, maintaining high infection control standards, identifying and reporting risks or hazards, and keeping skills up to date through training. Effective teamwork is essential, with accountability for own actions, the ability to raise patient safety concerns, reflect on practice, manage workload efficiently, and work collaboratively with colleagues and external services.

About us

Founded in 1682 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a unique charitable institution and historic retirement community for around 300 British Army veterans, known as the Chelsea Pensioners. Situated in the heart of London, the Royal Hospital provides lifelong care, comradeship and support to former soldiers drawn from every part of the United Kingdom, many of whom have served their country for decades. More than a place of residence, it is a vibrant community shaped by shared experience, dignity and mutual respect.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is defined by its strong sense of belonging and tradition, balanced with a modern commitment to excellence, compassion and inclusion. Everyone who works here plays an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where Pensioners can thrive. We are proud to foster a culture where people lead by example, value teamwork, and take pride in making a meaningful difference every day.

Our values guide everything we do: nurturing belonging through comradeship, respecting individuals by listening and responding with care, encouraging pride through high standards, and enjoying life by sharing warmth, positivity and humour. As a charity that relies on the generosity of others, every role at the Royal Hospital Chelsea matters. Whatever your position, you will help deliver our vision and contribute to a place that residents, staff and supporters are proud to be part of.

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,212 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A5939-26-0000

Job locations

Royal Hospital Road

Chelsea

London

SW3 4SR


Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Purpose

To support the clinical team in delivering safe, high quality patient care. The post holder works under the direct supervision of the Senior Practice Nurse and carries out delegated clinical and administrative duties in line with CQC Essential Standards and all Infirmary/Medical Centre policies.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

  • New patient health checks
  • ECG recording
  • Phlebotomy
  • Wound care, with development toward complex wound management
  • Support routine medication ordering
  • Run annual patient health check clinics
  • Complete quarterly infection control audits
  • Provide chaperoning
  • Clean, stock, and maintain consulting room equipment
  • Manage vaccine/cold chain storage and documentation
  • Assist with patient assessments and data collection
  • Help identify patients needing long term condition reviews
  • Provide reception cover when required
  • Maintain the Health Promotion notice board

Professional Development

  • Take responsibility for personal learning and performance
  • Complete all mandatory NHS HCA training
  • Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain development records
  • Discuss training needs with the line manager and share learning with the team
  • Understand roles within the primary care and Infirmary teams
  • Maintain awareness of legal responsibilities relevant to the HCA role

Health, Safety & Security

  • Follow personal security procedures
  • Identify and manage risks in daily tasks
  • Maintain infection control standards and a safe working environment
  • Use training to keep skills up to date
  • Report hazards or potential risks promptly

Quality & Teamwork

  • Raise concerns about quality or patient safety
  • Take accountability for own actions
  • Reflect on practice and contribute to team improvements
  • Work effectively with colleagues and external agencies
  • Manage time and workload efficiently

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Purpose

To support the clinical team in delivering safe, high quality patient care. The post holder works under the direct supervision of the Senior Practice Nurse and carries out delegated clinical and administrative duties in line with CQC Essential Standards and all Infirmary/Medical Centre policies.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

  • New patient health checks
  • ECG recording
  • Phlebotomy
  • Wound care, with development toward complex wound management
  • Support routine medication ordering
  • Run annual patient health check clinics
  • Complete quarterly infection control audits
  • Provide chaperoning
  • Clean, stock, and maintain consulting room equipment
  • Manage vaccine/cold chain storage and documentation
  • Assist with patient assessments and data collection
  • Help identify patients needing long term condition reviews
  • Provide reception cover when required
  • Maintain the Health Promotion notice board

Professional Development

  • Take responsibility for personal learning and performance
  • Complete all mandatory NHS HCA training
  • Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain development records
  • Discuss training needs with the line manager and share learning with the team
  • Understand roles within the primary care and Infirmary teams
  • Maintain awareness of legal responsibilities relevant to the HCA role

Health, Safety & Security

  • Follow personal security procedures
  • Identify and manage risks in daily tasks
  • Maintain infection control standards and a safe working environment
  • Use training to keep skills up to date
  • Report hazards or potential risks promptly

Quality & Teamwork

  • Raise concerns about quality or patient safety
  • Take accountability for own actions
  • Reflect on practice and contribute to team improvements
  • Work effectively with colleagues and external agencies
  • Manage time and workload efficiently

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Skills, Knowledge and Experience
  • Essential
  • Recognised Care Assistant qualification and phlebotomy training
  • NHS primary care HCA experience
  • Competent with GP systems (e.g., SystmOne or EMIS)
  • Patience, empathy, and a collaborative approach
  • Working knowledge of CQC Essential Standards
  • Ability to follow clinical protocols
  • Qualifications
  • Care certificate
  • NVQ3 (or equivalent)
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Skills, Knowledge and Experience
  • Essential
  • Recognised Care Assistant qualification and phlebotomy training
  • NHS primary care HCA experience
  • Competent with GP systems (e.g., SystmOne or EMIS)
  • Patience, empathy, and a collaborative approach
  • Working knowledge of CQC Essential Standards
  • Ability to follow clinical protocols
  • Qualifications
  • Care certificate
  • NVQ3 (or equivalent)

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Hospital Chelsea

Address

Royal Hospital Road

Chelsea

London

SW3 4SR


Employer's website

https://chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Hospital Chelsea

Address

Royal Hospital Road

Chelsea

London

SW3 4SR


Employer's website

https://chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

HR Advisor

Emma Sweetland

emma.sweetland@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

02078815287

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,212 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A5939-26-0000

Job locations

Royal Hospital Road

Chelsea

London

SW3 4SR


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