Meet the Team

Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play a crucial role in providing high quality and compassionate care to patients. They work as part of wider health or social care teams, working under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals.

Summary of their role

Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play a crucial role in providing high quality and compassionate care to patients. They work as part of wider health or social care teams, working under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals.

To support the practice nursing team in the delivery of nursing services, working as part of the practice multidisciplinary team, delivering care within their scope of practice to the entitled patient population.

What can HCAs do within a GP surgery?

Undertake new patient health checks
Support the practice nurse with health promotion programmes
Carry out baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, recording findings accurately
Facilitate routine and 24-hour BP monitoring, advising patients accordingly
Undertake wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required
Support the practice nurse with the management of chronic disease clinics
Carry out BMI checks as directed
Act as a chaperone as required
When trained, administer flu vaccinations
Ensure specimens are recorded and ready for onward transportation
Provide support during minor operations as required
Ensure all clinical rooms are adequately stocked and prepared for each session
Ensure fridges are cleaned routinely in accordance with extant guidance
Ensure clinical waste is removed from clinical areas and sharps bins replaced in accordance with the practice IPC policy
Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate