Enhanced Access HCANHS

Job summary

The Enhanced Access Healthcare Assistant plays a key role in supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred healthcare services during evening and weekend clinics across the Primary Care Network. Working under the supervision of GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, the post holder will provide clinical and administrative support to help improve patient access to primary care services outside of core practice hours.

The HCA will undertake delegated clinical tasks such as taking observations, performing venepuncture, recording ECGs, supporting long-term condition monitoring, and assisting with health promotion activities, contribute to infection prevention and control, and accurately record information within the clinical system.

The role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, a compassionate approach to patient care, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team across multiple practice sites. The post holder will be expected to maintain professional standards, work within their competencies, and contribute to the ongoing delivery and development of Enhanced Access services across the PCN.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake basic clinical procedures including observations, venepuncture, ECGs and health checks.
• Support clinicians in delivering Enhanced Access clinics and long-term condition reviews.
• Accurately record patient information in clinical systems.
• Promote patient health, wellbeing and self-care.
• Maintain high standards of infection control, confidentiality and patient safety.
• Escalate clinical concerns appropriately and work within own competence.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team across PCN sites during evening and weekend sessions.

Job description

Enhanced Access Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

Job Title: Enhanced Access Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Reports To: Services Manager / Director Location: Tower Hamlets Network 2 PCN (Enhanced Access Sites) Hours: As per Enhanced Access service requirement, including evenings and weekends Salary: Depending on experience

Job Purpose

The Enhanced Access Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care during evening and weekend Enhanced Access clinics across the Primary Care Network (PCN). The post holder will work with other healthcare professionals to provide clinical and administrative support, ensuring safe, effective, and efficient patient care.

The role will involve undertaking delegated clinical duties, supporting chronic disease monitoring, health promotion activities, and assisting clinicians in delivering enhanced access services to patients registered across the network.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Undertake routine clinical observations including:
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Pulse and oxygen saturation measurements
• Height, weight and BMI recording
• Temperature measurements
• Urinalysis
• Perform venepuncture in accordance with training and competency assessments.
• Carry out NHS Health Check activities where appropriately trained.
• Conduct ECG recordings.
• Assist patients with health screening programmes.
• Carry out smoking cessation, lifestyle, and health promotion activities.

Administrative Duties

• Record clinical information accurately within the clinical system.
• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and contemporaneously.
• Assist with stock monitoring and ordering of clinical supplies.
• Report equipment faults or shortages promptly.
• Support audit and quality improvement activities as required.

Patient Care Responsibilities

• Greet patients in a professional and courteous manner.
• Support patients to access appropriate services within primary care.
• Promote patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients during procedures.
• Escalate concerns regarding patient welfare promptly to an appropriate clinician.

Governance and Safety

• Work within the HCA scope of practice and competency framework.
• Adhere to PCN, practice and NHS policies and procedures.
• Comply with Infection Prevention and Control standards.
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records in accordance with GDPR and NHS requirements.
• Report incidents, accidents, near misses, and safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Support the delivery of safe services during evenings and weekends.

Communication and Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• GPs
• Practice Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Pharmacists
• Care Coordinators
• Reception and Administration Teams
• PCN Management Team
• Patients and carers

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or equivalent healthcare qualification.
• Evidence of healthcare assistant training.
• Venepuncture competency (or willingness to undertake training).

Experience

• Experience working within Primary Care, Community, NHS, or healthcare settings.
• Experience taking routine clinical observations.
• Experience working directly with patients.
• Experience maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge

• Understanding of confidentiality and information governance.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control procedures.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and scope of practice.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and punctual.
• Flexible approach to working evenings and weekends.
• Professional and patient-focused.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working within GP practices or PCNs.
• Experience supporting chronic disease management clinics.
• NHS Health Check training.
• Knowledge of EMIS Web and/or SystmOne.
• Understanding of Enhanced Access service specifications.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel between Enhanced Access sites across the PCN where required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and mandatory training.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays in line with service needs.

Enhanced Access Specific Duties

The post holder will support delivery of:

• Routine GP and nursing appointments.
• Long-term condition monitoring clinics.
• Vaccination and immunisation programmes (where appropriately trained).
• Health promotion and prevention services.
• Network-wide Enhanced Access clinics operating during evenings and weekends.

This role is central to ensuring patients have timely access to safe, high-quality care outside of core practice hours while supporting the achievement of PCN Enhanced Access service objectives.

About us

Organisation OverviewEast End Health Network Co Ltd is a collaborative organisation formed by GP practices in North West Tower Hamlets to support the development and delivery of high-quality, accessible healthcare services for the local community. The organisation works closely with GP practices, community health teams, social care providers, and voluntary sector organisations to improve patient outcomes and ensure joined-up care across the borough.

The networks aim is to provide residents with a wide range of diverse and locally accessible healthcare services while promoting healthier lifestyles, preventative care, and personalised support for patients with long-term health conditions.

East End Health Network is committed to delivering patient-centred care through innovation, collaboration, and continuous service improvement. Staff work within a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork, professionalism, compassion, and respect are highly valued.

The organisation also places strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, equality, confidentiality, and professional development, encouraging all employees to participate in ongoing learning, appraisal, and career development opportunities.