Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) work under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, usually a member of the practice nursing team. They carry out tasks such as
Phlebotomy or venepuncture (drawing blood)
Blood pressure measurements
Recording ECGs
New patient checks
Health promotion (such as smoking cessation)
They may act as a Chaperone when a patient or clinician requests one or provide assistance to the Nurses. Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are becoming increasingly important and prominent members of the general practice team.
