Including a primary care/medical centre assistant in your practice team

The PCA is an unregulated health worker role that has been developed as part of the extended general practice team in response to changing health workforce needs and as a key enabler to support the implementation of the core components of the Health Care Home model of care.

The role aims to benefit patients by supporting people, families/whānau, and the healthcare team in a primary care setting.

The valued role provides administrative and clinical support to the general practice team, working under the direction of registered health professionals to manage patient flow, perform routine tasks, and contribute to the overall efficiency and quality of care. 

Key responsibilities and duties may include the following.

• Administrative support:
  • managing patient schedules and appointments 
  • handling phone calls and inquiries
  • updating patient records and medical documentation
  • stock and supplies management 
  • liaising with other healthcare providers and agencies. 

• Clinical support:
  • assisting with basic patient care tasks, such as taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and collecting samples
  • preparing patients for examinations and procedures
  • vaccinating health workers (IMAC training) 
  • providing patient education and support
  • acting as a chaperone 
  • patient recalls 
  • providing culturally appropriate care and support 
  • Cold Chain management (keeping vaccines at the right temperature). 

• Other duties:
  • assisting with care coordination and supporting patients to follow through with their care plan
  • ensuring a clean and organised environment
  • providing emotional support to patients and their whānau
  • actively contributing to a culture of professionalism, safety, and quality in a primary care setting
  • reflecting on how actions within own role can influence equitable outcomes
  • applying knowledge of primary care to support people, whānau, and the healthcare team. 

The continuing role development is important, particularly in its partnership with nursing, to allow nurses to work to top of scope, one of the key goals in Pinnacle’s nursing strategy.

For any enquiries about the role, and its partnership with nursing to enable nurses to work to top of scope. please contact the nurse leads (email below).