Job Description

NHFT provides healthcare and wellbeing services within HMP Peterborough to approximately 300 female and 860 male residents.



We are recruiting a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant (Development Post) to work within our Sexual Health Service at HMP Peterborough.



The successful applicant will support the delivery of a comprehensive range of needs-based care for patients requiring screening, diagnostics, and treatment for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. The post holder will work under supervision of registered sexual health nurses and will contribute to safe, effective, and person-centred care.



This is a development post with a clear progression pathway to Band 4. Within 6-12 months, and subject to demonstration of required competencies and service requirements, the post holder is expected to:



Complete a defined competency framework.

Develop the skills to manage asymptomatic patients independently.

Undertake the STIF Gateway course (or equivalent) to support progression.

Progress to Band 4 Senior Sexual Health HCA, which includes running autonomous clinics and managing asymptomatic patient care, upon successful completion of competencies and service sign-off.



This role requires flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals in a secure setting. It offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and compassionate healthcare assistant to develop advanced clinical skills in a specialist service.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Duties



Assist with routine sexual health screening (e.g., urine samples, self-taken swabs, pregnancy testing) under supervision.

Provide basic information and signposting regarding sexual health, STIs, and BBVs.

Undertake delegated procedures such as venepuncture (following training and competency).

Record observations and prepare pathology specimens per protocol.

Chaperone patients and support registered staff with procedures.

Prepare and restock clinic rooms in accordance with NHFT Medicines Management Policy.

Maintain infection prevention and control standards.



Administrative Support



Book and manage appointments and clinic slots on patient systems (e.g., CMS).

Support data collection and accurate record keeping.

Liaise with prison, healthcare, and external services to support continuity of care.



Health Promotion & Patient Engagement



Contribute to the delivery of health promotion activities.

Engage sensitively with patients, respecting their cultural, emotional, and individual needs.

Promote trauma-informed, person-centred care.



Professional Conduct



Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Adhere to NHFT and HMP Peterborough policies and procedures.

Access supervision, mentorship, and training as part of the development plan.

Support the Trust's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.



NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in both hospital settings and out in the community. Because we put the person at the centre of all we do, we focus on delivering care that is as easy to access as possible. This means many of our services can be provided at home, work or in schools. We also provide health services to various prisons and detention centres in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.



NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve the care and safety of our patients and staff, which focuses on people who enable our Trust to be 'outstanding' by supporting opportunity, innovation, development and growth.

Professional Conduct:

Demonstrate appropriate professional and personal boundaries.

Maintain confidentiality and ensure safeguarding at all times.

Adhere to all NHFT and HMP Peterborough policies and procedures.

Access and engage in clinical supervision.



Support the Trust's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion