University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Senior Healthcare Support Worker
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Job Overview
The Surgical Pre-Assessment outpatient department is seeking a motivated Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our established team.
This role supports the delivery of high-quality pre-operative care within a busy NHS clinic environment.
The successful candidate will undertake a combination of clinical and administrative duties, contributing to the smooth running of the department and ensuring patients receive a safe, efficient and professional service prior to surgery.
This is a patient-facing role requiring excellent communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
The post holder will support nurses and senior staff in providing effective patient care and will be expected to escalate clinical concerns appropriately. The position is primarily Monday to Friday and our clinic core hours are 07:45 – 17:45.
You will need to be flexible to work across Southampton General hospital, Lymington and Royal South Hants. We welcome an informal visit to discuss this further.
Working for our organisation
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working. Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
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Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the pre-assessment clinic by performing a range of clinical tasks including venepuncture, recording observations, performing ECGs, and collecting swabs and urine samples.
These clinical skills are essential, and the post holder will be required to independently recognise and escalate abnormal results on vital signs.
Administrative responsibilities include preparing patient records for upcoming clinics and supporting the effective organisation of departmental activities. The post holder will also be expected to provide administrative support to the wider Perioperative Medicine team.
The post holder may also assist with data collection for audit purposes when required.
The successful candidate will also provide reception cover, which includes greeting and checking in patients, distributing relevant documentation (such as PROMS and FFT forms), directing patients to the waiting area, and helping coordinate patient flow to ensure clinics run efficiently and waiting times are minimised.
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The role requires a proactive team player who is supportive of colleagues and committed to delivering excellent patient care.
Person specification
Qualifications / Training
Essential criteria
- NVQ 3 in health and social care or equivalent
- Numeracy and Literacy skills at level 1 or 2 or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- Keyboard skills
- Experience and competent in additional clinical skills
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential criteria
- Proven experience in a caring role
- Understanding of an acute hospital setting and the role of the SHCA
- Competent in wound care
Desirable criteria
- Previous HCA experience
- Previous experience of working with the general public
- Experience of using a computer
Aptitudes And Skills Required
Essential criteria
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Ability to communicate with a wide range of people
- Ability to work as a team member
- Ability to work under own initiative
- Willingness to undertake further education and training
- Able to take instruction/direction as required
Special requirements of the post
Essential criteria
- Flexibility and adaptability to shift/work patterns
- Aware of personal limitations
Values and behaviours
Essential criteria
- Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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